Rare Species and Communities We Track

FNAI maintains and continues to build the Natural Heritage database for the state of Florida. This database is the single most comprehensive compilation of records documenting the location and ecological status of rare plant and animal species in the state. Staff ecologists, botanists and zoologists, contract staff, volunteers and cooperating agencies, conduct the ongoing research and field inventory work, which populates the database. We derive records from historical reports, herbarium and museum specimens, agency records, in addition to precise field observations.

FNAI scientists “track” (collect information on) approximately 233 vertebrates, 562 invertebrates, and 492 plants representing approximately 13% of the state's vertebrate species, less than 5% of the invertebrates, and about 12% of the plants. For all tracked species, we conduct status assessments following NatureServe methodology, and map standardized Occurrences in the NatureServe Biotics data management system that houses our database.

Biodiversity Matrix

The Biodiversity Matrix Map Server is a screening tool from FNAI that provides immediate, free access to rare species occurrence information statewide. This tool allows you to zoom to your site of interest and create a report listing documented, likely, and potential occurrences of rare species and natural communities.

The FNAI Biodiversity Matrix offers built-in interpretation of the likelihood of species occurrence for each 1-square-mile Matrix Unit across the state. The report includes a site map and list of species and natural communities by occurrence status: Documented, Documented-Historic, Likely, and Potential.

Biodiversity Matrix Map Server Here

Searchable Field Guides & Tracking List

You can search our tracking list or download it as a pdf using the links below. You can obtain our Element Occurrence data by submitting a data request. If you have observations of tracked species that you would like to share with us please see our data submission page. Search by element type and/or county. Choose "All Elements" and "Statewide" to view the full tracking list.

NOTE: You can access FNAI field guide accounts, which are available for a selection of the species we track, by clicking on the species name in the search results. Field guide pages for a limited number of non-tracked species are available using the "Include non-tracked species" selection.