Map of Life shows distribution of any species throughout the world

cylonlover writes: Ever wondered if a certain species of animal can be found where you live? The Map of Life website aims to answer this question. Built on a Google Maps platform, it lists virtually all of the vertebrate animals that can be found at any one point in the world. Map of Life is currently accessible in a debut version, and is the result of a Yale University-led collaboration between several institutions and organizations. Users can either select a species and then see where it occurs, or they can select a location and then get a listing of almost all the mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles that can be found at that location – freshwater fish data is currently limited to North America, but more features are in the works.

Re:

[FTWinston]

Indeed, the interface looks nice, but can I do anything with it? I search for fish, it suggests venezuelan fish-eating owl. I search for fox, it only offers my flying foxes.

Ever wondered if a certain species of animal can be found where you live?

Unless I'm doing it all wrong, then you'd need to know the scientific name of every animal that can be found where you live, in order to search in the first place. You'd be much better off just going outside for a look.