YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Yellowstone National Park (YNP) wants to bring attention to the tiny animal species that can get overlooked by visitors, including insects, frogs and more.

On July 11, YNP posted a number of photos to their Facebook page to raise awareness about the small creatures in the Park that contribute to the ecosystem.

Damselfly on a pinyon tree
Columbia spotted frog in a pond
Lazuli bunting in a sagebrush
Water strider on Trout Lake
Photos: Courtesy of YNP

According to the National Park Service, there is a growing interest and need to know more about invertebrates, fungi, non-vascular plants and other smaller species groups. The NPS considers biodiversity conservation a priority across the parks.

Dark-eyed junco bird nest and eggs. Photo: Courtesy of YNP

In YNP, amphibian populations provide insight into climate change, disease, pollution and nonnative species, and a recent study by scientists at The Nature Conservancy of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem shows the relationship between plants and pollinators is being disrupted by earlier bloom times. Additionally, Teton County recommends responsible bird feeding or alternatives.

River Stingray is a news reporter with a passion for wildlife, history and local lenses. She holds a Master's degree in environmental archaeology from the University of Cambridge and is also a published poet, dog mom and outdoor enthusiast.