Threatened & Endangered
Vertebrates of the Pacific Northwest
Augmented Playing Cards
Many of the animals depicted in this deck are classified as endangered or threatened by local government agencies. Some are not classified yet, but are of concern. The list of animals in this deck is not exhaustive, it is a select few representatives of the many animals listed as endangered or threatened across the Pacific Northwest.
There are many factors that lead to an animal being threatened. One of the most impactful factors is loss of habitat, either from human encroachment on delicate ecosystems or from inhospitable conditions created by climate change.
This “augmented” deck contains 60 playing cards. In addition to the traditional four suits, there is a fifth suit (Stars). The cards can be used just as a traditional deck of cards. If you are using these cards to play a game that requires only four suits, you can set aside one of the suits.
This project has been the culmination of years of research and work, and I am excited to share it with you!
I personally laid out, designed, and drew every part of this deck of cards.
And the cards are printed on casino quality linen card stock.
The “augmented” aspects of the playing cards are specific to the animal illustrations on the cards.
The symbols share information about the biome, classification, and diet of each animal.
And can be used in games much like the traditional suits are used.
Game ideas to take advantage of the deck of augmented cards.
Using a 5 suit deck of cards will already add some new variety to your favorite games.
Here are some ideas for using the special symbols on the cards with traditional games:
Poker
Use the class or diet when calling wildcards.
Imagine new hand possibilities: pairs or full houses of classes, one of each class in the same biome.
Gin Rummy
Sets of the same class or sets of the same diet.
Sets of each class in a single biome.
Sets of one type of class but one of each diet.
Go Fish
Ask for class or diet.
If you ask for a card and get it wrong, then draw a fish card, draw again!
You’re not allowed to ask for “fish” (any other card symbol is fair game). And whoever collects the most fish cards at the end wins, regardless of other matches.
Crazy 8s
More symbols on the cards to match!
Instead of 8’s, pick a class or diet that is wild.
Come up with your own variations? Let me know!
Click above to check out some new games I have designed to be played with this deck of cards.
(The game rules are still a work in progress. If you do try them, I would love to hear your feed back as I finalize the game rules.)
