Moderators have expertise in the plants, animals and fungi of a particular area or taxonomic category.
They confirm the identification of the wildlife from the images posted to the site, engage in on-line conversations that educate and seek further information from users and provide land managers with specific conservation advice.
Moderators are crucial to the veracity of the data produced on the NatureMapr platform.
Preferably each sighting to a platform will have at least three moderators who can confirm its identity, so that the identification task is shared, continues to function if a particular moderator takes a break, and there is a team of minds to consider problematic identifications.
Moderators for particular wildlife groups tend to operate as informal teams, with discussions and opinions on correct identifications often shared as comments on NatureMapr, so that we can all learn from the discussion.
Moderators are volunteers and should only participate at a level that is comfortable to them. It is best if they enjoy and see benefit in sharing their knowledge. If a moderation task is too onerous then site administrators should be informed and the moderator should only spend the time on moderation tasks that they feel comfortable providing.
Moderators on the NatureMapr platform include internationally recognised experts down to passionate school kids. The level of expertise held is not as important as a moderator only confirming the identification of those records for which they have a high level of certainty. A magpie identified by a twelve year old should be as accurate a record as a species of wasp identified by a recognised wasp taxonomist.
Moderator Tasks to choose from
Main tasks, priority 1
Secondary task, priority 2
Optional other jobs you can do if you wish
For example - Identification of Sightings
Moderators tell the site administrators what area, or category of life they would like to moderate. This can be a broad interest such as all plants to something more specialised such as bristle flies. For example, if you are interested in plants, look at this page:
https://canberra.naturemapr.org/categories/guide/431
You will see the words “Want to become a moderator for Plants?” Click on the button. “Apply now”.
Without being a moderator you can still make suggestions on sightings or place comments. Your interest will be welcome. If you decide you want to be a moderator, you will be assisted by the administrators to learn the role.