EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Until now, learning about Michigan's more than 600 rare plant and animal species, their habitat needs and management considerations has meant using multiple books, guides and other reference sources. To give Michigan's residents, decision makers and resource managers a one-stop source for rare species information, the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) has produced a new online tool called the "Rare Species Explorer."

Available at http://web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/, the explorer allows users to customize searches for rare plants and animals by habitat type and the best time of year to find them. The Web site also includes pages devoted to each species that provide more in-depth information.

"We've been looking for ways to get our information readily and conveniently to people, and this seemed like a very good alternative," says Patrick Brown, MNFI director. "We wanted to get it out in a way that would be very flexible so that people could get what they wanted out of it, and this site is designed for maximum flexibility."

Natural resource professionals, citizen scientists, teachers, students and private landowners can search by plant or animal group, time of year or habitat. Though similar online tools exist in other states and on the national level, the MNFI's "Rare Species Explorer" is the first of its kind for Michigan.

"We wanted to have something that was specific to Michigan and more flexible than other tools of this kind," says Ryan O'Connor, MNFI associate conservation scientist. "It's very useful for researching species and looking at particular habitats. For example, if you wanted to see what is associated with a floodplain forest, you could select that habitat, obtain a list of those plants and animals, and navigate to more information on each of those species."

"DNR staff members will find information on habitat management recommendations especially useful," said Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Division chief Bill Moritz. "This project represents a strong and important partnership between the MNFI, the DNR and other agencies."

The "Rare Species Explorer" was partially funded by the DNR's Landowner Incentive Program, which helps private landowners manage their land for rare and declining species through a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Michigan Natural Features Inventory is a part of Michigan State University (MSU) Extension. Its mission is to deliver the highest quality information that contributes to the conservation of biodiversity, especially rare and declining plants and animals and the diversity of Michigan's native ecosystems.

The MNFI maintains a statewide database of rare species occurrences and conducts surveys, research, planning efforts and educational workshops to enhance the conservation of biodiversity. To learn more, visit the MNFI Web site.