EnviroMatters-Aut-Win-2021_WEB

Insight to the local ecosystem Tallegalla Land for Wildlife member Mick Drews finds the iNaturalist app is an opportunity to better understand the natural world at his doorstep.

Notarcha aurolinealis Pearl Moth Mick Drews

Cantharidae Soldier Beetles Mick Drews

Myzomela sanguinolenta - Scarlet Honeyeater - Mick Drews

Cincloramphus timoriensis Tawny Grassbird Mick Drews

Edosa xystidophora Fungus Moth Mick Drews

Dendrobium linguiforme Tongue Orchid Mick Drews

There is much more for me to know, but iNaturalist has helped me make new connections and given me insights into branches of the taxonomical tree that were previously a mystery. I didn’t even know I was interested in some of them. Download iNaturalist from your app store.

I find it rewarding to help out others with that bit of knowledge I have picked up. It is a place for all those hundreds of photos I have taken over the years, and they may be a valuable scientific reference (far better than stuck on my hard drive, unseen by anyone). Making connections with people who share my interests, some are quite nearby too. I even found a gastropod guy. I never knew moths were so interesting. There is the usual good natured and respectful debate regarding identifications and taxonomy.

The ecosystems present on Land for Wildlife properties are fascinating. I enjoy observing the diversity of plants, insects, birds and animals that share my home. They change with the seasons, sometimes they are abundant, at other times they can’t be found. Somehow they all fit together and I estimate that I don’t understand a fraction of what is going on. Earlier this year the Land for Wildlife people from Ipswich City Council introduced me to iNaturalist. The opportunities to fill some knowledge gaps were immediately obvious.

APRIL IS CITIZEN SCIENCE MONTH Citizen science is public participation in the collection and analysis of scientific data in relation to the natural world.

10