How does one gain the status of “Naturalist” on iNaturalist? Perhaps I was looking in the wrong place, but I couldn’t see it spelled out. It stated in a drop down, under a person’s title, that it was a number of correct species identified. How many correct species or how exactly does it work? Is it observations or confirmations or both? I certainly want to gain the title. Thank you.
4 Likes
There aren’t any formal “naturalist” titles on the platform. I wonder if you are thinking of - when someone hasn’t filled out their user profile, the default text is “(username) is a naturalist!” That text disappears when you add text to your profile.
If you’re making observations of nature around you, you are a naturalist. :)
27 Likes
As any good scientist (and person) should admit when they are wrong. I stand corrected. You’re right. A number of people just write it in their bios. I saw a drop down for research grade and got the two mixed up. I apologize for the confusion. Thank you for the help!
6 Likes
It is the default text (which tells us they didn’t bother, or haven’t yet - added any info). We would like to know what biodiversity interests you and where. Frogs in Honolulu. Orchids in Mexico. Whatever wherever?
4 Likes
Sometimes new people come along who are obviously really knowledgeable (identifying obscure taxa better than previously) but when I go to their profile and see “… is a naturalist” I encourage them to add a bit of a profile. :)
7 Likes
Yes, this. If you don’t fill out your profile, then we see thousands of IDs, and we are going on blind faith that you have competence in that area.