I, naturalist

Utilizing the smart in smartphones, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife recently launched the Oregon Wildlife Conservation project on the iNaturalist app, giving anyone the opportunity to contribute to the knowledge of the presence and distribution of wildlife species across the state.

“ODFW is the agency responsible for protecting and enhancing Oregon’s wildlife populations,” said Conservation Strategy Coordinator Andrea Hanson. “It’s not possible for us to survey all wildlife species to identify priority species conservation and management needs. We need the public’s help.”

Biologists can use the data to enhance ongoing wildlife research efforts, prioritize conservation actions and implement habitat restoration projects.

While ODFW is interested in all wildlife observations, scientists are particularly interested in wildlife Strategy Species: species of greatest conservation need as identified in the Oregon Conservation Strategy, which includes 17 amphibians, 58 birds, 29 mammals and five reptiles.

The app provides a great activity for families.

“What’s exciting about this tool is its accessibility for users of all skill levels,” said Strategy Species Coordinator Emily VanWyk. “You don’t need to be an expert to contribute data. By submitting observations, you connect directly with biologists and conservationists who can help identify your observation and who may be able to use that data to promote ongoing conservation efforts in the state.”

Many activities that Oregonians already pursue can be coupled with a day of using the iNaturalist app such as bird watching, wildlife viewing, nature photography, hunting, fishing and hiking.

“Exploring wildlife species in your own backyard is also a great way to use the tools on iNaturalist to figure out what you’ve found,” said Conservation Biologist Jade Keehn, adding that the project, created in 2020, is already helping biologists better understand Oregon wildlife species.

“Through iNaturalist observations, ODFW was able to document 19 new foothill yellow-legged frog observation locations,” she said, adding that these data will be part of a new study to more accurately document the core range of the species, which is currently under review for listing under the Endangered Species Act.”

iNaturalist data are also being used to help support ongoing conservation projects like the Oregon Connectivity Assessment and Mapping Project. OCAMP aims to link landscapes for wildlife by identifying habitat connectivity throughout the state for 54 of Oregon’s native wildlife species.

For more information, go to MyODFW.com.