Melbourne is home to an enormous variety of animal and plant species, but tracking the species that exist in each area is a massive job for scientists!
As part of Biodiversity Month we're partnering with other Melbourne councils on a BiodiversityBlitz, a collaborative project where anyone in the community can help investigate what species exist in a particular area and expand scientific knowledge by recording sightings on the iNaturalist website or app.
To help get you excited to participate, we spoke to one of the most prolific iNaturalist users we know, PhD candidate at Melbourne University Zoë Davis.
What inspired you to start using iNaturalist, and what keeps you motivated to continue contributing?
I was introduced to iNaturalist in 2017 by a friend after moving across North America. Initially, I used it mostly to identify plants that were new to me, but I quickly realised it was also an engaging way to learn more about the nature around me. Since moving to Australia, iNaturalist has become one of the main tools I use for exploring the unique flora and fauna here. It helps me build my skills as a naturalist, and it also serves as a daily reminder to get outside.
What's been your favourite plant/animal that you've observed (within the City of Yarra)?
I love that gang-gang cockatoos sometimes hang out in Burnley Park in the winter. I'm an avid birder, so seeing these cockatoos so close to the city is always exciting!
Where is your favourite place to go to connect with nature in Yarra?
I work on the University of Melbourne's Burnley Campus. Since I go there pretty much every day, I've gotten to know the Burnley Gardens and the wilder areas along the river quite well and I've enjoyed seeing how the area changes across the seasons.
What tools or techniques do you use to make your observations more effective?
To make my observations more effective, I use a few key techniques and tools. One approach I find helpful is taking multiple photos of each observation from different angles when possible. Having multiple photos can really help with identification and often speeds up the process of getting an observation to Research Grade – an observation that includes verifiable evidence and has community agreement on the ID, making it reliable enough for scientific use. I also carry a small ruler and a hand lens on my walks. The ruler allows me to include scale in my photos. The hand lens is useful for capturing small organisms and fine details can serve as a make-shift macro lens when I forget my camera.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out on iNaturalist?
Everything counts! The iNaturalist community is full of friendly, knowledgeable people who all love nature. I would encourage people new to iNaturalist not to feel too shy about posting common species and to use it as way to learn about the biodiversity around you. Most of all, just have fun being outside!
Want to join in on the BiodiversityBlitz with us? Create an iNaturalist account today and start tracking your sightings here.
