How to Use iNaturalist
Set up the app, join a project, and upload a sighting with photo, date, and location.
Resources
Everything you need to participate, document, and contribute.
A growing library of tools and practical guidance for BCI and Big Butterfly Month participants.
Citizen-science guides
Practical guidance is in development.
BCI is preparing clear, reviewed materials for beginners and experienced observers. These resources are shown transparently as “in preparation” until final downloadable files are available.
In preparation
30-Minute Butterfly Count
Where to go, what to observe, and how to record a structured count.
Butterfly Monitoring Guide
Repeated counts, consistent locations, and useful habitat notes.
Butterfly-friendly spaces
A garden guide for homes, schools, and communities.
A future BCI guide will explain why host plants, nectar sources, native vegetation, shelter, and chemical-free practice matter.
It will include practical ideas for balconies, home gardens, school campuses, and shared neighbourhood spaces, with regionally responsible plant guidance where possible.
Guide in preparationTrusted external platforms
Observe, identify, and contribute.
These external services maintain their own accounts, methods, data policies, and community standards.
iNaturalist
A global community platform where observations can support identification, learning, and biodiversity science.
Visit iNaturalistButterflies of India
A peer-reviewed citizen-science and natural-history resource focused on Indian butterflies.
Visit Butterflies of IndiaIndia Biodiversity Portal
An open platform for biodiversity information, observations, species pages, maps, and documents from India.
Visit India Biodiversity PortaleButterfly
An international checklist-based platform for recording, sharing, and tracking butterfly observations.
Visit eButterflyUse data responsibly
Accurate records begin with careful observation.
Keep original dates and locations, avoid disturbing butterflies or habitats, and be open to community review when an identification is uncertain.