ALPTREES iNaturalist
ALPTREES uses iNaturalist platform to collect non-native trees abundance in the Alpine space both forest and urban environment
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/alptrees
Aim
Climate change represent a major threat to forests and urban environment. Non-native tree species can support adaption of forests and urban areas, but also can cause problems in case of invasive species.
ALPTREES objective is to develop a comprehensive database on non-native tree species, predicting the current and potential distribution of non-native trees in the Alpine space under climate change scenarios.
To provide a transnational strategy for a Decision Support System on responsible use and management of non-native tree species.
To improve knowledge-based decision-making tools that allow stakeholders in the sectors forestry, nature conservation, timber industry and rural & urban planning to distinguish between the negative and positive impacts of non-native tree species on ecosystem services and functional needs in urban, peri-urban and rural areas.
Learn more about the project: https://www.alpine-space.eu/projects/alptrees/en/home
How to participate
1) Install iNaturalist Android app on Google Play or iPhone app in the Apple App Store
2) Make a photo of a tree you suspect to be non-native and upload to iNaturalist.
- You can take a photo within iNaturalist app or select one from your photo gallery
- You can have several pictures of the same tree, focusing on the most recognizable parts: flowers, leaves, seeds, bark, crown shape. Please read ALPTREES handbook on non-native tree species for more information.
- No problem if the tree you captured is native. It will be sorted out later.
- The application will suggest you several names based on image recognition algorithm. You can select one from the list or suggest a name based on your experience. As only the photo uploaded, community will help to give a consistent opinion on the tree species name.
- uploading can be delayed until you are in a WiFi zone.
3) enjoy common efforts to collect information on tree species diversity in the mobile and web platform
- Leader board
- maps
- Tree species information
- discussions
Mobile application is available in multiple languages, incl. English, French, Italian, German, Slovene.
Needed equipment
Photo camera with GPS location recording, e.g. cellphone
Keywords
Science Topics
Participation tasks
Coordinator
Bundesforschungs- und Ausbild…
Governmental
Other Organisations involved
