Do you want to know how to use iNaturalist to turn your everyday nature walks into contributing to real science? Well, you are in the right place.
The iNaturalist app is one of the most helpful free tools that I have found as an environmental science student! You simply snap a photo of a plant, animal or mushroom, add a few details. Then within a few minutes experts on that specific species from around the world will be able to help or confirm the species you have found. Your data points also contributes to real scientific research!
I have used iNaturalist to record beautiful birds in the Pacific Islands, track the Welcome Swallows nesting in my parents barn and also identifying plants that I have walked past hundreds of times. Using iNaturalist has changed the way I see the world.
This post is all about how to use iNaturalist, step by step, so you can get started today!!
What is The iNaturalist App?
iNaturalist is a free app and website where you can record observations of any living thing. From a penguin, to a wildflower or a funky mushroom. Then once you upload the photo or sound recording, the iNaturalist community helps identify what you have found. When experts have agreed on your identification, your observation will then become “research grade”. WHich means it enters a global database which scientists from around the world can use in their studies to make the world a better place. The observations from iNaturalist have contributed to thousands of scientific publications! Your backyard photos can help make the world a better place.
How to Create Your Free iNaturalist Account
Getting your account set up is easy and takes aout two minutes.
- Go to https://www.inaturalist.org/ or search “iNaturalist” in the App Store or Google Play.
- Click “Sign Up” and follow the prompts adding your details to create you iNaturalist account.
- Choose a fun username. I recommend naming yourself something creative like your favourite species name or “NatureExplorer123” rather than your real name. Especially if you want to share observations near your home.
Privacy tip: Your username is public, but you have full control over your location data. Which I will explain more below.
How to Use iNaturalist to Identify Plants, Animals and Fungi: Step by Step
This is the fun part!! Here is exactly how to make your first observation using the iNaturalist app.
Step 1. Capture the Moment
Spotted something beautiful, quirky, or unfamiliar on your walk? Tap the big green ”+” Add Observation button to start a new observation. You can do this in the moment or upload photos from your camera roll later on.
Tip: If you are tramping make sure to take photos of everything you see. Then upload each observation when you get back in reception. (The photos will of marked the location of the photo which will automatically upload to that spot)
Step 2: Upload Your Photo or Sound
Add a photo of whatever caught your eye. Make sure to have clear photos at multiple angles. You can also add a sound recording. Which is perfect for identifying that mystery bird high in the canopy.
Step 3: Let iNaturalist Help with the ID
This is when the iNaturalist app gets very clever. When your photo has uploaded, suggestions of possible species will pop up based on what it can see from your photos. Then you can choose the closest look alike species. You can also leave this blank and the community can help.
Step 4: Add Your Notes
Write down anything cool and useful about your observation! Where did you see it? What was it doing? Was it around a specific flower or another habitat? The more detail you add, the easier the experts will be able to confirm your observations.
Step 5: Check the Date and Time
The date and time will fill in automatically from your photos metadata. But just double check they are correct before sharing your observations.
Step 6: Choose Your Location Privacy
iNaturalist gives you three location options. This is important to understand so you can feel comfortable sharing observations.
- Open: Shares your exact coordinates with the iNaturalist community. Best for observations in public places or reserves where precise location data adds scientific value.
- Obscured: Shows a random point within a 20 x 20 km radius instead of your exact location. This is what I use for observations near my home or school. The data is still useful for research, and iNaturalist automatically obscures the locations of threatened or endangered species to protect them.
- Private: Keeps your location completely hidden. Best for maximum privacy, though it does make it harder for scientists to use your observation in location-based research.
Step 7: Tick “Captive/Cultivated” if Needed
If your observation is from a zoo, botanical garden or domestic garden, tick the “Captive/Cultivated” box. This helps scientists understand the difference between wild and human-managed populations, which matters a lot for ecological research.
Step 8: Submit Your Observation
Tap the big green tick and you are done. You have just made your first iNaturalist observation. Welcome to a global community of nature lovers and citizen scientists.
How to Use the iNaturalist Map and Explore Page
One of the most underrated features of iNaturalist is the Explore page and its interactive iNaturalist map. You can search any location in the world and see what species have been observed there. Are you planning a trip to South Africa or Bali? Open up the iNaturalist map and see what birds, plants and insects locals have recorded.
The map also shows you biodiversity hotspots, seasonal patterns and even where threatened species have been sighted (with obscured locations to protect them). Which is an amazing feature if you want to find the best places to visit with the most wildlife!
Your Online Nature Journal
With iNaturalist you can create your personal online nature journal. It is the perfect place to keep track of all of the amazing species you see. From your backyard to exotic countries. Imagine looking back at all of the incredible diversity you saw on your travels! The notes with these observations bring those moments back to life! I did this on my trip to the Pacific Islands recording colourful birds and intricate plants.
Ready to Start Using iNaturalist?
This post was all about how to use iNaturalist. From setting up your account to making your first observation!
I hope you enjoyed learning all about iNaturalist and how it can help contribute to science. Share your first iNaturalist species observation in the comments!! I would love to hear about what you have found!
Thank you for reading
Georgia xo
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