We all love watching the wildlife that David Attenborough brings into our living rooms. But did you know he is now shining a light on the hidden biodiversity and wildlife in our own backyards — and you can too?
iNaturalist is a free worldwide citizen science app and website that works as your own personal nature journal.
Ever wondered what that strange fungi is? iNat it.
Heard an unfamiliar frog call? Record it and upload it.
Curious about a native bee or wildflower? Take a photo and share it with an online community that can help identify it.
Each observation records the location, date and time, allowing you to build a snapshot of the wildlife around you and track what you’ve seen over time.
It’s addictive, fun, and you might even stumble across a rare species — or better yet, something not yet recognised by science.
Want to learn more? Look for projects in your local area to join, or better still, take part in a BioBlitz. You never need to explain your fascination with the natural world at a BioBlitz — you’ll already be with your tribe.
I’ll leave you with my favourite quote by Dorothy Parker: “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”
Visit mrl.org.au to learn more.
