Call for Observers and Identifiers

Join the Asia Nature Challenge as an observer or identifier and help make Asia’s amazing biodiversity more visible to the world. Whether you’re spotting birds in your garden, photographing plants on a walk, or helping identify others’ finds, your contributions add to a growing pool of knowledge that researchers and conservationists around the globe can use. If you live in a region where nature is less documented, your input matters even more. This is also a chance to connect with fellow nature lovers across Asia, be part of a shared effort, and celebrate the life around us. Every observation and identification helps—and it all begins with simply paying attention to the nature near you.

How to Participate: It’s Easy!

As an observer…

October 3 – 6

Observe nature around you

Whether on a hike, heading to the beach, or just going around town, pay attention to the diverse wildlife around you. Look for any plant, animal, insect that is not captured nor cultivated.

Record your observation

Take photos or an audio recording of your discovery and make note of its location. This is easy with the iNaturalist app as it will guide you through the necessary steps.

Share your findings

Upload your observations to iNaturalist where a global community can leverage your contribution for scientific research and also provide you an opportunity to engage and learn more about your discovery.

As an identifier…

October 7 – 12

Engage the community

If you are interested in helping the community to better organise all the observations, you can survey the iNaturalist platform to see which submissions have not been identified.

Provide identification or categorisation

Suggest at minimal a high-level group like “plants,” “insects,” “bird,” or “fungi” for unidentified observations. This seemingly simple step is critical as humans can recognise and discern the primary subject much quicker than computers.

Review suggestions

Confirm or correct any identification suggestions that were already made. You will have access to experts in the community for discussions and debates so it is a great learning opportunity!

Why Join?

Community Engagement: Connect with like-minded citizen scientists from across Asia and contribute to a collective conservation movement. Gain access to the vast international network of CitizenScience.Asia.
Collaborative Efforts: Gain access to resources and training, ensuring everyone, regardless of experience, can make a meaningful impact.
Expert Guidance: Receive guidance throughout the event from experienced researchers, fellow organisers, and The Naturalist School; one of India’s leading centres for nature education and hands-on ecological learning.
Be Part of Something Bigger: Your participation supports the start of a large-scale, ongoing initiative to track and protect Asia’s biodiversity.
Get Recognised: Get a certificate of recognition for your contributions.

With dedicated support from the ANC team as well as Collaborating Organisations, we’re here to ensure you have everything you need. Ready to make an impact? Let’s celebrate Asia’s biodiversity together!

Fill out the registration form to participate and make sure to join the Asia Nature Challenge 2025 iNaturalist Project today!