Research Activities in Ecology

Short-horned Lizard during BioBlitz

NPS

 

2014 Petrified Forest National Park Bioblitz Summary
With the committed help of citizen scientist volunteers, Petrified Forest National Park (PEFO) recently conducted a BioBlitz in a 60,000 acre area of recently-acquired park land. On the weekend of August 29-31, 2014, a total 287 species of plants and animals were identified by a group of 57 professional scientists, naturalists, citizen scientists, volunteers, and park staff. The total number and diversity of the species documented were only limited by the number of taxonomic experts leading survey groups and a relatively abbreviated planning period. Volunteer interest level was high for such a small-scale BioBlitz event and participant comments indicated it was an enjoyable and productive outing that yielded many stories of wildlife encounters and backcountry adventure.

 

2016 Petrified Forest National Park Reptile Blitz Summary
Working with National Geographic, the park concentrated on Reptiles of the park August 10-17, 2016. This BioBlitz is part of a larger effort coordinated by the National Park Service (NPS) to celebrate the NPS Centennial. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the biodiversity of a park and contribute to our greater understanding of the biodiversity of the nation. In addition to obtaining valuable species information from targeted inventories with scientists, this is a tremendous opportunity to engage youth and expose them to hands-on resource stewardship. Observations will be used to share stories of scientific and personal discovery and inspire even more people to go out and Find Their Park! Thank you for contributing to this nationwide effort.

Observations: 459
Species: 128
People: 31

 

2018 Petrified Forest National Park Bioblitz Summary
Another great year finding an amazing amount of species in the park! We also trapped moths and had mist nets up for bats. We had lots of great volunteers.This project collected observations from the park's third biennial BioBlitz held August 25-26, 2018.
Onservastions: 1017
Species: 315
Registered Observers: 68