Rare Species Finder

Developed an interactive species explorer tool that allows landowners, loggers, and forestry professionals to search for rare species in their area. The platform uses structured data and filtering logic to help users identify species and review habitat details before making land management decisions.

Year

2024

Scope

Graphic Design

Industry

Conservation Education

Status

Complete

The Challenge

Users needed a practical way to identify rare species (especially G1 and G2) within a specific area, but existing data wasn’t accessible in a usable format. Key challenges: • Large dataset (filtering from 8,000~ species) with varying attributes • No simple way to filter by location or habitat • Need to serve both technical and non-technical users The tool needed to translate complex environmental data into something usable in real-world decision-making.

Our Strategy

Data Integration • Partnered with the Tennessee Division of Environment and Conservation to source species data • Structured datasets to support filtering by location, habitat, and classification • Built a system that can be updated as species data changes Search & Filtering • Developed filtering logic to narrow results based on user inputs • Prioritized high-risk categories (G1, G2) • Designed filters to be visible and easy to use User Experience • Built a clear interface for browsing and searching • Included species detail views with habitat information and images • Balanced accessibility for general users with depth for professionals Content & Support Materials • Created print materials to direct users to the tool • Focused on education and awareness for landowners and loggers • Supported rollout with ongoing campaign efforts

The Results

The portal provides a centralized, usable system for identifying rare species across Tennessee. Users can search, filter, and review species information in one place, making it easier to consider biodiversity in land management decisions. The platform is live and structured for ongoing updates, with additional promotion planned as the campaign continues.