The online site iNaturalist (https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/) could possibly be the most notable enabler of citizen science at present. And with the current age of technology we live in, the contributions from citizens are vast and various.
The iNaturalist site allows a community of observers, identifiers and taxonomy curators to record an encounter with an organism at a particular time and location. They have the option to upload their gathered evidence of an observation through image, video or sound format. All of this information is not necessary to make a post on iNaturalist, however it is necessary if the submission is to become research quality for fellow scientists conducting formal studies or research. However, since most of us have a phone from this century, we have recording devices tucked in our pockets at all times. This helps us to record the unexpected moments when we spot interesting species in their habitats!
iNaturalist recently hit a huge milestone definitely worth celebrating. In December of 2024 -- 500,000 unique taxa had been documented using iNaturalist. That is a huge half a million submissions from citizens just like you and I. A real testament to the ease of submitting an observation!
Our feathery friends are leading in iNaturalist observations as nearly all of the earth’s bird species (98%) have been observed within the iNaturalist database.
(screen shot from iNaturalist)
These observations range from the mischievous ‘bin chicken ‘(Australian White Ibis) to rare and endangered bird species such as the Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo. Any and all observations are important as each are recorded at a unique time and place, important for research into the locations and population numbers of species.
500, 000 unique taxa is no small feat, but it was only made possible with the help of many. You may be familiar with the 2000s animated movie (released in 1998) with the apt title ‘A Bug’s Life’. In the film, the leading villain, Hopper, has a monologue titled ‘Just one ant speech’(watch the speech on YouTube)
Hopper, the villain grasshopper, criticises his followers for dismissing the ‘one ant’ that stood up to him. Hopper goes about spreading his message with violence, but if we remove his tyrannical tactics, his message stands true.
Every. Little. Ant. Counts.
So, if you happen to spot an organism but think that it is so common that posting to iNaturalist would be redundant, think again.
With the National School Citizen Science BioBlitz coming up for the Biodiversity Month of September, the ‘just one ant’ speech provides the motivation we need to inspire youth citizen scientists. Sign up here: https://www.ps.org.au/citizen-science/bioblitz#join
Of course, all months are important for citizen science! The 2% of bird species undocumented on iNaturalist translates to 349 species that have not been recorded. For reptiles, amphibians and mammals, the numbers are a lot higher.
- For reptiles – 24% remains undocumented
- For amphibians – 32% remains undocumented
- For mammals – 34% remains undocumented
You don’t have to have a David Attenborough level of knowledge of species to help fill these gaps, just snap a pic of anything that is a living organism! Who knows, you may accidentally discover a rare species such as the Purple Copper butterfly.
With the encroaching impacts of climate change, urban consolidation and micro plastics, this form of citizen science is vital for tracking yearly populations - whether an increase or decline. So, don’t underestimate the power of working together to observe species. Get those phones out and start snapping! And in September you could come out on top as the leading BioBlitzer!
Article by Laura Townsend
References
Central West Councils Environment & Waterways Alliance. (2018). ENHANCING ROADSIDE HABITAT QUALITY FOR PURPLE COPPER BUTTERFLY. Central West Councils Environment & Waterways Alliance.
http://www.cwcewa.com.au/enhancing-roadside-habitat-quality-for-purple-copper-butterfly
iNaturalist. (2025). bbhighway’s Projects. INaturalist.
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/user/bbhighway
Loarie, S. (2022). 500,000 Taxa on iNaturalist! · iNaturalist. INaturalist.
https://www.inaturalist.org/blog/103155-500-000-taxa-on-inaturalist