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WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS: WHAT TO

SHARE AND HOW TO SHARE IT

S E E S H A R E S C I E N C E
CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION BY SHARING SIGHTING DETAILS OF FISH,
WILDLIFE, AND PLANTS .

Contributing to conservation can be as sim-
ple as sharing the details of observations made
in your backyard, during your commute, or on
your recent hunting or fishing trip. Specific
what, when, and where details of your nature
sightings can help biologists track the status of
fish, wildlife, and plants across the state.
S E E
WHAT TO SHARE:
Sighting details can be shared for any organ-
ism, whether it’s common or rare, native, or
introduced. Regardless of the species, know-
ing when and where it was spotted and how
many were seen can help biologists plan for
future conservation efforts. Photos and infor-
mation about any markings or identification
bands can strengthen the observation. to explore. Both apps allow you to search the
While documenting common plants and respective databases for species and places of
animals is as important as documenting rare interest while also allowing observers to obscure
species, naturalists can be on the lookout for the location of their sightings. iNaturalist can
sensitive species that are the focus of ongo- also offer identification suggestions when pho-
ing Wildlife Department projects. Sightings of tos or sounds are uploaded and allows the larger
bumble bees, Texas horned lizards, eastern iNaturalist community to suggest an identifica-
whip-poor-wills, and loggerhead shrikes are tion after the sighting is posted.
of special interest.
WHEN TO SHARE:
HOW TO SHARE: Nature sightings can be shared as soon as
Once you’ve made your observation, photos you make the observation, or whenever you
and details about the sighting can be shared chose to upload the details. Nature apps make
at wildlifedepartment.com, or on free nature it exceptionally easy to share information and
apps like iNaturalist or eBird. (iNaturalist col- photos within minutes of an observation, but
lects observation details for all organisms some naturalists wait to share details of sensi-
while eBird focuses on bird sightings.) tive species so the individuals won’t be unin-
Joining iNaturalist or eBird not only gives you tentionally harassed. If you won’t be sharing
a place to log and share your nature observa- details the day of the sighting, consider jotting
tions but also connects you with other natural- the specific date and location along with any
ists in your area and helps you find new places notes that will help jog your memory.

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