iNaturalist is an Android app for documenting plants and animals and getting help identifying them from photos. It is intended for people who want to learn more about wildlife they encounter in everyday surroundings, as well as those interested in exploring species from other locations.
Can iNaturalist help identify plants and animals?
The app lets you take a photo of a plant or animal and share the observation for identification. The source describes using a clear photo and says identification may take a few seconds; it does not specify identification accuracy or guarantee a result. Photos also provide a way to record what you encounter.
What kinds of species can I explore?
iNaturalist includes categories such as birds, fungi, shrubs, flowers, reptiles, insects, fish, mammals, and trees, among others. Its main screen is described as showing species commonly seen near your location, while a menu provides access to browse species. These options support looking up different kinds of wildlife rather than limiting exploration to one category.
Can I look beyond my local area?
Yes. The app supports exploring species found both in your current area and in other places. This can be useful when you want to learn about the natural life associated with a location beyond your immediate surroundings. The source does not specify how locations are selected or what geographic coverage is available.
Does the app include activities for observing nature?
iNaturalist includes challenges, objectives, and missions intended to encourage closer attention to the natural world. The source does not describe the rules or completion requirements for these activities, so their specific formats cannot be confirmed. Together with photo observations and species browsing, they offer another way to engage with the plants and animals around you.