Citizen scientists sought for L.A. BioBlitz Challenge

Participants take photographs of animals, insects and plants, which scientists use to document local biodiversity in Los Angeles. (photo courtesy of Los Angeles Library)

Residents are encouraged to join the fourth annual L.A. BioBlitz Challenge running through Oct. 31 to protect and support biodiversity using the iNaturalist mobile app to observe and photograph wildlife such as animals, insects and plants.

The Los Angeles Public Library’s Neighborhood Science Initiative and L.A. Sanitation and Environment’s Biodiversity Program are collaborating with the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County to host bioblitz events throughout the city. The goal is to crowdsource photographs and information about the city’s existing native biodiversity to assist researchers in determining the distribution of wildlife and health of the environment. Throughout October, libraries will present interactive and hands-on programs for children, teens and adults to learn more about biodiversity, wildlife and what they can do to make a positive impact on the environment.

“We are thrilled to see the continued growth of the L.A. BioBlitz Challenge,” Los Angeles City Librarian John F. Szabo said. “Expanding our partnerships, programs and community engagement with this fun and interactive challenge allows Angelenos of all ages to become neighborhood scientists and contribute to the scientific community.”

More than 56% of the Los Angeles city population lives within a half mile of a park or open space. Participants are asked to download the iNaturalist app on their mobile devices to photograph and map observations in Los Angeles. The crowdsourced data will help reduce observational “cold spots” that lack data and inform efforts to conserve and protect wildlife habitats.

“This campaign is a testament to the library’s shared commitment with our partners and the communities we serve to protect our local environment and support a greener Los Angeles,” said Valerie Lynne Shaw, president of the Board of Library Commissioners.

Since the inaugural challenge in 2020, participants have recorded more than 32,500 observations, documenting 29 of 38 key indicator species. The effort has provided valuable data on the city’s habitat quality.

To complete the challenge, participants will need to upload at least 10 observations of animals, insects and plants to the iNaturalist project titled “L.A. BioBlitz Challenge 2024” including three or more indicator species, which are used to infer the condition of a particular habitat; one or more invasive species, which can indicate potential threats to local ecosystems; and one or more observations in data cold spots, which are areas that lack recorded observations.

For information, visit lapl.org/bioblitz.

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