Spot that Species
Photo: Jumping Spider | Patti Black, Unsplash
In spite of 250 years of documenting all living things (taxonomic classification), scientists still do not know the exact number of living species that exist in our world. In fact, scientists have documented over two million species, which is estimated to be only 14% of living species. The remaining 86% of species are unidentified and yet to be discovered. Unfortunately, due to extinction, we may never document every species on Earth.
Established in 2006 by the United States Congress, Endangered Species Day is a celebration of the nation’s rarest plant and animal species. Scientists estimate around 16,000 species are endangered and facing possible extinction. Use your science skills to document as many species as you can around your house and in your backyard. Whether you are in the city, coasts, or mountains you have species all around you. If you are up for the challenge, let’s measure the biodiversity in your neighborhood!
Tools
Camera
Pencil and paper
Tally sheet (optional)
Local species resource guides (book, online website, or phone app)
iNaturalist app (optional)
Steps:
Step 1: Pick a place to observe, such as a window or a spot in your backyard, or select a path you will walk to hike through.
Step 2: Begin counting species and try to photograph as many as possible, and be sure to include plants, trees, insects, birds, mammals, reptiles, etc. Count for as long as you wish!
Step 3: When done, use your resource(s) to guesstimate and record each species found on paper. If you find more than one of the same species, place a checkmark next to the species name to create a count.
Step 4: If you would like, enter your results on a What’s in My Backyard? Challenge. Or compare your results with other citizen scientists who collected from their backyards this year from all over the world with the 2021 City Nature Challenge.
To Do or Learn More:
Create a “Bucket List” of rare, threatened and endangered species that you would like to see and visit your local aquarium, botanical center, national park, wildlife center, or zoo for a close-up of those bucket list creatures.
Compare the biodiversity of your backyard with that of your school playground by doing an observation session in each location.
Learn about endangered species including, The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs, The Odyssey of KP2, and Tigerland and Other Unintended Destinations.
The Endangered Species Coalition is a national network of hundreds of conservation, scientific, education, religious, sporting, outdoor recreation, humane, business, and community groups across the country. Celebrate the Endangered Species Day with the Endangered Species Coalition by participating in the annual Endangered Species Day Youth Art Contest (typically due a month or two before the national day in May, the next contest’s deadline is estimated to be March 1, 2022), Chalk Art Event, and Pollinator Party. You can also find Endangered Species Day events happening all over the world.
US Fish & Wildlife Podcasts on Endangered Species.