Places like the forest that you hike in, the meadow you drive past on the highway, or even the environment right outside your home are full of life. Every natural space is an ecosystem– a community of living organisms that interact with each other.
Understanding the biodiversity of an ecosystem is an important tool in recognizing its health and importance. This includes looking at everything from bacteria to insects to birds and mammals. If you can identify what is living in the natural spaces you care about, you can more accurately learn how your ecosystem works and how to help appreciate and nurture it.
In your natural spaces, you probably see some critters that you already know–some common birds or a mammal here or there. But what about the ones you don’t see? Or, the ones you don’t notice? If you take a closer and longer look, you will likely see animals that don’t come to mind when you think of the word “animals.”
When you do, there are a few tools you can use to identify and learn more about it. And, if you share your findings, you become a part of citizen science–people sharing and collaborating in research to increase scientific knowledge.
iNaturalist.org
My personal favorite resource for identification is the app and website iNaturalist. This is a tool that will suggest an identification for a photo you upload. Then, other users will help to verify that identification or suggest new ones until enough people agree for it to be “Research Grade,” meaning that it is very reliable.
According to their website, users have made over 53,000,000 observations of over 300,000 species. Each observation is pinpointed on the global map so that anybody looking for data or information on that species can find it.
Also, if you make an observation within the area of a designated “project,” it will automatically be added. Projects are set up by individuals, school classes, state and national parks, and other groups to keep track of the biodiversity in their area.
The iNaturalist website also has journal and forum posts so this community of scientists and citizen scientists can connect. Start your own project for your neighborhood or any other space where you’re curious about biodiversity and start observing! Check out their video tutorials for how to use the website and app and ensure you get the best pictures needed for an accurate observation
Above are examples of observations I made around my home that are on iNaturalist. The box turtle is an animal that stays within a mile radius its whole life. iNaturalist can help track if this same turtle is seen again in the future as well as the overall box turtle population, a vulnerable species.
The picture of the mantis laying an egg case I uploaded not knowing its species. It was identified by the community as a Chinese mantis–an invasive species. Tracking invasive species numbers and spread is very important to scientists that citizen science can greatly help with.
The frog I found was another where I did not know its species. It was identified as a pickerel frog. Using iNaturalist, I learned that I observed this frog at its peak observation time in August. This is useful because observations of animals that are at an unusual time are often an indicator of a change in the environment. Frogs are also indicators of certain types and the health of ecosystems.
Seek
If you are looking for a way to learn more about nature with your family and kids, Seek is a great app that is by the folks at iNaturalist. Drawing on the observations made in your area through iNaturalist, Seek will help you identify species in real-time through your camera! The more observations you make, your list grows and you earn badges. This option is great for kids and teens because no registration is required but you are still able to keep track of your finds. Seek is perfect for learning about the biodiversity in your backyard or any smaller or private place.
Not only does learning about biodiversity help kids understand science and scientific principles, but when they are actively involved in learning about their own spaces, they gain a sense of pride and stewardship. One reason we learn about the natural world so that we are better able to help preserve it. Understanding just how vast and connected all the living things around us are helps put that in perspective!
Identification books
If you’re someone who likes the classic feel of a book in your hand, there are many amazing identification books to choose from. Of course, one of the most important factors to think about when using an I.D. book is making sure it is for the area you are in. There are books for plants and animals often focusing on one type and/or place. For example, The Audubon Society has North American field guides for birds, reptiles/amphibians, mammals, and insects/spiders.
In some cases, having the book with you when you’re outdoors is not feasible. Instead, you can become familiar with the layout of the book and what factors they use to help identify the organism you’re looking at. Take notes on those things and take pictures if you can, then come back and use the book. Sometimes it’s still easy to get stuck. When this happens, reach out to your nearest nature center, state or national park, or fish and wildlife office. They are often happy to help and lend their knowledge! You never know when you might find something of interest to them, too.
Engaging in citizen science and self-guided learning is something that can be fun for people of all ages and all knowledge levels. Understanding biodiversity, the living things we share our environment with, is important for us and them. Caring about and for our environment is essential and something that everybody can participate in.
Stay tuned for an upcoming article about specific citizen science projects that you can share in!
