What is iNaturalist?
iNaturalist is a free, global platform that helps people record, share, and learn about the plants, animals, and fungi they encounter in the wild. Using a smartphone app or website, anyone can upload observations of wildlife, add photos or sounds, and see what others have found nearby.
Each observation contributes to a growing, open database of biodiversity. These records are used by scientists, conservation organizations, land managers, and communities to better understand where species live and how nature is changing over time.
You don’t need to be an expert to participate—iNaturalist is designed for beginners and specialists alike. The community helps identify observations, making it a powerful tool for learning and discovery.
Recording Wildlife in a Specific Place
iNaturalist makes it easy to document all wildlife sightings in a particular location—such as a park, reserve, neighbourhood, campus, or natural area—by creating a Project.
A project brings together all observations made within a defined boundary, creating a shared record of the biodiversity of that place.
How a Place-Based Project Works
- Define the location
The project is linked to a specific geographic area. Any observation made within that boundary is automatically included. - Collect observations
Anyone can contribute by uploading sightings of wild plants, animals, fungi, or insects from within the area. - Build a living species list
Over time, the project creates a continuously updated list of species found in that place, along with maps, photos, and dates. - Learn and share
Community members help identify observations, spot rare or seasonal species, and track changes in biodiversity over time.
Why Create a Project?
A place-based iNaturalist project can:
- Document the full range of wildlife in an area
- Support conservation, research, and land management
- Encourage community participation and nature awareness
- Track seasonal patterns and long-term ecological change
- Create a shared resource for education and stewardship
Whether the goal is scientific research, conservation planning, or simply celebrating local nature, iNaturalist projects turn individual observations into a meaningful, collective record.
To find out more: