Scientists look for Yellowstone's hidden species

HELENA, Mont. – Volunteer researchers have found microscopic worms, species of mushrooms and lichen, slender grass and tiger beetles never before documented in Yellowstone National Park.

Results released this week show more than 1,200 species of creatures at the park, much more than the grizzly bears, bison and wolves that most visitors see.

Some 125 volunteers spent 24 hours in Yellowstone in August as part of a mad dash to document as many species over the course of a day. It was sponsored by the Greater Yellowstone Science Learning Center and funded by the National Park Service and Canon U.S.A. Inc.

Other national parks are conducting similar inventories. Scientists say it will help researchers tracking climate change, human development and other disturbances.

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On the Net:

Greater Yellowstone Science Learning Center, http://www.greateryellowstonescience.org/index.php

Yellowstone National Park, http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm