Zara Environmental LLC

Sometimes nature gives gentle reminders to flip every log with care! This juvenile eastern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) was a surprise for our scientists while out searching for spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) in east Texas. We took a moment to appreciate this unexpected find which still had a bright yellow tail tip, suggesting it was less than a year old. When hunting, the yellow tail mimics a tasty grub or caterpillar and is used to draw in prey, an adaptation known as "caudal luring" which typically fades when the snake grows older. It may have been the chilly morning, or because we were too big to eat, but this beauty kept its tail safely holstered until we rested the log back and went on our way.

Mussel season is coming, and we’re already making a splash! ?? Recently, our team suited up in drysuits and kicked off early assessments at two sites in the DFW area, gearing up for expanded search efforts later this season. While most of our surveys require full SCUBA gear, we’re starting off with some hands-on “noodling” surveys. Pictured below are a few of the species we’ve encountered so far: Bluefer, Yellow Sandshell, Pistolgrip, Pimpleback, and Threehorn Wartyback. Stay tuned for more updates as we dive deeper into the season!

In Warsaw, Poland, environmental monitoring has taken an innovative turn by employing river mussels to ensure water quality. These mussels, known for their sensitivity to pollutants, are equipped with sensors that monitor the opening and closing of their shells. Significant shell closure indicates potential contamination, prompting further water quality assessments. After three months of service, the mussels are returned to the reservoir they came from. What a cool blending of science and tech for a modern “canary in a coal mine” approach! Check out the video below and find the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gTdiQ9bn

This week, two of our team members are attending the National Cave Rescue Commission (NCRC) training, an opportunity to hone critical skills in a variety of cave rescue techniques.?NCRC attendees have been kind enough to let us peek at some of their photos?showcasing the students practicing important skills like designing haul systems, patient packaging, and advanced vertical rescue techniques. ? Zara has some world-class cavers on our team,?and?we are proud to be part of a?culture?that prioritizes preparedness?for bad case scenarios. Safety is?a continuing conversation while we’re in the field, and we’re constantly?discussing?approaches to rescue?and practicing our caving skills?so that in the event of an emergency,?we’re ready to achieve?the best possible outcome. Check out more of what NCRC has to offer here:?https://ncrc.info/

REPOST WITH A PICTURE CORRECTION While some of us were having fun at the Texas Conservation Symposium, others were hard at work at the Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society representing freshwater mussel work we did with our partner Cody Craig at Arrowhead Ecology Group. We evaluated the efficacy of using sieves to augment freshwater mussel surveys, and found that the integration of sieve-based sampling in sand and gravel substrates may be crucial for comprehensive detection across size classes and species. Sieve sampling isn’t feasible at all sites because it is constrained by wadeable depths, certain substrate types, and reduced effectiveness in low-visibility conditions (muddy Texas rivers, anyone?) or substrates with clay, silt, cobble, or boulders. Balancing conservation goals with logistical feasibility is key to optimizing survey protocols, and incorporating cost-effective methods that enhance detection without significantly raising effort could represent a valuable consideration for future efforts.

?? Last week, we thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with friends and colleagues at the Texas Conservation Symposium in Georgetown! Dr. Joel Ledford shared fascinating insights into the phylogeny of Tayshaneta spiders in Central Texas—a project Zara has been fortunate to be involved in over the years. The genomic results hint at gene flow among some populations, while more isolated, troglobitic populations might reveal something even more profound: Are we witnessing the early stages of speciation as this genus adapts to life underground? ??? Please enjoy this video of a Tayshaneta exploring a cave by our friend Colin Strickland : https://lnkd.in/g-cmuyQB

??? There are still so many species out there to be discovered and described! Especially tiny species in hard-to-reach places. In December 2024, one of our divers had the unique opportunity to volunteer with a team of world-class cave divers and researchers from Texas A&M and the Edwards Aquifer Research and Data Center for a plunge into the depths of Phantom Springs Cave, the deepest underwater cave in the country. Researchers documented several obligate-subterranean crustaceans, including a new record for the cave and a potential new species. While the full analysis and species description will take time, the thrill of exploration in Phantom Springs Cave is ongoing as researchers continue to uncover the mysteries of this incredible underwater world! ???? #EARDC #PhantomSprings #CaveDiving #BiologicalResearch #Exploration #EnvironmentalScience #NewDiscoveries (photo from the article “Research Spotlight – The Depths of Discovery” in EARDC’s January 2025 edition of the Flowpaths newsletter)

???????????: ?? ?????????????????? ???????? ?????? ???????????????????? ???????????? ??????????????!???? As we close out the year, we’re proud to share highlights from our freshwater mussel work in Central Texas, where Zara Environmental has been providing expert environmental consulting for 21 years. ?? ???? ?????? ??????????????: ? 35 sites surveyed across 11 river basins ? Coverage of 3 major stream groupings (1, 2, 5) ? 776 total survey hours, including: 222 hours diving 554 hours noodling ? 22 mussel species observed (alive and dead), with 20 live species documented ? 2,691 live findings, 275 whole shells, and 436 valves ?? ?????????????? ??????????????????????: This year’s surveys yielded encounters with rare and significant species such as: ???????????? ???????????????????????? (Potamilus streckersoni) ?????????? ?????????????????? (Truncilla macrodon) ?????????? ???????????????????? (Cyclonaias petrina) ?????????????????? ?????? (Cyclonaias necki) Our team’s dedication and expertise continue to advance the understanding and protection of these critical freshwater ecosystems. ******************************************************** ?? ?????????????? ?????????? ???? ????????: ???????? ?????? ????????! We’re excited to announce our ?????? ???????? ???????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????, a unique opportunity to assist with next year’s mussel surveys and gain hands-on experience in freshwater ecology and diving. Interested in diving into this rewarding field? Visit https://lnkd.in/gK6MYpfT to learn more and apply! Here’s to another year of conservation, collaboration, and discovery. Thank you for your continued support of our mission to protect Central Texas ecosystems! ???? #FreshwaterMussels #Conservation #ScientificDiving #EnvironmentalConsulting #InternshipOpportunity #TexasEcosystems

Zara strives to continuously improve and better serve our clients and maintain our company culture. This includes continuing education and training for all staff (even the owner).

Zara is looking for a motivated GIS student for a paid summer internship! https://lnkd.in/gQ2Ny37E