One thing which has always bothered me for some reason is.. how in the message center, the shouts and comments are each their own lists, yet are in one column. I get more comments than shouts, so its hard to see where one list ends, to see whats new, and where the next begins.
I think shouts having a preview in the message center gives them enough reason to have their own column, if you chose to stay with this layout. Otherwise get rid of the preview and place them chronologically in with the comments. The difference in format between the two makes for unwelcome inconsistancey to me.
Perhaps put previews for all comments in a mouseover box.
I like having dates next to things, also. If I know I havnt been online since such a date, it allows me to easily see whats new. I cant remember all the usernames whom have commented on what and when.
I think the specie categories are neat. I look forward to seeing dinosauria (and alien/demon/humanoid/mythos?) being added when its revamped.

Theyre classified under aves, not reptilia, by the way. Maybe give them their own category and split it into Herbivores/Carnivores/Raptors... heh.
I dont think the specie list needs to be huge. Be more specific in areas which are more popular, like canids. Something like rodents, marsupials, general reptiles, and arthropoids (chitinous insect resembling things) wouldnt need any sub categories since you dont see enough of these kinds of things.
Possum and Opposum.. wha?
bah, Im rambly. I dont know if this has been said already..