Updates

The latest version of the iNaturalist app includes a number of new features and improvements, including:

• A new “Seek” mode that makes it easy to identify plants, animals, and other organisms using your phone’s camera.
• A new “Guides” section that provides curated collections of observations and identifications.
• A new “Projects” section that makes it easy to participate in community-led research projects.
• Improved search functionality.
• Bug fixes and performance improvements.

The new “Seek” mode is the most significant new feature in this release. It uses your phone’s camera to identify plants, animals, and other organisms in real time. Just point your phone at the organism you want to identify and Seek will provide a list of possible matches. If Seek is not sure of the identification, it will ask the iNaturalist community for help.

The new “Guides” section provides curated collections of observations and identifications that can help you learn more about the natural world. These guides are created by iNaturalist staff and volunteers, and they cover a wide range of topics, from common backyard birds to rare and endangered species.

The new “Projects” section makes it easy to participate in community-led research projects. These projects are a great way to learn about the natural world and to contribute to scientific research.

The other new features in this release, such as improved search functionality and bug fixes, are designed to make iNaturalist even more user-friendly and enjoyable.

In our fast-paced lives, it's often challenging to slow down and appreciate the nature around us. Luckily, with the help of technology, we can connect with nature and discover a whole new world of flora and fauna. iNaturalist is one such mobile application that allows users to identify plants and animals around them, learn more from a community of scientists and naturalists, and contribute to research quality data. With this app, you can explore the biodiversity found in your area and beyond. Let's dive into the features, pros, cons, and how to use this app.

iNaturalist helps users in identifying various species. The app uses your location to identify animals and plants specific to your area, giving you a better understanding of the environment around you. You can share your observations with a large community of over 400,000 people, enabling you to connect with naturalists and scientists who can advise you on nature-related queries. Using the iNaturalist app can create a comprehensive image of the biodiversity in a particular region.

One of the most significant advantages of iNaturalist is its user-friendly interface. It's very easy to navigate this app, even for new users. It enables amateur naturalists to learn and explore more about the varied flora and fauna found around them. Sharing your observations with experts and enthusiasts through the app leads to greater peer review validation and enhances the learning experience for users. With a vast community linked with iNaturalist, you will find an answer to most of your queries on biodiversity, environmental science, and sustainability.

Despite iNaturalist's many benefits, the app isn't perfect for all. The need for social interaction and active engagement through image sharing may be lacking; thus, users may not always receive a quick response to their queries. It may also take a while for users to receive accurate feedback on their entries, which may not be ideal for users who require time-bound insights.

First, visit your device's app store and download iNaturalist. Complete the sign-up process, providing necessary details such as email and profile picture. Once registered, select a project and snap a picture of any flora or fauna you want to identify. Fill out the details related to the picture, such as location, species, and other necessary details. Once you've completed that, submit your observation. You will then have the option to share the same with the iNaturalist community or keep it private.

If you can't identify the species you observed in the picture, the iNaturalist community will come to your aid. Submitting your observation, with as much information as possible, can help the community in identifying the flora or fauna species.

While highly unlikely, sometimes receiving incorrect identification feedback can occur. In such a case, you must correct the information, share the necessary details and images, and request feedback that can help identify the species accurately.

iNaturalist maintains high levels of security where your personal information and observations cannot be accessed by unauthorized users. Additionally, you have the option to choose with whom you share observations or keep them private.

iNaturalist has revolutionized how we interact with nature, providing a unique opportunity to explore nature, learn more about biodiversity, and contribute to scientific research. The app has a community of highly skilled naturalists and scientists who are ready and willing to help you learn and expand your knowledge. The pros and features of iNaturalist far outweigh the cons, making it an excellent choice for anyone keen on studying and understanding nature.