University Lake

Ecosystem Overview

The University Lake ecosystem supports 12 documented wildlife species across 11 taxonomic genera. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 3 frequently observed species and 2 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Anchorage nearby has 88% more documented species, University Lake offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #4 for species diversity among 11 Anchorage County natural areas, placing it in the 64th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 11 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common3 species

Common4 species

Occasional3 species

Rare2 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#4 of 11 locations

64th percentile for diversity

vs. Anchorage

-88% species diversity

Ecosystem Overview

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Biodiversity Highlights

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Species Distribution

Very Common‌

Common‌

Occasional‌

Rare‌

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 12 total documented species.

Podiceps grisegena

red-necked grebe

Very Common4 obs.

Larus brachyrhynchus

Short-billed Gull

Very Common4 obs.

Mareca americana

American Wigeon

Very Common3 obs.

Setophaga coronata

Myrtle Warbler

Very Common3 obs.

Poecile atricapillus

Black-capped chickadee

Very Common2 obs.

Aythya collaris

Ring-necked Duck

Common1 obs.

Aythya marila

greater scaup

Common1 obs.

Bucephala albeola

Bufflehead

Common1 obs.

Cygnus buccinator

trumpeter swan

Common1 obs.

Branta canadensis

Canada goose

Common1 obs.

Turdus migratorius

American Robin

Common1 obs.

Anas platyrhynchos

mallard

Occasional1 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Want the Complete Field Guide?

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Get Your Personalized Field Guide

Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in University Lake. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-57%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Anchorage County, Alaska

Nearby Natural Areas

Anchorage

Importance: 0.57

100 species

-88% vs. current

Westchester Lagoon

Importance: 0.35

78 species

-85% vs. current

Taku Lake

Importance: 0.35

13 species

-8% vs. current

Goose Lake

Importance: 0.35

9 species

+33% vs. current

Lake Hood

Importance: 0.35

8 species

+50% vs. current

Waldron Lake

Importance: 0.35

6 species

+100% vs. current

Little Campbell Lake

Importance: 0.35

5 species

+140% vs. current

Jewel Lake

Importance: 0.35

2 species

+500% vs. current

About This Comparison

These comparisons are based on documented wildlife observations from citizen science data. Locations with higher species counts may have more observation activity, different habitat types, or larger coverage areas. Regional rankings help identify biodiversity hotspots and unique natural areas within Anchorage County.

Regional Comparison

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Regional Ranking

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Species Count

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vs. Regional Average

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Nearby Natural Areas

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About This Comparison

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-57%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Anchorage County, Alaska

Nearby Natural Areas

Anchorage

Importance: 0.57

100 species

-88% vs. current

Westchester Lagoon

Importance: 0.35

78 species

-85% vs. current

Taku Lake

Importance: 0.35

13 species

-8% vs. current

Goose Lake

Importance: 0.35

9 species

+33% vs. current

Lake Hood

Importance: 0.35

8 species

+50% vs. current

Waldron Lake

Importance: 0.35

6 species

+100% vs. current

Little Campbell Lake

Importance: 0.35

5 species

+140% vs. current

Jewel Lake

Importance: 0.35

2 species

+500% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 11 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common3 species

Common4 species

Occasional3 species

Rare2 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#4 of 11 locations

64th percentile for diversity

vs. Anchorage

-88% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 12 total documented species.

Podiceps grisegena

red-necked grebe

Very Common4 obs.

Larus brachyrhynchus

Short-billed Gull

Very Common4 obs.

Mareca americana

American Wigeon

Very Common3 obs.

Setophaga coronata

Myrtle Warbler

Very Common3 obs.

Poecile atricapillus

Black-capped chickadee

Very Common2 obs.

Aythya collaris

Ring-necked Duck

Common1 obs.

Aythya marila

greater scaup

Common1 obs.

Bucephala albeola

Bufflehead

Common1 obs.

Cygnus buccinator

trumpeter swan

Common1 obs.

Branta canadensis

Canada goose

Common1 obs.

Turdus migratorius

American Robin

Common1 obs.

Anas platyrhynchos

mallard

Occasional1 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 12 species with 3-4 high-quality images each, detailed descriptions, and a downloadable PDF for offline use.

Premium field guide includes identification tips, seasonal patterns, and professional layout optimized for field use.