Introduce yourself!
Did you know you can let other users know more about you and your interests and expertise in the profile settings?
The iNaturalist Network is more than just a wildlife recording platform it is also a community of experts and enthusiasts many of whom want to help others learn more about their natural environment. It is likely you are one of them! By making a few small changes on your profile you could increase your connection with the UK and global community.
What's in a name?
Generally it has long been considered good practice in biological recording for recorder names to be part of the biological record, so that it is clear who has taken responsibility for recording and identifying the record, and also so that credit can be given to the recorder. However, some people have good reasons not to want their real name to be shared online, and such decisions must be respected.
On iNaturalist users are required to give a username and can optionally also provide a “Display Name”.
If you don't already, you may want to add your real name in the "Display Name”, but only if you are comfortable with doing so.
How to check / update username and display name:
Within the App: Select ‘Edit Profile’. The user name is that next to the head and shoulders icon. The display name is that next to the face icon.
On the website go to Account Settings > Profile. Under 'Display Name' it states “This is the name that will be displayed on your profile as well as for copyright attribution”
So my user name is giselle_s . My display name is Giselle Sterry.
You can also edit your profile in this section. If you are part of a recording scheme or have a particular expertise add it here. You can also include links to relevant websites or projects.
Do you have a favorite taxa?
Share this information by going to your dashboard and searching for the 'Subscribe to a Taxon' link. You can also subscribe to a place so you can be notified of sightings made by others in your local patch or perhaps your next holiday destination!
Review your email address
Is the email address you are using a work or temporary one (eg student account)? If you move jobs / leave college you may not be able to access your account if you are required to confirm your email address in future and no longer have access to it.
If you want to learn more about the iNaturalistUK community go to the People page.