The Natural History Survey documents Rhode Island species and natural communities in space and time, whether rare, invasive, or ‘regular.’
Rhode Island BioBlitz
Begun in 2000, Rhode Island BioBlitz is the longest running annual bioblitz in the world. Over 24,000 identifications have been made by over 4,000 participants.
Species Checklists
Checklists of Rhode Island species are in the Resource Library: use keyword “checklist” or taxon names (i.e. “birds,” “plants,” “insects”).
Survey checklists, developed over time, may not represent the current state of knowledge; consider them a starting point. If you observe species not on the checklists, please report your observations. Naturalists who demonstrate particular prowess at finding great things may even be recognized by our Golden Eye Award.
Rare Species (“Natural Heritage”)
Rhode Island rare species lists, links to natural heritage area maps, how to request rare species data, and forms and instructions for submitting rare species observations. Rhode Island has no official rare species surveys, so we rely on YOUR observations to track our most vulnerable species. Most observational data is confidential. Also info on rare natural community types (e.g. forests, wetlands, etc.).
Invasive Species
Information on invasive species in Rhode Island including lists, maps, identification, and management, as well as forms and instructions for reporting invasive species observations.
Invasives are species growing and reproducing outside their native range, in habitats not managed by humans, at the expense of native species or natural communities. Native species by definition are not invasive though they may be nuisance or weedy species.
BORIIS2 (Biota of RI Index System)
The second Biota Of Rhode Island Index System is a relational database that serves as a guide to evidence about the animals, plants, and other living organisms—the biota—of Rhode Island and its environs. BORIIS2 is based around “Observations” which take the form of the question: “Who saw what species when and where and how do we know?” BORIIS is an index, and where appropriate, users may want to consult the cited evidentiary records directly. As of Fall 2025 BORIIS2 is in a prototype stage, with limited features, available only to Survey staff. Access for diverse users including the general public is envisioned as a second phase.