Jul 3, 2020
More than 78,000 observations recorded using the iNaturalist Canada platform
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“We launched the Observation Nation project to help connect people with nature and each other during this period of social distancing and we are overwhelmed by the response of Canadians in their efforts to help us track biodiversity,” said James Pagé, Species at Risk and Biodiversity Specialist with CWF. “When we started the project on iNaturalist.ca we set the goal of reaching 50,000 wildlife observations by Canada Day. The fact that the project has recorded nearly 80,000 observations demonstrates the desire Canadians have to connect with nature. All those observations become part of the database which helps track biodiversity across Canada.”
The bilingual iNaturalist platform is available at iNaturalist.ca or via the free iNaturalist app, where users can 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. During the challenge period, over 5,958 individual species were found by members of the CWF Observation Nation project on iNaturalist.ca.
“Using iNaturalist is a fun, family-friendly way to turn your next outdoor adventure into a journey of scientific discovery,” said Pagé. “Making observations is a simple way to have a global impact on conservation. Users could discover species never before seen in Canada or make observations that help specialists assess the status of species at risk, counter the spread of invasive species and much more.”
Those interested in joining the CWF Observation Nation project can do so simply by opening a free account on iNaturalist.ca and joining the project. Future incentives will include prizes for hitting observation milestones and finding specific species. For more information on the iNaturalist platform, visit iNaturalist.ca. For more information on the Canadian Wildlife Federation, visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.
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About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending legislative changes and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. Visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca for more information.
iNaturalist Canada is a member of the iNaturalist Network, a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.
Contacts:
James Pagé
Species at Risk and Biodiversity Specialist
jamesp@cwf-fcf.org
(613) 599-9594 x242
David DeRocco
Sr. Manager, Marketing and Events
davidd@cwf-fcf.org
(613) 599-9594 x279
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