WHEN you visit your local zoo, it’s probably safe to say that the big, exotic animals are the main draw – the hippos, lions, tigers and giraffes.

They’re not there only for show, however – not in the best zoos, anyway.

University of York ecologist Dr Andy Marshall, who doubles as head of conservation science at Flamingo Land, is a strong believer in the importance of zoo breeding programmes in protecting endangered species around the world.

Flamingo Land, for example, plays an active role in conservation and education both in the zoo, and in Tanzania through the Udzungwa Forest Project.

But while they do their important work of protecting exotic species from foreign shores, zoos shouldn’t forget the endangered native species right on their doorsteps, Dr Marshall says.

For the past few years, Flamingo Land has been developing a “biodiversity action plan” which aims to provide safe habitats for a range of plant and animal species native to North Yorkshire.

It has planted 6,000 trees to create woodlands on two sites within the zoo’s grounds, and has set aside an area to allow native cornfield wildflowers such as the corn marigold to grow.

Nesting boxes have been installed throughout the grounds, to encourage species such a native blue tits, and a ‘scrape’ is being developed to encourage native wading birds such a snipe to come and feed by dipping their bills into the soft mud.

The zoo is also stepping up its existing informal surveys of native wildlife, so as to measure what impact its action plan has.

The aim is to provide habitats at the zoo where a range of threatened native species – species which live naturally in North Yorkshire, but who are under threat from intensive agriculture or loss of habitat – can find sanctuary, says Dr Marshall.

“Blue tits have been nesting at Flamingo Land. And we have yellowhammers on the site. We’ve also heard skylarks, although they are not nesting here at the moment,” he said.

Providing a refuge for native species needn’t get in the way of a zoo’s main function of looking after more exotic wildlife, he believes.

“Zoos these days are seen as part of a global network of conservation organisations – but that doesn’t end at home,” he said.

“Zoos are full of people who love animals, and staff who care about the environment, so we are well placed to do this.”

A lot of zoos are already developing conservation areas for local wildlife, Dr Marshall concedes.

But Flamingo Land is one of the few to have drawn up a clear action plan, setting targets for conservation and lists of local species that are a priority.

Dr Marshall hopes it could be an example for other zoos around the country to follow.

With Natasha Hambly from CIRCLE, a joint research initiative between Flamingo Land and the University of York, he has co-authored guidance for other zoos to follow, which is outlined in the latest edition of the Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research.

“We see huge potential for the development of zoo biodiversity action plans – and for the promotion of zoos as miniature ‘biosphere reserves’ where people and nature co-exist,” he said.

“With more than 700 million annual visitors, the world’s zoos provide an opportunity to conserve biodiversity in a human-dominated environment… in a unique manner that is informal, educational and fun.”

So just remember, next time you’re at Flamingo Land, don’t just stare at the hippos and hyenas. Take a moment to remember the humble blue-tit and other native plants and animals that might be thriving here as well. Conservation, like charity, begins at home.