In this article on Naijaknowhow, I’ll be writing about some of the best animal identification apps for smartphones. Ever wondered about the different animal species you come across in your daily life? There’s a solution for that!
There are various apps available that can help you identify different animals, whether they’re in the wild or your household pets. Here, you’ll find a list of some top animal identification apps for both Android and iOS devices.
These apps are user-friendly; simply follow a few steps and they’ll provide you with detailed information about the species you’re curious about. Not only will you learn the name of the animal, but you’ll also get a comprehensive description and some interesting facts about them.
List of the Best Animal Identification Apps for Android and iOS
Dive in and discover the wonderful world of animals right from your smartphone. Below is a list of recommended animal identification apps for both Android and iOS devices.
1. Animal Tracker
With the Animal Tracker app, you can follow animals as they move around the world. The app shows you a map where you can see animals moving in almost real time. Remember, the app only tracks animals that have special chips put in them by scientists.
But there’s more to the app than just tracking. It also has a big collection of information about different animals. Even though the app doesn’t have a camera to identify animals, you can use a search engine to find out what kind of animal it is. You can use lots of filters to describe the animal, including birds.
When you find the right animal, the app gives you a detailed description. You can learn about where the animal usually lives, what it eats, how dangerous it might be, what its fur looks like, and more. You can even take pictures and add them to the map to help scientists who are tracking the animals.
Pros:
- Real-time animal tracking
- Extensive information database
- User-friendly interface
- Contribution to scientific research
Cons:
- Limited to animals with tracking chips
- No built-in camera for identification
- Dependency on external search engines
2. Dog Scanner
Have you ever seen a cute dog and wondered what type of dog it is? Dog Scanner is an app designed just for that. This app can quickly figure out the breed of a dog in just a few seconds, and all you need to do is take a picture of the dog. You can either use the camera on your phone or choose a picture from your photo collection.
Even if the dog is a mix of different breeds, don’t worry! The app is smart enough to recognize mixed breeds too. And guess what? It’s not just about identifying the breed; the app also shares interesting information and descriptions about each type of dog you find.
The app is also a community where you can share pictures of adorable dogs with people who love them just as much as you do. Plus, it turns identifying dogs into a fun game! You can earn special badges for identifying rare breeds and other achievements. While you won’t win real prizes, it’s all about the excitement of competing and having fun.
Pros:
- Quick breed identification
- Recognizes mixed breeds
- Provides interesting dog information
- Builds a community of dog lovers
Cons:
- Contains ads and in-app purchases
3. Cat Scanner
If you liked the idea of the app for dogs but you’re more of a cat person, there’s something for you too. It’s like the previous app, but this time it’s all about cats. The app works the same way and has hundreds of different cat breeds, including mixed ones. So, it’s really unlikely that the app won’t recognize the breed of the cat you’re looking at.
All you have to do is take a picture of the cat, and the app will quickly tell you what breed it is. Even if the cat is moving around a lot and you can’t get a good picture, don’t worry! You can also record a video of the cat, and the app will still be able to figure out the breed.
And here’s something fun: you can use the app to see which cat breeds look like your family and friends. Plus, just like with the dog app, you can earn badges for finding rare cat breeds, and you can compare your results with people from all over the world. It’s a fun way to see how good you are at identifying different types of cats.
Pros:
- Diverse cat breed recognition
- Works with photos and videos
- Entertainment value for comparing with friends
- Global comparison and badges
Cons:
- Not always 100% accurate
- Contains ads and offers in-app purchases
4. iNaturalist
iNaturalist is one of the popular animal identification apps that teaches you a lot about different species. The app which was made with the help of numerous and popular scientists helps you identify many animals.
Using the app is easy: you can take a picture or choose one from your pictures. Then, the app figures out what kind of animal it is and gives you information about it. You can learn about where the animal lives, what its fur looks like, what it eats, and if it’s dangerous to people.
In the app, there’s a big list of animals you can read about, and you can search for specific ones easily. You can also write down your own observations and thoughts in a special section.
Pros:
- Scientific Backing
- Easy Identification
- Detailed Information
- Observation Recording
Cons:
- Occasional glitches and slow loading
5. Seek (by iNaturalist)
Seek is an app for searching out animals in the wild. The app helps you figure out what animals you see by taking pictures or loading pictures you already have. You can even use your phone’s camera to find animals and birds around you.
The special thing about this app is that it gives you rewards when you identify different animals, birds, and plants. It’s like a fun game where you earn badges for finding these things.
With Seek, you don’t need to know a lot about animals. The app tells you the names of the animals in science words and even what they like to eat. You can learn where each kind of animal lives and discover interesting facts about them. Plus, the app helps you know if it’s safe to go near the animal or not.
Pros:
- Easy identification
- Gamified rewards
- Detailed information
- Safety guidance
Cons:
- Variable identification precision
6. EarthSnap
EarthSnap is a convenient app that can help you identify different things like animals, birds, plants, and even bugs. It’s like a one-stop shop for finding out what something is. The app uses smart technology to quickly figure out what you’re looking at, and it’s really accurate.
The app has enough information on more than 2 million plants and animals, so you’ll probably find what you’re looking for. Using the app is easy. All you have to do is take a picture of whatever you want to identify, and the app will do the rest.
If you already know the name of the thing you’re trying to find out about, you can simply search for it and get more information. The app provides detailed descriptions and even pictures from people all around the world. You can also share your own discoveries and thoughts with other people who love nature, right within the app’s community.
Pros:
- Fast identification
- Huge database with 2 million+ species
- Simple picture-based interface
- Active community for sharing
Cons:
- Occasional inaccurate identifications
- Contains glitches
- Contains ads and in-app purchases
7. Merlin Bird ID
Merlin Bird ID is an app that helps you find out what bird you’re looking at. It uses smart computer stuff like artificial intelligence and machine learning to figure out the bird based on how it looks, acts, and where it lives. The app also gives you bird sounds, maps showing where they’re found, and pictures of each bird.
Most people think Merlin Bird ID is good at identifying birds. It learns from lots of bird sightings and has info from bird experts. Still, it’s not perfect. How well it works depends on things like how good the bird picture is, what the bird is doing, and the conditions when you saw it.
The app may not always be accurate, so if you’re not sure about a bird, it’s smart to check a bird book or ask someone who knows a lot about birds. However, you can use Merlin Bird ID to get an idea and learn more about the birds where you are.
Pros:
- AI-powered bird identification
- Comprehensive bird information
- Learns from sightings and experts
- Quick field identification
Cons:
- Variable accuracy
- Cross-verification recommended
8. Picture Fish
Become a fish expert with Picture Fish! This powerful app uses AI to identify different types of fish in saltwater, freshwater, or brackish water. Just snap or upload a picture, and Picture Fish will quickly provide detailed information about the fish and suggest similar ones.
Picture Fish comes packed with features like a comprehensive encyclopedia with over 3,000 species, covering fish, sharks, rays, mollusks, crustaceans, and more. It not only identifies fish but also equips you with the knowledge to care for them in your aquarium.
The app’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for fish lovers, fishermen, scuba divers, and aquarium enthusiasts to explore and learn about marine life effortlessly. Don’t miss out on the chance to discover and understand the underwater world with Picture Fish – your go-to companion for fish identification and information!
Pros:
- Accurate AI for 3,000+ fish
- Comprehensive aquatic encyclopedia
- Aquarium care insights
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Occasional inaccuracy
- Limited in unclear images
- Contains ads and offers in-app purchases
9. Picture Insect
Discovering insects is now easy with the Picture Insect app! Just snap a photo or choose one from your gallery, and let the app use smart AI tech to identify it in a flash. Whether you’re curious about a moth from your outdoor adventure or dealing with pests in your garden, this app has you covered.
Explore a treasure trove of insect knowledge with Picture Insect. With over 4,000 species accurately identified, you can learn about their names, appearance, and more through high-quality articles. Worried about insect bites? The app has got you covered with info on spiders, mosquitoes, and ants, along with prevention tips to keep your family safe.
Not just an identifier, Picture Insect is your go-to guide for pest control. Scan a bug, discover if it’s a pest, and access handy tips for detection and control. Keep a digital record of your insect sightings, creating a personal collection to share with friends. Join the vibrant community of over 3 million insect enthusiasts worldwide – get the Picture Insect app today!
Pros:
- Instant and accurate insect identification
- Rich learning resources with encyclopedia
- In-depth info on insect bites and prevention
- Useful pest detection and control tips
Cons:
- Free version has limited features
- Offers in-app purchases
- The app’s accuracy may vary based on photo quality
Conclusion
Whether you’re interested in identifying wild animals during your hikes or learning more about common pets, there’s an app on our list that will suit your needs. You can use any of the animal identification apps above according to your needs.
