LA Public Library launches challenge to map biodiversity of native species

The Los Angeles Public Library Monday launched its L.A. Bioblitz Challenge to encourage Angelenos to photograph and map native animals, insects and plants across the city.

People are urged to share at least 10 observations of animals, insects and plants on the iNaturalist app through Aug. 7, according to the library, which is running the program as a collaboration between its Neighborhood Science Initiative and L.A. Sanitation and Environment’s Biodiversity Program.

The program’s goal is to help researchers determine how wildlife is distributed across L.A.’s natural landscape. To complete the challenge, three of the 10 observations must be of indicator species, which are organisms that reflect a specific environmental condition and whose presence indicate a high quality habitat. In Los Angeles, indicator species include the Great Horned Owl, the Bobcat, the California Wild Rose, the Red-Tailed Hawk and more.

People who complete the challenge should complete a game card or completion form and drop it off at their local library through Aug. 9 to be eligible for prizes.

The completion form and more information about the challenge are available at https://lapl.org/steam/bioblitz.

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