This project is intended to gather observations of Pennsylvania’s rare species, so that the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) can evaluate them for possible inclusion in the state’s database of rare species. Coordinates for some rare species are automatically obscured by iNaturalist; adding your observation to this project allows PNHP to see those coordinates. We will probably ask you for additional details about each observation, to try to determine if it qualifies as a reproducing population, rather than a stray individual.

The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program is a member of NatureServe, an international network of natural heritage programs that gather and provide information on the location and status of important ecological resources (plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, natural communities and geologic features). Our purpose is to provide current, reliable, objective information to help inform environmental decisions. PNHP information can be used to guide conservation work and land-use planning, ensuring the maximum conservation benefit with the minimum cost. PNHP is a partnership of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Please visit PNHP’s website at http://www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us/. less ↑