description iNaturalist Overview
Launched in 2008, iNaturalist combines a biodiversity observation platform with a social network centered on living organisms. Participants upload photographs or sound recordings of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms, usually with location information. Other members help identify what was recorded, so an observation can develop through discussion and community review rather than depend solely on its contributor's initial identification. These records can support biodiversity research and contribute to scientific data systems.
The platform serves naturalists and citizen scientists, while also offering educators a way to connect outdoor observation with biological learning. Its defining feature is the link between personal encounters with nature and a shared record of biodiversity. It is an observation and identification service rather than a conventional game with a fixed winning condition.
help iNaturalist FAQ
What is iNaturalist used for?
iNaturalist is a citizen-science platform and social network where people record observations of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms. It launched in 2008 and allows observations to contribute to biodiversity research.
Can iNaturalist identify a species from a photo?
The platform can suggest possible identifications from an uploaded observation, after which users can add or correct identifications. A community-supported Research Grade observation requires agreement and adequate evidence rather than relying only on an automated suggestion.
How is iNaturalist different from eBird?
iNaturalist covers broad biodiversity, including plants, insects, fungi, and animals, while eBird is focused specifically on bird observations. Both can support research, but iNaturalist is the broader platform for recording many types of organisms.
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