Wild & Free
To ensure the integrity of our data and promote ethical wildlife observation, all sightings submitted for pin credit must be of wild organisms in their natural or established habitat. This means the animal or plant cannot be captive (e.g., in a zoo, botanical garden, or as a pet), restrained, or otherwise influenced by human intervention for the purpose of the observation. Our goal is to document life as it exists naturally.
Native Range & Vagrants
Credit for sightings is generally awarded for species documented within their known native range. However, we recognize that organisms can sometimes appear far outside their typical boundaries as natural vagrants. These sightings are scientifically valuable. If you document a species outside its native range, it will be flagged for special review. Our expert Verifiers have the ability to approve these sightings as valid vagrant records, which will then count towards your pin progress.
Identifiable Taxon Units (ITUs)
The Lifers Earth platform operates on a system of "Identifiable Taxon Units" or ITUs. This means credit is always given for the lowest, most specific taxonomic level you can confidently identify. For example, if you find a specific subspecies of American Robin, that subspecies is the ITU that counts towards your lifelist. Finding a different subspecies of the same bird will count as a new, unique ITU. This system ensures that every distinct form of life you document is recognized.
Our Code of Conduct
The well-being of wildlife and the preservation of habitats are the core principles of Lifers Earth. All members are expected to adhere to a strict code of ethical conduct. This includes, but is not limited to: maintaining a safe and respectful distance from wildlife, never altering an environment to get a better photo, respecting private property and local regulations, and contributing to a positive and supportive community atmosphere.