Each manta has an individual fingerprint: the pattern of spots on its belly. Get an image or video of their “bellyprint” and we can match that pattern to mantas already in the database, or your manta might be completely new to the database.
You can upload files from your computer, or take them directly from your Flickr or Facebook account. Be sure to enter when and where you saw the manta, and add other information, such as species or sex, if you can. You will receive email updates when your manta is processed by a researcher.
When you submit a manta identification photo, a local researcher receives a notification. This researcher will double check that the information you submitted is correct (so don’t worry if you are unsure about which species you saw!).
Once a researcher is happy with all the data accompanying the identification photo, they will run the MantaMatcher algorithm. The algorithm is like facial recognition software for manta bellies.
The algorithm provides researchers with a ranked selection of possible matches. Researchers will then visually confirm a match to an existing manta in the database, or create a new manta profile.
14047 identified animals
49405 reported sightings
3586 citizen scientists
228 researchers and volunteers
“MantaMatcher will revolutionize global research on these threatened rays and help change the way field researchers approach scientific research on wild animals by means of successful and meaningful public involvement.” - Dr. Andrea Marshall, co-founder
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