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or Geographic Information System (s) is a technology that is used to create, manage, analyze, and map all types of data. 🌐

By integrating location data with descriptive information , GIS provides a foundation for mapping and analysis across many industries. It plays a crucial role in the work we do here at NatureServe and the decisions we make!

To learn more about GIS and everything it offers, click here! ✨

What is GIS? | Geographic Information System Mapping Technology Find the definition of GIS. Learn how this mapping and analysis technology is crucial for making sense of data. Learn from examples and find out why GIS is more important than ever.

The Gopher Snake, scientifically known as the Pituophis catenifer are often mistaken to be rattlesnakes, but they are non-venomous! 🤞

Their colors can range from yellow to dark brown with slightly gray and dark sides. When agitated, the gopher snake can hiss loudly, warning others to back away. If they are threatened, their bodies will become inflated, flattening its head and shaking its tail to produce a rattling sound! 😱

Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) Global Status: Secure (G5) Photo By: J. Maughn

Study: More than a fifth of reptile species face extinction A new study, published today in Nature, assesses more than 10,000 reptiles around the world — from turtles, snakes and lizards to crocodiles — and warns that we must conserve them to prevent dramatic changes to Earth’s critical ecosystems. 

Biodiversity is in crisis, with species vanishing at an unprecedented rate.

While this map highlights extinct North American species, it's still important to remember that 2,500 animal and 1,000 plant species that aren't shown are critically imperiled. Many species become "functionally extinct," meaning their populations are too low to impact their ecosystems or recover.

It is crucial to come together and use scientific information to help species. By using data effectively, we can raise awareness about endangered species and prevent their extinction.

To learn more about the current extinct species of North America, click here.

https://www.natureserve.org/annual-reports/2023-annual-report

Taxonomy—the science of naming and classifying organisms—is crucial for conserving biodiversity, yet it's a dying field. ⁠
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In Robert Langellier's piece featured in The New York Times, he discusses the Flora of North America, an ambitious project to catalog every plant species in the U.S. and Canada and its experience with delays due to inconsistent funding. ⁠

To read more about the art of taxonomy and its importance to biodiversity conservation, head over to the link below.

Opinion | To Save Life on Earth, Bring Back Taxonomy Naming species has been a victim of a broad shift in our scientific priorities. But we need it more than ever.

As you may know, we have released an updated version of our Map of Biodiversity Importance! 🌐

In a recent article by Giada Ferraglioni with Carbon Pulse, you can read more about the most recent updates, primary uses, our partnership with Esri, and the chance to hear from members of our team!

To read more of this article, click below! ⭐

Data firm launches tool to drive conservation efforts in US « Carbon Pulse Published 10:04 on July 10, 2024  /  Last updated at 10:05 on July 10, 2024  / Giada Ferraglioni /  Americas, Biodiversity, US

In our 2023 Annual Report, we dive into the victories of our year. Some of those victories include the growth of our connections!

In 2023, NatureServe facilitated important connections within its Network through regional meetings. Staff from various programs convened to address multi-jurisdictional challenges, share tools and ideas, and enhance collaboration.

These meetings and regular Network Topic Calls allowed professionals to exchange insights, improving biodiversity conservation efforts. By fostering these connections, NatureServe empowered the Network to leverage collective expertise to safeguard North America's biodiversity.

For 50 years, NatureServe has been at the forefront of biodiversity conservation, developing standardized methods to monitor imperiled species and ecosystems.

This has led to the creation of essential tools helping all to understand the impacts of biodiversity.

Our tools include:
🛠 Environmental Review Tool
🛠 Biodiversity Dashboard
🛠 iMapInvasives

To learn more about our commitment to protecting biodiversity for future generations and to peruse our tools, head over to this link! https://www.natureserve.org/tools

🌎🌿 Introducing NatureServe’s Data Portal for the Western U.S. Dive into curated maps and cutting-edge analyses to help protect our precious biodiversity. Empower your conservation efforts with science-based tools! Learn more:

NatureServe's Conservation Data Portal for the Western U.S. The western United States is a stunning region worth protecting. Imagine flying over the vibrant, fern-filled forests of Washington, watching flocks of migratory birds gather on peaceful prairie potholes, and seeing majestic animals roam freely through the vast landscapes of Greater Yellowstone. But...

The Southern Cricket Frog is small and typically found in a variety of freshwater habitats such as swamps, marshes, lakes, ponds, streams, ditches, and bogs. 🐸

They are also present in nearby temporary pools and in openly wooded areas where there isn't excessive shade. They are distinguishable by their very small size and bumpy skin texture, and often exhibit a distinct Y-shaped pattern on their backs.

Their call is notable for its similarity to the sound of a cricket—hence their name! While they generally reside near their breeding sites, they can occasionally be found in drier upland habitats. However, due to their aquatic nature, they return to water for mating and reproduction.

📸 Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus) Global Status: Secure (G5) Photo By: Jake M. Hutton

American Bitterns, scientifically known as Botaurus lentiginosus, are painted in a palette of browns and whites, intricately streaked, particularly on their necks. This exquisite patterning renders them nearly invisible against the backdrop of marsh vegetation, helping them to hunt prey! 😶‍🌫️

These birds are the epitome of stealth predators, often standing as still as statues while they wait for unsuspecting prey to come close. When alarmed, they assume a pose with their beak pointing straight up, a clever tactic that helps them seamlessly blend into their reedy environment!

Solitary by nature, American Bitterns prefer to forage alone, adding an element of mystery to their presence. 🧐

📸 American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) Global Status: Secure (G5) Photo By: Dan Dzurisn

The significant progress in conservation and species protection achieved through the NatureServe Network's extensive data and expertise is made possible by the unwavering support of our generous donors. 🫶

Thank you to all who have supported us and our efforts to make a lasting impact on the world around us.

To learn more about all of the vital work done thanks to your donations, click this link! ✨
https://www.natureserve.org/donate

Happy International Joke Day!

Q: What do you call a wet bear?

A: A drizzly bear. 🐻

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) Global Status: Apparently Secure (G4) Photo By: Forest Service Alaska Region

With glistening olive and brown scales, helping to camouflage them to capture their prey, the Alligator Gar eats mostly fish, crabs and other small vertebrate. They can get up to eight feet long! 😱

It inhabits slow-moving waters like large river pools, bayous, oxbow lakes, and swamps, primarily freshwater, but rarely coastal brackish areas.

📸 Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula) Global Status: Vulnerable (G3) Photo By: Joel Abroad

Since 1974, when we began with just two Network programs, we have grown immensely. 👏

Today, our Biotics database integrates species location data from over 60 Network programs and employs Artificial Intelligence to accurately predict habitats of vulnerable plants and animals.

Your contributions enable us to expand tools like NatureServe Explorer, offering free access to information on over 100,000 North American species and ecosystems. With your help, we are confident in our ability to make a lasting impact on the future of our planet.

Join us today by donating, adopting a species, sharing this post, etc.! to learn more about ways you can give, head over to this link!

Get Involved | NatureServe Join a community of passionate, dedicated supporters who for 50 years have helped NatureServe collect and distribute critical data about North America’s biodiversity.

Huisache-daisies are frequently found flourishing in dense clusters along roadsides and hillsides, creating a breathtaking carpet of golden hues. Their striking large yellow flower heads perch atop lengthy stems, which remain bare towards the upper reaches.

At the heart of each bloom lies a stunning dome-shaped center, radiating shades of yellow to orange-yellow, with velvety disk flowers adding to their allure. Notably, the toothed edges often display a contrasting lighter shade compared to the rest of the bloom. Additionally, these daisies emit a robust fragrance, adding an olfactory dimension to their already captivating presence. 🌼

📸: Huisache-daisy (Amblyolepis setigera) Global Status: Secure (G5) Photo By: PINKE

Ready for an exciting listen? 👂

Tune into this episode from the In Defense of Plants podcast, joined by our Chief botanist, Wesley Knapp!

Embark on an in-depth discussion on rushes (genus Juncus), their captivating beauty, and their unique characteristics. 👏

Ep. 477 - Juncus, What a Rush! — In Defense of Plants In Defense of Plants' Matt Candeias talks with Chief Botanist for NatureServe Wes Knapp about an all-too-often overlooked group of plants - the rushes (genus Juncus).

Today is the first day of summer and what better way to kick it off than with a meaningful impact? ⚡️

As we enjoy the beauty and warmth of this season, it's important to celebrate and give back to the world that makes it all possible. Join us in our efforts to protect our planet's biodiversity by giving today.

Whether you contribute $1 or $25, you are helping to play a crucial role in the preservation of our environment.

Join us in making this summer a season of giving back to nature. Together, we can create a sustainable and thriving world for all living beings. 🌱

Click here to donate: https://www.natureserve.org/donate?form=FUNDNWEXEYM

(📸 Will Parson)

This month we're coming to you with another newsletter packed with all you need to know about the latest biodiversity news from NatureServe and our NatureServe Network!

Want to be included on the next month's? 🫡

Click here! ✨
https://www.natureserve.org/newsletter

Found exclusively on steep, rocky, arid slopes, the elusive Five-striped Sparrow proves challenging to spot unless it's belting out tunes from atop a lofty cactus or shrubbery. And ? A lone male can serenade with over 150 distinct songs, adding to its mystique and allure! 🎶

📸: Five-striped Sparrow (Amphispizopsis quinquestriata) Global Status: Apparently Secure (G4) Photo By: Julio Mulero

Embrace the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy! 🌿

Join us in championing conservation efforts with multiple ways to give like sharing our posts, adopting a species, legacy giving, and more!

There are so many different ways to work with us and our goal to create an enduring impact on protecting our planet's invaluable biodiversity. Together we can be stewards of our environment, ensuring a sustainable future for all for years to come.

Click here to learn more about how you can give: https://www.natureserve.org/get-involved

NatureServe is ! We are actively seeking a skilled Project Manager to spearhead a broad spectrum of conservation projects. In this pivotal role, you'll engage in collaborative efforts with domestic and international governmental bodies as well as industry stakeholders and non-governmental organizations. ⁠
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As the Project Manager, you'll have the exciting opportunity to oversee a range of projects, including developing innovative online biodiversity indicator dashboards and creating tailored analyses to address the specific needs of federal land management programs. ⁠
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Think you might be a good fit or know someone who would be? Click the link below! ✨

https://ow.ly/81vG50RAhrr

White Fringed Orchid, flowering from late spring to summer, is a plant that can reach heights of 8 to 110 centimeters (3 to 43 inches).

It's often found thriving in bogs and along the moist edges of lakes and rivers in the eastern regions of North America. This orchid attracts various pollinators, such as moths, butterflies, and bumblebees, with its abundant nectar-filled flowers. 🐝

📸: White Fringed Orchid (Platanthera blephariglottis) Global Status: Secure (G5) Photo By: Larry Master

The discovery of presumed-extinct species—while exciting—can often be met with enthusiasm which masks the difficulty of their road to recovery. ⁠

Some species, such as the newly found Atelopus Guanujo or the Atelopus Elegans, have limited ranges, small populations, and remain highly threatened, often lacking funding and legal protection.
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Rediscovered species face a wide range of different outcomes, all depending on funding influence, conservations interest, and community involvement.⁠

To read more about these challenges and thoughts from Wesley Knapp, Chief Botanist at NatureServe in Katarina Zimmer’s article from Mongabay.com head over to this link!
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📸 Photo By: Steven Guevara S.

A tale of two frogs: The tough uphill battle for rediscovered species When lost or assumed-extinct species are rediscovered, they often face a long rocky road to population recovery — especially if they’re an amphibian.

Help Us Conserve Biodiversity! 🌿⁠
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Are you passionate about protecting our planet's incredible wildlife and ecosystems? You can make a difference by raising money for NatureServe! Here's how you can help:⁠
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Set up a fundraiser on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Share your story and let your friends and family know why conserving biodiversity is important to you.⁠
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Every contribution counts! 🤍
https://www.natureserve.org/ways-to-give

The Muscovy can look like an unusual duck at first glance, thanks to its distinctive caruncles. These are the red, fleshy parts around their face, often referred to as a face mask. Caruncles serve a practical purpose: they help Muscovy ducks keep their feathers clean when dabbling in mud. As the ducks mature, these caruncles start to develop and continue to grow slightly over the years.

Interestingly, caruncles can also form if a duck gets into a fight, causing skin irritation. This natural feature not only adds to their unique appearance but also plays a crucial role in their hygiene and social interactions. Despite their initial odd appearance, once you get to know Muscovy ducks, you’ll find they’re truly fascinating and beautiful creatures. 🦆

📸 Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) Global Status: Apparently Secure (G4) Photo By: Sharon Mollerus

Creating habitat models for diverse species is crucial for improving conservation planning. By expanding conservation actions, we can protect imperiled species more effectively and target specific areas for intervention. Advancements in technology offer opportunities to develop a comprehensive national library of habitat models, providing valuable data for the immediate implementation of efficient conservation actions by local and regional planners.

NatureServe is proud to have led this important work with the support of our partners and the NatureServe Network. It is now in the top ten most-cited papers published in Ecological Society of America! 👏

⬇️ If you haven't already, click here to read!
https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/eap.2534

Send a message to learn more

isn't just a picturesque sight or symphony to enjoy—it's the backbone of a healthy and sustainable environment. Every plant and animal in an ecosystem plays a crucial role in maintaining a delicate balance that allows the ecosystem to flourish. Just think about the insects pollinating the crops we depend on for survival, or the predators keeping prey populations in check.

Biodiversity is essential for supporting the food systems upon which humans and other species rely. It also works tirelessly to purify our air and water and helps to minimize the risk of disease. With so much at stake, it feels like just one day to celebrate biodiversity isn't nearly enough!

Let's make today count by contributing to the preservation of our invaluable biodiversity through donations. Together, we can safeguard the diverse web of life that sustains us all.

Join us in our efforts, click the link below! 👇
https://www.natureserve.org/ways-to-give

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