Ecosystems at Risk: Threatened and Endangered in New Jersey

Changes in nature, whether due to naturally occurring events or actions by people, can impact environments and species. Because plants and animals are directly tied to the ecosystems in which they live, they are also affected when their habitats are impacted by change. “Ecosystems at Risk: Threatened and Endangered in New Jersey” presents some of the major ecosystems present in New Jersey and highlights the plants and animals living in them, as well as the threats they currently face. Some of the major causes of ecosystem and species loss today include climate change, invasive species, habitat loss, and pollution.

“Ecosystems at Risk” walks visitors through the major ecosystems in New Jersey - the Skylands, Piedmont, Pinelands, Delaware River, Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Coast, and highlights the threatened and endangered species in each. From bobcats in the Skylands to Piping Plovers along the Atlantic Coast, “Ecosystems at Risk” looks at species across the state and discusses the threats they face and what you can do to help protect them. Working closely with the Department of Environmental Protection, the exhibit also showcases the research being done on these species at risk and offers hope for the long-term survival of biodiversity in New Jersey.