From habitat destruction, to use of pesticides, the arrival of invasive species and the growing impact of climate change, life, in all shapes and sizes, is fighting to survive. To protect the world’s biodiversity, first we have a better understanding of what and where that biodiversity is. In this episode we delve into iNaturalist, the 2024 Engineering Matters Community Gold Champion. iNaturalist is a citizen science community with thousands of active members sharing the wildlife around them with experts.

Alongside the experts giving support to users, iNaturalist have developed an AI that can identify rare species and even alert experts when it detects something unusual, like a species in an unexpected location. iNaturalist’s database is being used by scientific studies and by conservationists looking for a better understanding of their local biodiversity.

Understanding the wildlife around us gives us a better chance of protecting it. iNaturalist is creating a global community of nature lovers that can be at the centre of helping protect their own local biodiversity.

Guests

Scott Loarie, Executive Director, iNaturalist