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-23- location (2,600 acres adjacent to the Bay and the Rhode River) and site characteristics for this kind of environmental research. Long-term studies of how large-scale changes in land use affect plant and animal communities will continue to be emphasized over the planning period It is anticipated that some staff additions and equipment support will be made to increase the estuarine and ecological research efforts of the Center during the next five yeas. The FY 1982 budget submission addresses the need to strengthen the data processing capabilities of the Center. Educational research and public information activities are aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of outdoor-centered education and achieving maximum utilization of the Center's research findings. Over the next five years, the Center plans to expand its educational research activities, including the publication and dissemination of current studies on how nonformal educational institutions can improve the utilization of their facilities for public education purposes. Some professional staff additions will be necessary for this program over the next several years. The Center will have accomplished the first and second phases of its six-phase plan for facilities development with the completion of the new shop building in early FY 1981. The first phase, consisting of a laboratory wing, was completed in FY 1980. Construction funds will be sought for the remaining development, a combined administrative and research facility and a small dormitory for students and visiting scientists. More information on planned facilities is contained in the Facilities chapter of this document. [[underlined]] Zoological Park. [[/underlined]] Over the planning period, the Zoological Park will be developing its animal behavior and medical research programs. Field activities in Venezuela will continue to study the differences and similarities in ecosystems. These studies emphasize the behavioral ecology of wildlife, population dynamics, and inbreeding in natural populations. A fundamental research program on communication in the great apes is planned. Research will be expanded in the new areas of bacteriology, virology, and parasitology with the aim of improving the health and longevity of exotic animals in captivity, perhaps through the development of vaccines and other treatments not now available. The Zoo plans to establish a comprehensive automated information system on species identification, collections management, pathology, and other medical information to be used for future research and statistical analysis. The development of Monkey Island and Gibbon Island and the renovation of the Small Mammal and Reptile Buildings, with their more natural settings, will result in meaningful educational experiences for the visitor. In addition, the Aquatic Mammal facility will be completed in future years and will exhibit aquatic mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. Another objective is the development of the collection which is essentially stable and self-sustaining in order to minimize further taking from the wild. Reproduction efforts in rare and endangered species will continue; e.g., the long-term breeding and research concerned with the preservation of the golden lion tamarin. Basic research on the breeding and behavior of rare South American wild dogs will continue as will research on temperate-tropical migratory birds. Breeding of the giant panda is a continuing goal.
