About
Internet of Turtles is a collaborative conservation research platform built on the Wildbook framework by Conservation X Labs. It leverages machine learning, computer vision, and citizen science to build a continuously growing database of individually identified sea turtles from around the world. Users—from recreational divers to professional marine biologists—can submit photographs of turtle encounters, along with location, date, species, and other metadata. Once submitted, a local researcher reviews the data for accuracy before the system applies multiple AI-assisted photo-matching algorithms to compare the turtle's distinctive markings against thousands of existing profiles. This process mirrors facial recognition technology, enabling reliable re-identification of individual animals across time and geography. With over 110,000 reported sightings, 25,000+ identified turtles, and hundreds of researchers and volunteers, the platform powers long-term capture-mark-recapture (CMR) studies critical for assessing sea turtle population trends. It supports species including hawksbill, green, leatherback, and olive ridley turtles. Results inform conservation management strategies worldwide and contribute to the State of the World's Sea Turtles (SWOT) monitoring standards. The platform is free to use and open-source, with a public API, bulk import tools, and an active community forum.
Key Features
- AI-Powered Photo Identification: Uses multiple computer vision algorithms and machine learning to match submitted turtle photos against a database of over 25,000 identified individuals, similar to facial recognition for animals.
- Citizen Science Encounter Reporting: Anyone can submit a turtle sighting with photos, location, date, and species info. The platform processes and verifies contributions from volunteers and researchers alike.
- Researcher Verification Workflow: Local marine biologists review and validate each submitted encounter before it enters the matching pipeline, ensuring data quality and scientific integrity.
- Long-Term Population Tracking: Supports capture-mark-recapture (CMR) studies by maintaining historical sighting records for individual turtles, enabling population trend analysis over time.
- Bulk Import & Data Management: Researchers can bulk import encounter data, manage individual and sighting records, and export data for analysis through an organized admin and project system.
Use Cases
- Marine biologists conducting long-term capture-mark-recapture studies to assess sea turtle population size and trends at nesting beaches and foraging areas.
- Citizen scientists and recreational divers submitting turtle sightings to contribute to global conservation research without requiring scientific expertise.
- Conservation organizations building regional turtle population datasets to inform habitat protection and policy decisions.
- University researchers and students accessing a large, verified database of sea turtle encounters for ecological studies and thesis projects.
- Wildlife photographers and eco-tourism operators contributing high-quality identification photos to help track individual turtles across multiple seasons and locations.
Pros
- Completely Free to Use: The platform is open and free for both citizen scientists and professional researchers, with no subscription or data access fees.
- Open-Source & Community-Driven: Built on the open-source Wildbook framework with an active GitHub, community forum, and global network of researchers and volunteers.
- Scientifically Rigorous: Researcher verification workflows and adherence to SWOT minimum data standards ensure contributions meet the quality needed for published conservation science.
- Large, Growing Database: With 110,000+ sightings and 25,000+ identified turtles, the platform offers a substantial and continuously expanding dataset for meaningful population research.
Cons
- Narrow Species Focus: The platform is exclusively dedicated to sea turtles, limiting its utility to researchers and conservationists working specifically with this species group.
- Dependent on Researcher Availability: Encounter verification and ID matching require active local researchers, which may cause delays in regions with fewer volunteers or staff.
- Requires Quality Photographs: Accurate photo-ID matching depends heavily on clear, well-framed images of identifying markings, which can be challenging to capture in underwater or field conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can submit a turtle encounter to Internet of Turtles?
Anyone can submit a sighting—divers, snorkelers, beach visitors, and researchers alike. You don't need to be a scientist; the platform is designed to be accessible to all citizen scientists.
How does the turtle identification process work?
After you submit a photo, a local researcher verifies the data. The system then uses computer vision algorithms to compare the turtle's unique markings against the existing database, either matching it to a known individual or creating a new profile.
Is Internet of Turtles free to use?
Yes, the platform is completely free. It is supported by donations and maintained by Conservation X Labs as part of a broader conservation mission.
What sea turtle species are supported?
The platform covers multiple sea turtle species including hawksbill, green turtle, leatherback, and olive ridley turtles, among others.
Is the platform open source?
Yes, Internet of Turtles is built on the open-source Wildbook framework. The source code is available on GitHub, and the project welcomes community contributions.
