Research
The Study Site
Found on the northern tip of Manhattan in New York City, Inwood Hill Park is a living piece of old New York. In addition to modern amenities like athletic fields, playgrounds, and dog runs, many impressive natural features can be found here. The park consists of Manhattan's last remaining natural salt marsh, dramatic cave and valleys, and lush forests. New Yorkers — both people and wildlife — take advantage of the park's serene landscapes. Our game cameras were placed within forested sections of the park.
The Purpose
Game cameras were set up in two Manhattan parks in response to multiple reported coyote sightings from public. The goal of project is to confirm the presence of coyotes, and to gather presence and range data, beginning with Manhattan's most northern park. Knowing the presence of species within Inwood Hill Park will allow NYC Parks to proactively develop management strategies and educational tools geared specifically for Manhattan, NY. Over the course of a few months, our cameras captured thousands of images, which is where YOU come in.
Your Part
Your sharp eyes and mouse clicks are the driving force behind determining what animals use this park. Your results will help us develop strategies and tools for teaching others how to coexist with various species found in New York City. Join us in this project to help shape urban wildlife management in America's biggest metropolis!
The Study Timeline
At the beginning of 2020, game cameras were deployed in Inwood Hill Park. In addition to factors such as food availability, suitable habitat, and human activity, the presence of wildlife in a given environment can be influenced by changing seasons. We look forward to seeing what is detected as winter turns to spring!