As the number of observations submitted to the citizen science platform iNaturalist continues to grow, it is increasingly important that these observations can be identified to the finest taxonomic level, maximizing their value for biodiversity research. Here, we explore the benefits of acting as an identifier on iNaturalist.

As the number of observations submitted to the citizen science platform iNaturalist continues to grow, it is increasingly important that these observations can be identified to the finest taxonomic level, maximizing their value for biodiversity research. Here, we explore the benefits of acting as an identifier on iNaturalist.

  • LibertyLizard@slrpnk.netEnglish
    4·
    4 days ago

    Most importantly it’s just fun and I’m constantly learning by interacting with the community there. I’ve interacted with world renowned experts on there just by chance which is also interesting. @Quercus, are you an IDer? I wonder if we’ve interacted there without knowing.

    • quercus@slrpnk.netOPEnglish
      4·
      4 days ago

      Only half as much as I observe 😅 I’m not confident enough to ID outside of the Mid-Atlantic, sticking mostly to Erigeron sp, pokeberry, some trees, and a handful of bugs.

      I wholeheartedly agree, the community there is awesome! It’s so exciting when an expert or specialist IDs an observation of mine, or dis/agrees with my ID. Such a fun way to learn.