Union County

Ecosystem Overview

The Union County ecosystem supports 100 documented wildlife species across 93 taxonomic genera. Located in Union County, New Jersey, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 21 frequently observed species and 19 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. Compared to nearby Elizabeth, Union County hosts 1011% more species diversity. This location ranks #1 for species diversity among 19 Union County County natural areas, placing it in the 95th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

100

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 19 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common21 species

Common30 species

Occasional30 species

Rare19 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#1 of 19 locations

95th percentile for diversity

vs. Elizabeth

+1011% 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 100 total documented species.

Papilio glaucus

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Very Common7 obs.

Epargyreus clarus

Silver-Spotted Skipper

Very Common6 obs.

Lon zabulon

Zabulon Skipper

Very Common5 obs.

Melanerpes carolinus

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Very Common5 obs.

Hylephila phyleus

Fiery Skipper

Very Common5 obs.

Apis mellifera

Western Honey Bee

Common5 obs.

Calycopis cecrops

Red-Banded Hairstreak

Common4 obs.

Cephalanthus occidentalis

Honey-Bells

Common4 obs.

Buteo jamaicensis

Red-tailed Hawk

Common4 obs.

Plethodon cinereus

Eastern Red-Backed Salamander

Common4 obs.

Ancyloxypha numitor

Least Skipper

Common4 obs.

Poanes viator

Broad-Winged Skipper

Occasional4 obs.

Sphex pensylvanicus

Great Black Digger Wasp

Occasional3 obs.

Dolichovespula maculata

Baldfaced Hornet

Occasional3 obs.

Aquarius remigis

Occasional3 obs.

Thryothorus ludovicianus

Carolina Wren

Occasional3 obs.

Sitta carolinensis

White-Breasted Nuthatch (Interior West)

Occasional3 obs.

Rainieria antennaepes

Rare3 obs.

Perithemis tenera

Eastern Amberwing

Rare3 obs.

Vespa crabro

hornet

Rare3 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Get Your Personalized Field Guide

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

$6.99

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

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

100

Species Count

+335%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Union County County, New Jersey

Nearby Natural Areas

Elizabeth

Importance: 0.47

9 species

+1011% vs. current

Rahway

Importance: 0.42

2 species

+4900% vs. current

Plainfield

Importance: 0.41

2 species

+4900% vs. current

Summit

Importance: 0.41

71 species

+41% vs. current

Westfield

Importance: 0.39

17 species

+488% vs. current

Linden

Importance: 0.38

26 species

+285% vs. current

Scotch Plains

Importance: 0.38

32 species

+213% vs. current

Mountainside

Importance: 0.37

24 species

+317% 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 Union County 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

100

Species Count

+335%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Union County County, New Jersey

Nearby Natural Areas

Elizabeth

Importance: 0.47

9 species

+1011% vs. current

Rahway

Importance: 0.42

2 species

+4900% vs. current

Plainfield

Importance: 0.41

2 species

+4900% vs. current

Summit

Importance: 0.41

71 species

+41% vs. current

Westfield

Importance: 0.39

17 species

+488% vs. current

Linden

Importance: 0.38

26 species

+285% vs. current

Scotch Plains

Importance: 0.38

32 species

+213% vs. current

Mountainside

Importance: 0.37

24 species

+317% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

100

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 19 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common21 species

Common30 species

Occasional30 species

Rare19 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#1 of 19 locations

95th percentile for diversity

vs. Elizabeth

+1011% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 100 total documented species.

Papilio glaucus

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Very Common7 obs.

Epargyreus clarus

Silver-Spotted Skipper

Very Common6 obs.

Lon zabulon

Zabulon Skipper

Very Common5 obs.

Melanerpes carolinus

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Very Common5 obs.

Hylephila phyleus

Fiery Skipper

Very Common5 obs.

Apis mellifera

Western Honey Bee

Common5 obs.

Calycopis cecrops

Red-Banded Hairstreak

Common4 obs.

Cephalanthus occidentalis

Honey-Bells

Common4 obs.

Buteo jamaicensis

Red-tailed Hawk

Common4 obs.

Plethodon cinereus

Eastern Red-Backed Salamander

Common4 obs.

Ancyloxypha numitor

Least Skipper

Common4 obs.

Poanes viator

Broad-Winged Skipper

Occasional4 obs.

Sphex pensylvanicus

Great Black Digger Wasp

Occasional3 obs.

Dolichovespula maculata

Baldfaced Hornet

Occasional3 obs.

Aquarius remigis

Occasional3 obs.

Thryothorus ludovicianus

Carolina Wren

Occasional3 obs.

Sitta carolinensis

White-Breasted Nuthatch (Interior West)

Occasional3 obs.

Rainieria antennaepes

Rare3 obs.

Perithemis tenera

Eastern Amberwing

Rare3 obs.

Vespa crabro

hornet

Rare3 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 100 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.