Meet Your Neighbors

Staten Island Wildlife Guide

EST. 🤍 1914
The Staten Island Wildlife & Nature Series
Nature in the Neighborhood 🤍

Wildlife of the Borough of Parks

Part of what makes Staten Island real estate so unique is our proximity to diverse ecosystems. Whether you are near the Greenbelt or one of our many protected preserves, sharing your surroundings with local wildlife is a hallmark of the island lifestyle.

🪶 The Great Egret

The elegant symbol of our Bluebelt system, these birds are frequently spotted in our island's lush wetlands.

🦌 White-Tailed Deer

A common and graceful sight in the Greenbelt and wooded residential areas across the island.

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Expert Insight

The "Bluebelt" Impact on Your Home Value

In Staten Island real estate, the Bluebelt and Greenbelt are more than just nature—they are permanent privacy buffers. Properties bordering these protected areas often enjoy higher resale values and the rare luxury of "no rear neighbors," ensuring your backyard sanctuary stays a sanctuary forever.

Find Your Greenbelt Retreat 🤍

🦅 Did you know?

After a century-long absence, Bald Eagles have officially returned to nest on Staten Island. These majestic birds are now a year-round sight along our South Shore and North Shore waterfronts—a testament to the success of our local conservation efforts and the thriving "Borough of Parks" ecosystem.

The Return of the Bluebelt Residents

Thanks to the expansion of the Bluebelt system in neighborhoods like Annadale and Huguenot, we’ve seen a resurgence of indigenous species.

  • American Eels: These remarkable travelers migrate from the Sargasso Sea all the way to our freshwater Richmond Creek.
  • Spring Peeper Frogs: Their iconic "peeping" is the official soundtrack of spring in the Greenbelt's Bucks Hollow.
  • Painted Turtles: Often seen basking on "habitat logs" strategically placed in our local Bluebelt ponds.
AnimalWhere to Spot ThemJoann’s Local Tip
White-Tailed DeerThe Greenbelt & South Shore woodsDrive carefully on Rockland Ave at dusk—they are most active then!
Wild TurkeysHistoric Richmond Town & SunnysideThey are bold neighbors! Give them space and enjoy the show from a distance.
Eastern CoyotesWooded fringes & parksKeep pet food indoors to ensure these "ghosts of the woods" stay wild.

🐚  The Rare & Unique

  • The Purple Martin Colony: Staten Island’s only colony of these beautiful birds lives right in Lemon Creek Park. They are a favorite for local birdwatchers.

  • Horseshoe Crabs: Every May and June, these "living fossils" arrive at the shores of Conference House Park to lay their eggs—a truly prehistoric sight right in our backyard.

  • Red-Backed Salamanders: Look under the "habitat logs" on the forest floors of the Greenbelt; these tiny residents are a sign of a very healthy forest.

Wildlife Calendar

🌸 Spring: Osprey return to nest; Spring Peepers begin singing.

☀️ Summer: Horseshoe crabs at Conference House Beach.

🍂 Fall: Hawk migration peaks over High Rock Park.

❄️ Winter: Bald Eagles are most visible along the shoreline.

The Staten Island Zoo

A World-Class Resource in West Brighton

While we enjoy the wild beauty of the Bluebelt and Greenbelt, the Staten Island Zoo offers an up-close look at species from around the globe. Known as the "Biggest Little Zoo" in America, it is a hub for education and family-friendly exploration.

Discover The Staten Island Zoo

A Personal Favorite

What's your favorite part of the Staten Island Zoo? Mine has always been the River Otters—their energy is infectious! 🤍 🦦

Check out the box below for more zoo residents!

Joann Impellizine

NYS Associate Real Estate Broker | SRES®

joann-impellizine-realtor-staten-island-neighborhood

The Staten Island Zoo Conservatory

As a leader in the Species Survival Plan (SSP), the Staten Island Zoo serves as a vital sanctuary for endangered wildlife. From our local riverbanks to the forests of Madagascar, these residents represent a global mission to ensure biodiversity for future generations.

🦦 River Otters

Active, playful, and a personal favorite! These social ambassadors highlight our local waterway health.

🐒 Spider Monkeys

Highly agile residents of the Tropical Forest wing, playing a key role in primate habitat conservation.

🦊 Ring-Tailed Lemurs

Native to Madagascar, these social residents represent some of the world's most unique biodiversity.

🏜️ Meerkats

One of the Zoo's most popular colonies, these "sentinels" are a masterclass in community teamwork.

🐆 Amur Leopards

The most endangered big cat in the world; the Zoo hosts a premier breeding habitat for their survival.

🦒 Scimitar Oryx

A conservation success story; the Zoo's efforts helped reintroduce this species back into the wild.

🐍 Serpentarium

A world-renowned collection featuring one of the most complete rattlesnake displays in North America.

🦘 Red Kangaroos

The Zoo's marsupial program is a highlight for families, often featuring new joeys in the outback exhibit.

🦉 White-Faced Owls

Part of an extensive avian collection focusing on the specialized conservation of predatory birds.

🐼 Red Pandas

These high-altitude residents are stars of the SSP breeding program and favorites for local photographers.

👑 King Cobra

A crown jewel of the reptile wing, this impressive species highlights the Zoo's expert-level herpetology.

🦅 Ground Hornbills

Striking and intelligent, these birds represent the Zoo's dedication to preserving unique grassland species.

"Preserving the legacy of our wildlife is just as important as preserving the legacy of our neighborhoods."

Explore The Greenest Borough

Discover Staten Island Parks

Staten Island isn't called the "Borough of Parks" by accident. With over 12,000 acres of protected parkland, it offers everything from glacial ponds and hiking trails to historic colonial manors.

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Curated by Joann Impellizine | SRES®

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