Chasing Bats and Tracking Rats: Urban Ecology, Community Science, and How We Share Our Cities

Chasing Bats and Tracking Rats: Urban Ecology, Community Science, and How We Share Our Cities book cover
Introduction Living in the Urban Jungle Talk Like an Urban Ecologist Key Terms Chapter 1 Chasing Down Big Browns How much do wildlife rely on city green spaces Chapter 2 Ratmobile to the Rescue How do animals in cities affect human health Chapter 3 Bees and a Bug Vacuum Why are cities a good place to study the impact of climate change on bees Chapter 4 Backyard Bear Buffet What happens when humans and wildlife in cities don’t get along Chapter 5 Bold Coyote Bashful Coyote How are humans changing animal behavior in cities Chapter 6 Microplastics Major Problems How does the pollution we create affect city animals Chapter 7 Birdwatching Bias What happens when citizen science doesn’t tell us the whole story Chapter 8 A Bike to Beat the Heat Why are greener cities better for people Conclusion But This Is Only the Beginning Acknowledgments Select Sources Index 1 3 7 17 27 37 47 59 69 81 90 92 93 97
Chasing Bats and Tracking Rats: Urban Ecology, Community Science, and How We Share Our Cities

Chasing Bats and Tracking Rats: Urban Ecology, Community Science, and How We Share Our Cities

Gripping narrative non-fiction with STEM and social justice themes that proves cities can be surprisingly wild places—and why understanding urban nature matters. What can city bees tell us about climate change? How are we changing coyote behavior? And what the heck is a science bike? Featuring the work of a diverse group of eleven scientists—herself included!—Dr. Cylita Guy shows how studying urban wildlife can help us make cities around the world healthier for all of their inhabitants. In the process, Guy reveals how social injustices like racism can affect not only how scientists study city wildlife, but also where urban critters are likelier to thrive. Sidebars include intriguing animal facts and the often-wacky tools used by urban ecologists, from a ratmobile to a bug vacuum. Cornelia Li’s engaging illustrations bring the scientists’ fieldwork adventures to life, while urban ecology challenges encourage readers to look for signs of wildlife in their own neighborhoods. *A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

About This Book

By: Cylita Guy
Illustrated by: Cornelia Li
Published by: Annick Press
9-12Age Range
7.1 AR
102Pages
EnvironmentSubject
1070LLexile
2-3 hoursReading Time
ZGuided Reading
ZFountas & Pinnell
80DRA