Research Summary
New York City and the greater New York area — A surprising number and diversity of birds, amphibians, small mammals, and other wildlife live alongside the 8.2 million human residents of New York City. More than 250 bird species have been sighted in the five boroughs alone, along with raccoons, rabbits, deer, bats, foxes, mice, frogs, turtles, and many other species.
In the greater metropolitan area, extending roughly 100 miles from Manhattan in every direction, the diversity of plants and animals is even more extensive. Dr. Catherine Burns and her staff will guide you as you investigate the mammals found in the metropolitan region’s protected areas, and learn what conditions they need to survive. With more than half of the world’s population living in cities, understanding the health of the environment in urban areas has never been more important. The data you help gather will assist regional planners in protecting urban nature and wildlife, and will help scientists better understand how and why urbanization affects mammals in urban regions.
“As a resident of another large city, I’m very interested in learning how best to preserve wildlife around urban areas. This was a great opportunity to learn what NYC has been doing.”—Anna Fan
Meet the Scientists
Dr. Catherine Burns
University of Maine;
WildMetro
“New York is home to not only millions of people, but to a thriving diversity of plants and animals that we are just beginning to explore and understand. With the help of Earthwatch volunteers, we’ll be working across the metropolitan region to study the largest mammals (black bears and foxes occur at our more rural sites), the smallest of frogs, and everything in between. Come see the wild side of New York City, and help us to protect nature where we need it the most—in our own neighborhoods.”
Dr. Catherine E. Burns is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Maine and a Research Affiliate with WildMetro. Her research specialties include mammalian ecology and conservation, response of wildlife to anthropogenic land-use change, and animal behavior. Dr. Burns has worked in temperate forests for nearly a decade. She has extensive experience with ecological fieldwork on mammals, birds, amphibians, and plants, and has mentored and trained volunteers and students in field ecology and conservation for more than five years. She has also served as a scientific advisor to WildMetro’s research program since 2004, and has worked with the organization to shape its initiatives and train its research staff. Dr. Burns will introduce the project and research methods during the first three days of each expedition, and other experienced project staff members will be present to direct the activities for the remainder of your time onsite.