Nature is all around us, full of different plants and species, but we don’t always know how to identify each one.
With this in mind, iNaturalist stands out as an excellent app for those who want to explore and identify plants and other forms of life.
More than just an identifier, iNaturalist is a collaborative platform that connects people, experts, and organizations to help document biodiversity.
In this post, we’ll explore everything about iNaturalist, its importance, how it works, and how you can download it to start identifying plants and other organisms in nature.
What is iNaturalist and What is Its Importance?
iNaturalist is an app designed to help people identify species of plants, animals, and fungi.
Created as a collaborative project, it allows anyone to take a photo of a plant or organism and receive identification suggestions based on a combination of artificial intelligence and community contributions.
In addition to identifying, the app allows you to record these observations, helping researchers and conservationists map and monitor biodiversity in various regions of the world.
The importance of iNaturalist goes beyond personal use: it helps create a global network of biodiversity data, making it an essential tool for scientific studies and the conservation of endangered species.
With the increase in deforestation and climate change, the app is a way to keep an updated record of species, as well as raise awareness among users about the nature around them.
How Does the iNaturalist App Work?
iNaturalist works in a very intuitive way. The user takes a photo of a plant or other organism they want to identify and uploads it to the app. From there, the app provides identification suggestions based on the species' appearance, using artificial intelligence trained with millions of records.
In addition to AI, iNaturalist has an active community of experts and enthusiasts who can review and confirm identifications. This helps increase the accuracy and quality of the data collected. Each observation becomes a contribution to a global biodiversity database, which is shared with scientists and environmental preservation organizations.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use iNaturalist
- Open the app and create an account if you don’t already have one.
- Take a photo of the plant or organism you want to identify.
- Upload the photo and fill in the location information.
- The app’s artificial intelligence will suggest a possible identification.
- Other users and experts can review and confirm the identification.
Main Features of iNaturalist
- Species identification with automatic suggestions and community review.
- Geolocation of observations, facilitating biodiversity mapping.
- Registro de observações para criar um histórico pessoal das espécies encontradas.
- Active community with participation from experts and nature enthusiasts.
- Compatibility with conservation projects, such as integration with databases and scientific institutions.
Pros and Cons of iNaturalist
Like any app, iNaturalist has its advantages and disadvantages. Below are some points to consider:
Pros
- Accurate identification thanks to the use of AI combined with community review.
- Robust and accessible database, contributing to environmental conservation.
- Interactivity and learning: the app allows interaction with other nature lovers and experts.
- Free and easy to use, with no subscription or additional payment required.
Cons
- The accuracy of identifications depends on the quality of the photo and the visibility of the species.
- In very remote regions, data coverage may be limited.
- Requires an internet connection to upload observations and use artificial intelligence.
How to Download iNaturalist
Downloading iNaturalist is quick and easy. The app is available for both Android and iOS. Follow the steps below to install the app on your device and start exploring the biodiversity around you.
Step-by-Step Download Guide
- Access your device's app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store).
- In the search field, type iNaturalist and select the app.
- Click on Install and wait for the download and installation.
- Open the app, create an account or log in, and you’ll be ready to start!
Tips to Use iNaturalist to the Fullest
To get the best experience with iNaturalist, consider the following tips:
- Take clear photos in good lighting to make identification easier.
- If possible, capture different parts of the plant or organism (leaves, flowers, stem) for a more accurate identification.
- Turn on the GPS of your device when making an observation, as the location helps the AI and the community identify more specific species in the region.
- Join the community and interact with other users to learn more about the local ecosystem.
Conclusion
iNaturalist is one of the best apps for identifying plants and other organisms, allowing you to connect with nature in a practical and educational way.
In addition to helping with identification, the app contributes to the study and conservation of biodiversity around the world.
Whether you're a nature lover, a biology student, or just someone curious about the species around you, iNaturalist offers a complete and enriching experience.
Try iNaturalist and start exploring and recording your natural discoveries. Download the app today and contribute to a more conscious and nature-connected world!
