Rare plant thought extinct rediscovered by citizen scientist in remote Australia
Phys.org • • science
Key Points:
- Citizen science platforms like iNaturalist are playing a crucial role in major scientific discoveries, exemplified by the rediscovery of the presumed extinct plant Ptilotus senarius in northern Queensland.
- iNaturalist has amassed nearly 300 million observations from four million users worldwide, making it an invaluable resource for scientists who cannot access all regions, especially private lands.
- Programs such as New South Wales' Land Libraries project encourage landowners to document biodiversity on their properties, enhancing data collection and fostering conservation awareness among the community.
- Experts emphasize the importance of uploading high-quality, detailed observations, including multiple photos and contextual information like soil type and nearby species, to improve the accuracy and utility of the data.
- Research shows iNaturalist's global impact,
