Need to include damage as evidence of presence
Including “Damage” as a new annotation under iNaturalist’s “Evidence of Presence” would greatly enhance the documentation of species that are cryptic, nocturnal, or rarely observed directly. Damage, such as leaf chewing damage, chewed bones, boreholes, claw marks, or bark scoring, can serve as reliable, species-specific evidence, especially for caterpillars, hidden insects like borers, or elusive mammals such as rare big cats.
Unlike existing categories, damage is neither a “Construction” (which implies purposeful building) nor a “Track” (impressions left by movement), but an incidental result of behaviour such as feeding or territory marking. It also differs from “Leafmine,” which refers to a specific feeding pattern within leaf layers by certain insect groups. A broader “Damage” annotation would fill this gap, supporting more accurate identification, early pest detection, and improved biodiversity monitoring across a wider range of species.
This has been discussed in this thread but I don’t feel a satisfactory answer was reached.
Examples of reports where “Damage” as an annotation would be appropriate:
Eucalyptus Longhorn Beetle report: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/260873608
Eastern Black Bear: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/285632888
Pileated Woodpecker: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/283928260
Red Rover Case Bearer Moth: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/269865178
American Beaver: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/280913908
Yellow Bellied Glider: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/280468361