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Resources on Endangered Species: Getting Started

Getting Started

Your first step in doing research will be finding background information on your topic. If you are looking for information on endangered species, one of the most important things you will need is the scientific name of an organism. For example, the scientific name of the red wolf is Canis rufus. An organism may have many common names, but the scientific name is fairly standard in the research literature. You will need to use the scientific name rather than the common name, or perhaps both, to conduct further research.

The resources listed on this page should help you get started with your research.

Helpful Websites

NatureServe
"A network connecting Science with Conservation." This website provides links to natural heritage programs in all fifty states, most Canadian provinces, several Latin American countries, the NatureServe Explorer database, and much more.

North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
On this website, you can find GIS information pertinent to the study of endangered and rare plants, information about species, and access to the Natural Heritage Program's free online publications.

Center for Plant Conservation
This organization promotes conserving rare native plants of the United States. The National Collection of Endangered Plants (a collection of cuttings, seeds, and other plant materials) is maintained by the Center for Plant Conservation. Information about over 600 plants that compose this collection is available on this website.

Endangered Species Program
This is the site of the United States Government's Endangered Species Program. It includes information on organisms listed as endangered or threatened, including links to federal documents.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
IUCN, the World Conservation Union, produces this list of species (mostly birds and mammals) from around the world that are in danger of extinction.

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David Romito

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