This is something I have come across a few times now through the marvels of social media since my interest in trail cameras was sparked. Various research projects call on citizen scientists to help them classify data. You could be that citizen scientist.

How does it work?

A research project will post their photos captured by remote cameras on an online platform. Citizen register as users. You can then start going through photographs. Alongside each photograph there are lists of animals that you can tick. You need to tick every animal that you can see in the picture. You will mark the number of animals of each species and the behaviour they are participating in. You do not need to be scared of making mistakes as many people will look at each photographed and potential errors will be ruled out. Even if you do not immediately know what it is, there is an online guide with pictures and options to make it easy to narrow down the species you are seeing. There are also comparisons between very similar species. It is very easy, very user-friendly and a lot of fun.

How to register?

Visit https://www.zooniverse.org and register yourself as a user. Find a project and start classifying. That is how easy it is!

Research Projects

I am listing two of the projects that I have come across here that have are in Southern Africa. If you know of any other projects, you are welcome to share them in the comments.

The first project I would like to share is Snapshot Safari South Africa

With Snapshot Safari South Africa you can help classify animals in various reserves including, but not limited to, Pilanesberg, Madikwe and the APNR (Greater Kruger).

The second project is Wildcam Gorongosa

With Wildcam Gorongosa you helping to classify animals inside Gorongosa National Park. Many exciting things are currently happening in this park. Just yesterday they announced that the 6000th living species have been identified in this park.

Be part of the magic of science and start classifying.