Connect with nature in a whole new way Explore. Learn. Contribute to conservation with iNaturalist.ca
Turn your next outing into a journey of scientific discovery. Download your free iNaturalist app at iNaturalist.ca and join a network of hundreds of thousands of people observing wildlife around the globe. Using a smartphone or digital camera, anyone can share sightings of flora and fauna and contribute to a growing record of biodiversity. It’s “citizen science” that’s fun, educational and impactful. Share your observations Record evidence (photo or sound) of any living thing – a plant, fungus, animal or even tracks and scat – and upload it through the iNaturalist app or online at iNaturalist.ca. Make sure to take in-focus, close-up photos of identifying features. If you need guidance, follow the resources in the Help section of iNaturalist.ca. Learn about species around you No more wondering what species you’re looking at. iNaturalist’s auto-identification feature instantly offers species suggestions. Search nearby observations to discover species living around you. Join a project Join a project that interests you — from bats to birds — to contribute your observations and get updates. Join a bioblitz event and help track biodiversity in a localized area.
Keep your own list of what you’ve seen iNaturalist.ca maintains your personal list of every observation you have made. Search what you saw on a previous date or time. Search one species in particular or view everything you’ve recorded in a specific area. Engage with others Connect with experts who can help identify species. Follow friends to see their observations. Have a global impact on conservation You could discover species never before seen in Canada. Make observations that help specialists assess the status of at-risk species, counter the spread of invasive species and much more. Your contribution could be the next big find!
Find out more at iNaturalist.ca
iNaturalist Canada is a member of the iNaturalist Network, a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and National Geographic Society Photos: Amanda Bichel; David Coulson; Claude Robidoux; Getty Images; Suzanne Southon
Une toute nouvelle façon de se rapprocher de la nature Explorez. Apprenez. Contribuez à la conservation avec iNaturalist.ca
Pour des sorties en plein air remplies de découvertes scientifiques, allez sur iNaturalist.ca et téléchargez l’appli gratuite iNaturalist afin de vous joindre aux centaines de milliers de personnes qui observent le monde naturel partout sur la planète. À l’aide d’un téléphone intelligent ou d’un appareil photo numérique, n’importe qui peut partager ses observations de la faune et de la flore et ainsi contribuer à ce registre vivant de la biodiversité. C’est de la « science citoyenne » amusante, éducative et utile. Partagez vos observations Prenez une photo ou enregistrez un son comme preuve – une plante, un champignon, un animal, ou même des pistes et des crottes – et téléversez dans l’appli ou sur le site iNaturalist.ca. Assurez-vous d’avoir des photos claires et en gros plan pour pouvoir identifier le sujet. Si vous avez besoin d’aide, consultez les ressources dans la section « Aide » sur iNaturalist.ca. Découvrez les espèces qui vous entourent Plus besoin de vous demander de quelle espèce il s’agit; la fonction d’auto-identification d’iNaturalist présente instantanément des suggestions. Allez voir les observations sur la carte pour savoir ce qu’il y a autour de vous. Joignez-vous à un projet Joignez-vous à un projet qui vous passionne – des chauves-souris aux oiseaux – pour y contribuer et recevoir les mises à jour. Joignez-vous à un bioblitz et aidez à consigner la biodiversité d’une zone déterminée.
Sauvegardez votre liste d’observations iNaturalist conserve votre liste personnelle de toutes vos observations. Recherchez ce que vous avez vu à une certaine date ou heure. Recherchez une espèce en particulier, ou tout ce que vous avez enregistré en un endroit donné. Discutez avec les autres Entrez en contact avec les experts qui peuvent aider à identifier les espèces. Suivez vos amis pour voir leurs observations. Appuyez la conservation au niveau mondial Vous pourriez découvrir une espèce nouvelle au Canada. Vos observations aident les spécialistes à évaluer le statut des espèces en péril, combattre la propagation des espèces envahissantes, et encore plus. Votre observation pourrait être la prochaine grande découverte!
Plus de renseignements au iNaturalist.ca iNaturalist Canada fait partie du réseau iNaturalist, une initiative conjointe de la California Academy of Sciences et de la National Geographic Society. Photos : Amanda Bichel; David Coulson; Claude Robidoux; Getty Images; Suzanne Southon
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Adding an observation online For more information, please visit iNaturalist.ca/help
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Log in to or create your free account at iNaturalist.ca and click Upload at the top right of the webpage.
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Drag and drop photos or sound recordings from a folder on your computer or click Choose files.
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Enter what you saw or use the automated suggestions by clicking on the species text box. You can leave this section blank if the species is unknown.
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The date will be added automatically. If not, use the calendar to enter a date.
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The location will be added automatically if you have a GPS enabled camera or if using a smartphone with GPS turned on. Otherwise, click on the location field and select a spot on the map.
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You can add common dates or locations to several observations at a time by selecting all or Ctrl clicking and using the options on the left side of the screen.
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Submit your observation(s).
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WEB
Utilisation du site Web Pour plus de détails, rendez-vous au iNaturalist.ca/help
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Ouvrez une session ou créez un compte gratuit au iNaturalist.ca, puis cliquez sur Téléverser en haut à droite.
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Glissez et déposez des photos et enregistrements sonores à partir d’un dossier sur votre ordinateur, ou cliquez sur Choisir les fichiers.
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Inscrivez le nom de ce que vous avez vu ou utilisez les suggestions automatiques en cliquant dans la zone de texte ‘Nom de l’espèce’. Si vous ne connaissez pas l’espèce, laissez ce champ vide.
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La date sera automatiquement ajoutée. Sinon, utilisez le calendrier.
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L’emplacement sera automatiquement ajouté si la fonction GPS de votre appareil photo ou cellulaire était allumée. Sinon, cliquez dans la zone de texte ‘Emplacement’ et allez choisir le bon endroit sur la carte.
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Pour ajouter la même date ou emplacement à plusieurs observations, cochez ‘Sélectionner tout’ ou appuyez sur la touche ‘Ctrl’ tout en cliquant sur chaque observation, puis modifiez les champs à la gauche de l’écran.
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Soumettez votre/vos observation(s).
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SMARTPHONE
Using the iNaturalist app For more information, please visit iNaturalist.ca/help
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Log in to or create your free account with the iNaturalist app. To upload an observation, tap the green '+'. iPhone: tap observe.
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iPhone:
Take one or more photos of the same species or a sound recording to use as evidence. You can also add existing photos or sound recordings. iPhone: Sound recordings are not currently supported. Coming soon to iOS.
Choose one of the suggestions, write in your own ID, or leave it blank if offline.
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Enter what you saw or use the automated suggestions by tapping on the species text box (requires internet connection). You can leave this section blank if the species is unknown.
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The date you saw it will be added automatically, if not, use the calendar to enter a date.
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The location you saw it will be added automatically. If not, check the Location settings on your device.
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If you want to, add in extra details like notes, set the geoprivacy, mark if it’s captive or cultivated or add it to a project.
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Save your observation(s) by tapping the green checkmark (iPhone: tap the green 'SAVE' button). Upload to share with the community. This should happen automatically, if not tap upload. You can turn off automatic upload from the app settings in the menu.
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Notes help with ID or provide extra info (ex. what it’s growing on, features the photo doesn’t capture or how many individuals there are) Geoprivacy: how others see your observation on the map. The more visible, the more beneficial to conservation Open (default setting) = the precise location and most valuable for conservation Obscured = the observation is randomly placed within a box around the general area Private = the observation doesn’t show up on the map and of little conservation value Captive/Cultivated: check this box for things like garden plants, planted trees, zoo animals or pets Projects: tap to see a list of projects you have joined. Most will automatically add your observation, but for some you need to check the box beside the project name to add it yourself
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TÉLÉPHONE INTELLIGENT
Utilisation de l’application iNaturalist Pour plus de détails, rendez-vous au iNaturalist.ca/help
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Ouvrez une session ou créez un compte gratuit dans l’appli iNaturalist. Pour téléverser une observation, appuyer sur le ‘+’ vert. iPhone : appuyez sur Observer.
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Prenez une ou plusieurs photos de la même espèce ou faites un enregistrement sonore pour avoir une preuve. Vous pouvez aussi utiliser des photos ou sons qui sont déjà sur votre appareil.
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Inscrivez le nom de ce que vous avez vu ou utilisez les suggestions automatiques en appuyant dans la zone de texte ‘Nom de l’espèce’ (connexion internet requise). Si vous ne connaissez pas l’espèce, laissez ce champ vide.
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La date sera automatiquement ajoutée. Sinon, utilisez le calendrier.
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L’emplacement sera automatiquement ajouté. Sinon, vérifiez votre service de localisation dans vos paramètres.
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Si vous le voulez, ajoutez des détails tels que des notes, réglez la géoconfidentialité, indiquez si c’est une espèce en captivité ou cultivée, ou ajoutez l’observation à un projet.
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Sauvegardez l’observation en appuyant sur le crochet vert (iPhone : appuyez sur le bouton vert ‘PARTAGER’.) Téléversez pour partager avec la communauté. Si cela ne se fait pas automatiquement, appuyez sur ‘téléverser’. Vous pouvez éteindre la fonction de téléversement automatique dans les paramètres.
Observer
Choisissez une des suggestions, écrivez le nom, ou laissez le champ vide.
2 3 4 5 6 Les observations sont automatiquement comptées par les projets de collections; on ne peut les ajouter manuellement.
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Notes: aident à identifier ou donnent des infos supplémentaires (comme où ça pousse, ce qu’on ne voit pas sur la photo, combien d’individus il y a). Géoconfidentialité: définit comment votre observation apparaît sur la carte. Plus elle est visible, plus elle est utile à la conservation. Public (par défaut) = emplacement exact; le plus utile. Masqué = l’emplacement est choisi au hasard dans une zone autour du réel emplacement. Privé = l’observation n’apparaît pas sur la carte; le moins utile. En captivité/cultivé: cochez dans le cas de plantes de jardins ou arbres plantés, animaux domestiques ou au zoo. Projets: appuyez pour voir les projets dont vous être membre. Votre observation s’ajoutera automatiquement à la plupart des projets; sinon, vous devez cocher la case à côté du nom du projet pour l’y ajouter.
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PARTAGER
IDENTIFY
Identifying observations on the web Whether you know just one species really well or have an in-depth knowledge of taxonomy, you can help improve the conservation value of iNaturalist observations. It’s most easily done online versus the app. For more information, please visit iNaturalist.ca/help.
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Login to or create your free account at iNaturalist.ca and click the Identify tab.
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You can search for a species or species group (like “turtles”) and location if you’re more knowledgeable with certain species or your local area.
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You can filter observations by species category, username, date, project and even help out the newest iNaturalist users by filtering for accounts created within the last week.
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If you’re confident and agree with the ID that’s already been suggested, you can click “agree” and move on to the next observation.
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Click on any observation to review the details, see additional photos and the location. You can then click on the image to zoom in.
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Add details and ID: a. Mark if it looks captive or cultivated. b. Agree with the observer or add a new ID. c. Add comments to support your ID. d. The observation will automatically update.
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IDENTIFY
Identifying observations on the web
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To use the ID tools click on “suggestions”. There are a few options to set the “source” to help: Observations = the most observed species in that group in your area (ex. if your observation is a type of Maple, it will give a list of maple species). RG observations = the research grade observations in your area in that species group. Visually similar = a computer vision model incorporating image recognition software and the location to suggest an ID. Please be sure of any ID you suggest. Remember, the image recognition isn’t always accurate so you will need to use your own skills and judgement.
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Click on the left or right arrow to move on to the next or previous observation. Or click the X to go back to all (or your filtered) observations.
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The observations you have identified are marked as reviewed and no longer appear. If you want to see these again, click the “Reviewed” checkbox.
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Congratulations! You’re now part of special group of iNaturalist.ca users. By adding your knowledge and experience, you are helping Canadian wildlife!
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IDENTIFIER
Identifier des observations sur le Web Que vous connaissiez une seule espèce vraiment bien ou que vous possédiez une connaissance approfondie de la taxinomie, vous pouvez aider à augmenter l’utilité des observations sur iNaturalist en matière de conservation. Ceci s’effectue plus facilement sur le site Web qu’avec l’appli. Pour plus de détails, rendez-vous au iNaturalist.ca/help.
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Accédez à votre compte, ou créez-en un gratuitement sur iNaturalist.ca, puis cliquez sur l’onglet Identifier.
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Vous pouvez chercher une espèce ou un groupe d’espèces (comme ‘tortues’) et spécifier l’emplacement, selon vos forces.
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Vous pouvez filtrer les observations selon les catégories d’espèces, noms d’utilisateurs, dates ou projets, et même aider les nouveaux usagers d’iNaturalist en effectuant un filtre pour trouver les comptes créés au cours de la dernière semaine.
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Si vous êtes confiant et êtes d’accord avec l’indentification proposée, cliquez sur ‘Accepter’ et passez à la prochaine observation.
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Cliquez sur l’observation pour voir les détails, les photos supplémentaires et l’emplacement. Vous pouvez cliquer sur l’image pour la grossir. Ajoutez des détails et l’identification : a. Indiquez si l’espèce semble en captivité ou cultivée. b. Acceptez l’identification ou proposez-en une autre. c. Écrivez un commentaire pour appuyer votre décision. d. L’observation sera actualisée automatiquement.
Geai Bleu
Gendarme
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Noisetier
Moineau Domes...
Inconnu
IDENTIFIER
Identifier des observations sur le Web
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Pour utiliser les outils d’identification, cliquez sur ‘Suggestions’. Vous pouvez choisir parmi les différentes ‘sources’: Observations = les espèces du groupe en question les plus observées dans votre région (par ex. si votre observation est un érable, une liste d’espèces d’érables apparaîtra). Observations CR = les observations de calibre recherche de ce groupe d’espèces dans votre région. Visuellement semblable = un modèle de vision numérique relie l’emplacement aux résultats obtenus par le logiciel de reconnaissance d’images afin de suggérer une identification. Soyez certain des identifications que vous proposez. N’oubliez pas que la reconnaissance d’images n’est pas toujours exacte, donc vous devez utiliser vos connaissances et jugement.
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Cliquez sur la flèche gauche ou droite pour passer à l’observation précédente ou suivante. Ou cliquez sur le X pour retourner à toutes les observations (ou au résultat de votre filtre).
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Les observations que vous avez identifiées sont marquées comme relues et n’apparaissent plus. Si vous souhaitez les voir de nouveau, cochez ‘Relu’.
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Félicitations! Vous faites maintenant partie d’un groupe distinct d’usagers d’iNaturalist. En partageant vos connaissances et votre expérience, vous aidez la faune et la flore du Canada!
How to Take Identifiable Photos of
Birds for
© Getty Images
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Try getting an in-focus photo of the head as it can be a different colour than the rest of the body, such as the black crown on this Canada Jay. Some birds, like Northern Cardinals, have an identifiable mohawk on their head.
Pro Tip
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Birds are one of the most accessible groups of animals and can be found at feeders, in trees, on shorelines and more. However, they can be difficult to photograph. Consider using a digital camera instead of a phone camera for bird observations.
Did you know? You can also upload sound recordings to iNaturalist. Bird songs are unique to most species and can help others identify what you saw or heard.
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Many species have brightly coloured males and much duller brown or gray females that make them much harder to identify. If possible, snap a photo of the male.
The wing and tail feathers sometimes have a unique flash of colour, shape or length that differentiates them © Will Van Hemessen from other birds. (CC-BY-NC)
The chest, throat and face mask can have different colours or patterns depending on the species. For example, the Canada Jay has a white mask, throat and chest.
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Getting a photo of the colour, length or shape of a bird's feet may others help identify your observations This is especially true with shorebirds, many of whom can be differentiated this way!
It can be difficult to take photos of wildlife. It is not essential to photograph every point on this diagram to get an identifiable observation. Just try your best! Birds face many threats including window strikes and cats. Consider keeping cats indoors and bird-proofing your windows. Uploading observations of birds killed by these threats are very valuable for conservation.
When taking a photo of the head, including the beak shape and length will help others identify your observation.
Some bird species, especially birds of prey, are seen most often soaring in the sky. There are species that can be identified this way based on their tail shape, wingspan and other features. Try to get an in-focus photo of the bird to help others ID it.
© Getty Images
Created by the
For more information, please visit iNaturalist.ca/help.
How to Take Identifiable Photos of
Mammals for Pro Tip
Mammals range greatly in size and habitat; however, most are skittish near humans. If possible, use a digital camera instead of a phone camera for mammal observations. You can also upload sound recordings to iNaturalist, such as a wolf call.
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Attempt to get a photo of the coat and any patterns that may be present (eg. beaver coats range in colour from yellow-brown to black) as well as the overall body shape.
© Getty Images
Teeth size and shape can help identify a species of mammal. If you happen to come across bones, there is a chance they can be identified on iNaturalist. Skulls are particularly useful in identifying mammals.
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Did you know you can add multiple photos to an observation on iNaturalist? Try taking a photo of the surrounding habitat to help others ID your observation. For example, beavers are usually found in or near lakes and rivers.
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Try to photograph the tail or lack of tail. This beaver has a characteristically flat and wide hairless tail.
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The shape, size and number of claws or toes can be an indicator of species in mammals. You can also upload photos of tracks to iNaturalist! Use a scale (or a hand) to help others ID your observation.
Scat or other physical evidence can also help identify mammals present in the area, such as a beaver dam. © Cody Stricker (CC-BY-NC)
© Getty Images
For your safety and theirs, please do not harass wildlife. Keep your distance and move on after taking a few photos. It is the law in many national and provincial parks to keep a minimum distance away from wildlife. It is also illegal to harass species-at-risk anywhere in Canada.
Created by the
For more information, please visit iNaturalist.ca/help.
How to Take Identifiable Photos of
Turtles for
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If you find a turtle on a road, take note of what direction it is moving towards. You can pick up the turtle using a shovel or with your hands to move it across the road in the direction it is heading. If you do pick the turtle up using your hands, grip it on the sides (except for Snapping Turtles). Snapping turtles may bite so grip these at the very back near the tail and be extra cautious when moving. Do not hold or pull turtles by the tail.
The pattern, colour and shape of the shell can be different depending on the species. Try to get an in-focus photo of the turtle at different angles to help others identify it.
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Pro Tip Turtles are often seen basking on logs or rocks in wetlands, particularly on sunny days. You can spot them by scanning the wetland with binoculars. Sometimes taking a photo through a binocular lens works, but a digital camera with a zoom will greatly improve your ability to capture key features.
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If you are helping a turtle across the road or find a deceased turtle, take a moment to get a photo of the bottom shell for identification purposes. Please note: do not handle turtles unnecessarily, as all Canadian turtles are now considered species-at-risk and are protected by law.
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Capturing patterns and colours on the head, particularly near the ears and on the throat, can be helpful when identifying turtle species.
© Bonnie Kinder (CC-BY-NC)
For your safety and theirs, please do not harass wildlife. Keep your distance and move on after taking a few photos. It is the law in many national and provincial parks to keep a minimum distance away from wildlife. It is also illegal to harass species-at-risk anywhere in Canada.
© mattwelc (CC-BY-NC-ND)
Created by the
For more information, please visit iNaturalist.ca/help.
How to Take Identifiable Photos of
Plants for
Pro Tip
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You want to try to narrow down the classification of your plant by taking a photo of or explaining the overall structure. Examples of different plant subgroups include trees, shrubs, vines, ferns, grasses or flowering non-woody plants.
A bonus of plants is that they don’t move! So, you can take your time to get multiple photos and make sure they are in focus. Some cameras tend to focus on the background instead of the plant, so make sure you’re capturing it properly – you can use your hand or another object to put behind the plant part to help focus.
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© Will Van Hemessen (CC-BY-NC)
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Record any visible roots, ideally with a scale. This is especially important when identifying aquatic plants. Avoid pulling the plant to check, since we’re trying to conserve species not uproot them!
Take a photo or explain the general habitat the plant is found in (ex. forest, field, roadside, yard, or wetland).
The flower is often the most identifiable feature of a plant, and in absence of a flower, it is usually the leaf. Consider putting these features in the first photo of your observation to help it get identified quicker.
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Take a photo both sides of the leaf. You want to show if it has a simple leaf membrane (one defined leaf) or compound (has two or more distinct leaflets) as well as the leaf edge shape and the vein structure on the underside. For needle-like leaves, try to roll one in your hand to determine if it is flat or rounded. Explain your findings in the notes section of the observation.
© Getty Images
of the stem or trunk if your plant has one. You want to show the texture, patterns and colour to help others identify the species.
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Photograph any flowers, fruit, seeds, seed pods or cones present. The number of petals, petal colour and overall flower shape can help differentiate plant species. This also applies to fruit, seeds and seed pods or cones of plants.
It can be difficult to take photos of wildlife. It is not essential to photograph every point on this diagram to get an identifiable observation. Just try your best! For your safety and theirs, please do not collect or damage plants. It is also illegal to harm or move species-at-risk anywhere in Canada.
Created by the
© Derek (CC-BY-NC)
For more information, please visit iNaturalist.ca/help.