Observations of selected animal and plant species in South Tyrol can be reported online. Anyone interested can participate.
Once again this year the Nature Office is collecting observation data on animal and plant species in South Tyrol as part of a “citizen science” project in which interested citizens actively participate in the scientific investigation with their observations.
As done in the past, species that, according to the Habitats Directive, are threatened, rare or endemic throughout Europe are sought and observed in South Tyrol. Starting in May, for example, it is possible to observe the yellow-bellied toad (a small toad) or the extremely rare oak cerambix (an insect of the beetle order).
Profiles of the researched species, summarizing their most important characteristics, are available on the citizen science web pages.
Fill out the online form and submit a photo
Anyone who spots one or more of these species in the wild can simply report their observations by filling out the online form, including via smartphone. Geographic coordinates of the observation point can be entered using a digital map. In order to verify the observation, a photo must always be submitted as proof.
“The reported observations are then checked and archived in the Museum of Nature’s database,” explains Leo Hilpold, director of the Nature Office, emphasizing that “they support our work on the state of knowledge of Habitats Directive species, including the preparation of the Natura 2000 report for the European Union.” With the invitation to take an active part in the Citizen Science 2025 project, it is also intended to thank all the people who participated in the previous year: “Last year’s observations are impressive: 93 citizens reported 137 observations of numerous species,” Hilpold concludes.
