Help With Matching

Undecided? Here are 2 options:

1. Pick directly from the IUCN RED List of threatened species (they also have a search function) or use the Endangered Species Search

2. Chat-GPT or similar AI or even good ole Google can be helpful e.g. try a prompt like “Please list all IUCN Red List snail species found in the UK”, or “…all snails species in Oxfordshire.”

And here’s some more suggestions –>

Consider a Being Who Is

Local: a ‘neighbour’ will mean more to you.  You can more easily join local conservation efforts, and you may even share some of its struggles! (e.g. pollution or flooding). Maybe go out and find something (or let it find you!)

Unsung: the charismatic tigers, whales and red squirrels have many champions already…

Unheard/ unseen: something quiet and small perhaps, hidden?  A worm? A liverwort? 

Unloved: the slimy, spiky, small, smelly, scaly, scary, stingy beings need our care too!

Loved: do you resonate- or empathise-with a particular being?  This could be because of an interaction you had in childhood, or a dream, or simply a feeling.  Cultural, family or spiritual connections?  Or maybe you have an affinity for a particular habitat like the sea cliffs.

Awesome and Wonderful:  what in nature makes you stop in your tracks? Have you observed an animal behaviour that’s made your jaw drop, or heard a bird song that’s left you in a state of wonder? Or a flower whose scent made you swoon?? Maybe there’s a special place where you feel truly calm?

Interesting: what do you find fascinating in or about nature? Maybe it’s the geometry of snail shells, or the hive mind of ants.  Or perhaps you are struck by examples of interspecies empathy, or intrigued by the medicinal properties of mushrooms?  

Familiar: do you already have extensive knowledge (or want to have), or work with a particular species?  This would suggest an obvious choice as you’d be able to advocate well, and share your knowledge, enthusiasm and love!

Happy seeking!