FAQ

About Classifications

What if I don't see an animal in the picture?
Sometimes our cameras are triggered by birds in the distance, animals out of the frame, trees swaying in the wind, or even nearby traffic. Examine the image very closely, but if you don't see an animal, classify it as "nothing."

What if I see more than one kind of animal in the picture?
Great eye! Select the species and number for the first animal you see, and click the "Identify" button. Before selecting the "Done" button, click on the other species and select the number of individuals seen. Do this for however many species are observed in the image. Then click "Done" and move onto the next photo.

What if I can't tell what the animal is because it's blurry, too far from the camera, or just a partial view of it?
If there is an image of poor quality, or you just can't tell what it is, do your best to classify the animal based on its size and fur. Use the filters and field guide to help guide you! If there aren't enough clues or the image is not clear enough to make a call, classify it as "unknown."

Why are there photos of humans?
The cameras were deployed in a popular Manhattan park. Though we did our best to steer clear of pedestrian traffic, there may be people in these photos. Classify these as "human."

About Results

How will my answers be used?
Your answers help us generate presence/absence data—information that tells us what uses these areas of Inwood Hill Park. By gathering data on species, number of animals, and the time and location of sightings, we can get a better understanding of the behavior and dispersal of wildlife in an urban setting.

Will I be able to see the results of the research?
The Wildlife Unit will keep participants updated on the research findings as classifications are completed.

I found an awesome picture! Can I share it on social media?
In order to protect local wildlife and sensitive locations, we ask you to not to share photos or information outside of Zooniverse.