City Nature Challenge – Peterborough Ranked 7th in total observations in Canada

Peterborough, ON – Peterborough’s City Nature Challenge 2024 initiative that wrapped up on Monday, April 29, 2024 exceeded last year’s community bio-blitz numbers with higher public participation, more species sighted, and greater total observations logged.
In total, 2,076 wildlife observations were made that recorded 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 number of observations made, 12th in total number of species observed, and 11th in the number of participants making observations. Peterborough ranked 7th 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. 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.” – Councillor Joy Lachica
Peterborough's most observed species from April 26 to 29 are as follows:
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Plant species: 31 Yellow Trout Lilies (Erythronium americanum)
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Bird species: 25 Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos)
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Tree species: 23 Eastern White Cedars (Thuja occidentalis)
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Fungus species: 16 Black Knot (Apiosporina morbosa)
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Mammal species: 12 Eastern Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis)
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Insect species: 7 Asian Lady Beetles (Harmonia axyridis) [introduced species]
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Amphibian species: 7 Green Frogs (Lithobates clamitans)
A full list of observations can be found on the Peterborough iNaturalist project page.
The City of Peterborough partnered with the Peterborough Field Naturalists to curate guided nature walks led by volunteers at Ecology and Beavermead parks on April 26 and 27. In addition, nature-focused children’s programming was offered over the two days to excite kids about the beauty of nature found in Peterborough.
The next City Nature Challenge is scheduled for April 25 to 28, 2025.