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​Animals and Wildlife Native to Long Island

Practice wildlife conservation. Learn where to find them, understanding their needs for parklands.

Some Basic Concepts

Wildlife Conservation Terminology & Seasonal Changes

• Biodiversity refers to the variety of life found; where more diverse populations are more resilient.
• Population dynamics is the up and down swings of a wildlife population across space and time.
• Limiting factors  are items in short supply.  Each species requires certain, cover,  habitat structure and size.
• Fragmentation impacts biodiversity. Some species become isolated and can't maintain viable populations sizes, while others require large home ranges to survive.
• Endangered and threatened species refer to declining populations.​
• Reintroductions is the intentional return of wildlife via relocation.  Repopulation is a natural process where wildlife returns on their own as suitable habitat becomes available.
• Invasive Species disrupt naturally occurring  ecosystems.