OPAL iSpot – helping people learn how to identify wildlife

As part of Open Air Laboratories (OPAL), the Open University launched iSpot in 2009. iSpot helps beginners learn how to identify wildlife, get in touch with wildlife experts, and go on to get involved in wildlife survey and conservation.

On iSpot, people can upload digital photos, and/or descriptions, of the species they’ve seen, and are encouraged to try identifying it for themselves. Other users on the site can click a button to show agreement with the suggested identification, or if it’s not correct they can add an alternative species name.

Recording schemes and organisations are helping with the identifications on iSpot, by having ‘representatives’ active on the site – people who are willing to spend some time checking identifications and answering queries on the site, and encouraging new observers to get more involved in recording. WSBRC already has one representative on iSpot but if anyone else is interested in taking on this role you’d be welcome, and it all helps promote WSBRC to other iSpot users. Contact us at the WSBRC if you’re interested in this.

iSpot is bringing new people in to observing and recording wildlife, and if we can also help promote the work of records centres and recording schemes so much the better. Use iSpot to help solve your own identification puzzles, or see if you can help others with their wildlife questions.

See also the iSpot online identification keys and the OU’s Neighbourhood Nature course. To get involved, or if you have any questions, please contact iSpot: iSpot@open.ac.uk

iSpot is an OPAL (Open Air Laboratories) project, and is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.