It’s National Wildlife Day and to celebrate, we’re sharing wildlife photos from our study site in the Bahamas and around South Florida.

This day has been celebrated on September 4, since 2005 “to bring awareness to the number of endangered animals nationally, as well as globally, that need to be preserved and rescued from their demise each year, and also to acknowledge zoos and outstanding animal sanctuaries and organizations globally.” Since 2018, it’s also been celebrated today to honor the birthday of wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin.

(Click on the hyperlink to visit the IUCN page for each species, and to learn more about them).

1. Atlantic Spotted Dolphin (Stenella Frontalis) — Data Deficient

Dr. Herzing swimming alongside a group a juvenile Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). The conservation status of spotted dolphins is unknown, and they are listed as ‘data deficient’ according to the IUCN Red List. Photo by Bethany Augliere.

2.  Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) — Vulnerable

A loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) swims over a seagrass meadow in the Bahamas. Photo by Bethany Augliere.

3. West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)— Vulnerable

West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) in a Florida freshwater spring. Photo by Bethany Augliere.

4. A tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) — near threatened — and Carribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi) — near threatened.  

A tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) and Carribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi). Photo by Nicodemo Ientile.

5.  Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) – Data Deficient

Great hammerhead in the Bahamas. Photo by Nicodemo Ientile.

6. Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Bottlenose dolphins in the Bahamas. Photo by Bethany Augliere.

7. Hawksbill sea turtle  (Eretmochelys imbricata) – Critically Endangered

Hawksbill sea turtle on a shallow shipwreck in the Bahamas. Photo by Bethany Augliere.

8. Queen Conch (Strombus gigas)

Queen conch peering out from it’s shell in the Bahamas. Photo by Nicodemo Ientile.

9. Crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) 

The crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) in the Bahamas. Photo Nicodemo Ientile.

10.  Giant manta ray (Mobula birostris) – Vulnerable

Giant manta ray (Mobula birostris) in South Florida. Photo by Bethany Augliere.