Peterborough Ranked Seventh In Total Observations In The Country From City Nature Challenge
/Peterborough’s City Nature Challenge initiative that wrapped up on April 29, exceeded last year’s community bio-blitz numbers with higher public participation, more species sighted and greater total observations logged that resulted in a seventh-place finish in the country.
PHoto by David Tuan Bui.
In total, 2,076 wildlife observations were made, recording 577 species within the community during the four days of citizen science for the second annual community bio-blitz to record wildlife in Peterborough.
Out of the 40 participating Canadian communities, Peterborough ranked 13th in total observations, 12th in total number of species observed and 11th in the number of participants making observations. Peterborough ranked seventh per capita for the total number of observations made during the bio-blitz, beating out nearby cities like Kingston and Toronto.
On May 6, wildlife experts completed their identification and verification of recorded nature observations gathered during the bio-blitz and submitted it to the event organizers.
“Community events like the City Nature Challenge showcase how truly alive our city is, with wildlife in every nook and cranny waiting to be discovered,” said Councillor Joy Lachica. “Residents should celebrate that they share their homes with so many plants and animals, which makes Peterborough an extra special place to live for all.”
Peterborough's most observed species from April 26 to 29 are as follows:
Plant species: 31 Yellow Trout Lilies (Erythronium americanum)
Bird species: 25 Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos)
Tree species: 23 Eastern White Cedars (Thuja occidentalis)
Fungus species: 16 Black Knot (Apiosporina morbosa)
Mammal species: 12 Eastern Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis)
Insect species: 7 Asian Lady Beetles (Harmonia axyridis) [introduced species]
Amphibian species: 7 Green Frogs (Lithobates clamitans)
