iNaturalist is a network based on natural observation where you can not only share the plants and animals you encounter in your daily life, but also identify them simply by taking a photo.

Although the app has an overwhelming amount of content, it's easy enough to use. On the main screen, you'll see a selection of species commonly seen around your current location. At the bottom, you'll see a camera icon which you can use to log a new species. And from the menu on the left side, you can browse various plants and species at a glance. If you tap on the camera, you can take a photo of a plant or animal in real time or select an image from your gallery, after which the app will work on identifying it.

If you tap on the drop-down menu, on the other hand, you can access all the species categories already registered on iNaturalist: birds, fungi, shrubs, flowers, reptiles, insects, fish, mammals, trees, and more. Tap on any of these categories to explore that kind of species within your area, or explore other places to learn about the species found there. All you have to do is take a photo (in focus and centered) of a plant, for example, and in a few seconds, the app will tell you what plant it is.

Besides all these features, this app also includes challenges, objectives, and missions to encourage its users to pay more attention to the natural world around them.

iNaturalist is an incredibly interesting app that helps you explore your local area with a new perspective.

iNaturalist is an online platform and mobile application that connects nature enthusiasts and scientists worldwide. It serves as a collaborative space for observing, identifying, and sharing biodiversity information, fostering a global community dedicated to exploring and understanding the natural world.

Observing and Identifying Nature

The core of iNaturalist lies in its user-generated observations of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms. Users can upload photographs, record sounds, and provide detailed descriptions of their sightings. These observations are then analyzed by a community of experts and fellow enthusiasts, who help identify species and contribute to a vast database of biodiversity information.

Collaborative Identification

iNaturalist's strength lies in its collaborative approach to species identification. When an observation is uploaded, it is shared with a community of users who can suggest identifications or provide additional information. Through discussion and consultation, users can collectively determine the species with high accuracy.

Biodiversity Database

The iNaturalist database contains millions of observations, creating a valuable resource for scientists and conservationists. These observations provide insights into species distribution, abundance, and phenology. Researchers can use this data to study ecological patterns, track changes in biodiversity over time, and identify areas of conservation concern.

Citizen Science

iNaturalist empowers citizen scientists to contribute to scientific research. By sharing their observations, users participate in ongoing projects and help scientists gather data on a scale that would be impossible through traditional methods. This citizen science approach allows for a wider understanding of biodiversity and environmental change.

Education and Outreach

Beyond its scientific value, iNaturalist also serves as an educational tool. The platform provides resources for identifying species, learning about ecology, and participating in citizen science projects. It connects people with nature and fosters a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.

Conclusion

iNaturalist is a vibrant and inclusive community that brings together nature enthusiasts, scientists, and educators. Its collaborative approach to species identification, vast biodiversity database, and citizen science initiatives make it a powerful tool for advancing scientific knowledge and promoting environmental stewardship. Through its global network of users, iNaturalist plays a vital role in connecting people with nature and inspiring a deeper understanding of our planet's biodiversity.