"You could write in the word 'butterfly' and the software was programmed so that all the information needed to categorize the butterfly would pop up," said Stolzer. Once entered, the information was downloaded to a central computer at BioBlitz headquarters that kept a running tally of the species identified.
Baseline Data
Rather than provide a definitive catalogue of Central Park species diversity, scientists see the BioBlitz survey as a starting point for future surveys. Hundreds of migratory bird species, for example, were not included in the recent survey because of the season.
"There are probably more species in the park," said Stolzer. "But this is a snapshot." The BioBlitz organizers are not certain about the exact future of the event. But they plan to organize additional surveys in coming years.
Continued surveys will allow scientists to track the changes in the park through time. They are hopeful the list will grow, not shrink. Earle said she was particularly interested seeing the Lake turned into a healthy haven swimming with native fishes.
In the meantime, the scientists, volunteers, and casual onlookers swept up in the spirit of BioBlitz stand amazed at the amount of wildlife they did catalogue thriving the middle of New York City.
"There are neon lights, Broadway shows, and traffic you wouldn't believe. Yet these creatures, given 800 acres [324 hectares] of habitat, have managed to carve out a little green island in the midst of a lot of concrete," said Earle.
Central Park celebrates its 150th anniversary on July 21.
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