Conservation

Conservation

The National Aviary works to save birds and protect habitats around the world. The Department of Conservation and Field Research studies human impacts on birds and the environment and develops targeted programs to protect biodiversity. Our national and international conservation and field research projects span a range of topics and perspectives, from classical ecological research, to applied conservation, to more traditional zoo-based reintroduction activities. Our projects are founded on the belief that field research, conservation, and education are linked, and are best done in concert.

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    Conservation Projects

    The National Aviary conducts conservation research programs in the United States, Mariana Islands, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, and the Caribbean Basin. Learn more about our work to save birds and protect habitats at home and abroad.

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  • Conservation Stories

    Meet the birds we work to save, and the people who are making an impact on avian conservation worldwide.

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  • Saving Species

    Through collaborative Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) and Species Survival Plans®, we can help ensure healthy populations for threatened species.

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  • Lights Out

    This fall, you can help protect birds during their migratory journey!

    Find Out How!

  • Community Science

    Community science projects bring conservation and scientific inquiry to the backyards of people around southwestern Pennsylvania, and beyond.

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  • FlightPaths

    Read news from the National Aviary's Department of Conservation and Field Research.

    FlightPaths

  • Meet Our Research Team

    The National Aviary is committed to educating, training, and mentoring the next generation of conservation leaders, and oversees a team of Research Associates and Student Researchers.

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  • Green Team

    The National Aviary’s Green Team is a committee that furthers these efforts through the community education via various programming that reaches students, families, and animal lovers alike.

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In The News

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The Invisible Clues Animals Leave Behind Are Helping Save Entire Ecosystems (featuring an interview with Dr. Steve Latta) | A-Z Animals

In this article, we speak with Dr. Steven Latta, Director of Conservation and Field Research at The National Aviary. In his own work, he collects eDNA samples from water, leaf litter, feathers, egg shells, and other substrates to identify species presence.

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Why Animals in Cold Climates Are Bigger: The Science Behind Bergmann’s Rule (featuring an interview with Bob Mulvihill) | A-Z Animals

“Large animals can conserve heat more efficiently than smaller animals in cold climates,” explains Bob Mulvihill, Lead Ornithologist for the National Aviary.

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Penguins To Hold ‘Penguins Pledge Night’ Presented by U. S. Steel | Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins Pledge will also raise funds and call attention to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh and their conservation leadership with African Penguins.

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Record Number of Peregrine Falcons Counted in Allegheny County | National Today

Conservation efforts have helped the raptor species rebound in the region.

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Why Are There No Birds in My Birdhouse? I Asked Expert Bob Mulvihill Who Told Me How to Attract Birds to Any Birdhouse | Gardening Know How

To help ensure your birdhouses are as appealing to birds as possible, [we] asked a National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill for the most common reasons why houses remain vacant and how to make houses more attractive to garden birds.

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