# EchidnaCSI — Conservation Science

> Citizen science app for echidna conservation through photo and scat reporting. (iPhone/iPad app by Scruff Monkey Productions Ltd.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/echidnacsi/id1260820816 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Scruff Monkey Productions Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/543230103)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: Free
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10.0 · 42 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2017-09-02
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/echidnacsi/id1260820816/reviews.md

## What is EchidnaCSI?

We want to learn more about echidnas! Where they are, what they are doing, if they are healthy - so we can work towards their conservation. How can you help? By taking photos and collecting scats (i.e. poo).
​
Although an iconic native Australian animal, we do not know much about echidnas’ wild populations, as they are extremely hard to find (when you’re actually looking for them).

​However, we know that there are many of you that have seen wild echidnas (sometimes even in your own backyard!) and taken photos or videos of them.

With your help and photo taking abilities we can start filling in the gaps about wild echidnas in Australia.

What we also need help with is collecting echidna scats (which is a nicer way of saying poo). Why? Because we can get a lot of information about echidnas through the molecules in their scats. We can get out DNA and hormones to tell us who that echidna is, if it’s healthy, stressed or reproductively active. And so we can learn more about these wild populations without having to track or capture any of these animals.

Please note that the app needs access to your device location - this is to ensure that we get an accurate location recording when you take a sighting or observation.

## Key features

- Report echidna sightings
- Collect and report scat samples
- Contribute to conservation efforts
- Track echidna locations
- Analyze echidna DNA and hormones
- Learn about echidna health

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/echidnacsi/id1260820816/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Great idea but sadly a poor quality app.

*2024-07-04, version 1.4.0*

I have tried numerous times to submit a sighting. If I use my photos from outside the app I’m redirected to the website which is unhelpful. If I use the app to take a photo it crashes. This means using the app interrupts the time and joy of encountering an echidna.

### 2/5 — What’s going on here?

*2020-06-20, version 1.4.0*

The whole process is as confusing as I’ve imagined the evolutionary process of monotremes to be...

### 1/5 — App need a facelift

*2019-11-20, version 1.4.0*

I really love the idea of this app and what you’ve essentially made it for but it’s not functional. The links don’t work all the time.

We live in the hinterland if Sunshine Coast and I’ve seen Echidna’s a few times now which we love and we’ve wanted to use this app but it’s not user friendly. 

I have an iPhone 11 and the app looks stretched almost and when I attempt to upload photos it always takes me back to website. It’s been like this over a couple of different devices and I’ve had the app for about a year. 

I think you guys have an awesome base for something great but the app needs some TLC.

### 5/5 — Great app

*2019-07-31, version 1.3.2*

This app is user friendly and I love the map showing all my sightings, (think the echidna has a large area and I’m seeing the same one ) kids love the app and so do I

### 1/5 — Have downloaded and only works through ALA

*2018-11-07, version 1.2.1*

Which after I press done! Having filled in all the fields, you can’t tell whether it is successful. So I emailed short video to the University. 
Is it worth continuing, as feels like app is defunct, or antiquated 

S. Hall -  2 sightings in 2 days.... not sure you’re getting the info

### 1/5 — Won’t open!

*2018-10-02, version 1.2.0*

Tried to log a sighting today but app won’t stay open long enough to even start. I just see a glimpse of form and it shuts down.

### 1/5 — Crashes

*2018-09-30, version 1.2.0*

App won’t even open after new Iso software update

### 5/5 — Easy to use

*2018-09-10, version 1.2.0*

Easy to use and good citizen science ap.

### 1/5 — Doesn't work

*2018-02-27, version 1.0.8*

Can't access photos I have of echidnas on my phone downloaded from a bigger camera. Why not have access to the photos on the phone rather than limit photos to those taken by the phone?

Response was: You can upload existing photos that you have of echidna directly into the Atlas of Living Australia. The app is designed to be used whenever you spot an echidna as you're out and about. Please look at the website for more info. Cheers

I see echidnas all the time and would love to help but the ALA is so clunky it's impossible to use because a creative commons authority is required. I've checked and there are no echidnas recorded where I see them and I'm afraid there won't be in future.

## Frequently asked questions about EchidnaCSI

### What is EchidnaCSI used for?

EchidnaCSI is a citizen science app designed to help researchers learn more about echidnas. Users can report sightings, take photos, and collect scat samples to aid in conservation efforts and understanding wild populations.

### How does EchidnaCSI help conservation?

By collecting data on echidna locations, health, and behavior through user submissions, scientists can gain valuable insights into wild populations. This information is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies for these animals.

### What kind of information can be gathered from echidna scats?

Echidna scats contain molecules that can provide DNA and hormone information. This allows researchers to identify individual echidnas, assess their health, stress levels, and reproductive activity without needing to capture or track the animals.

### Does EchidnaCSI require location access?

Yes, the app requires access to your device's location. This is essential for accurately recording the location of echidna sightings and observations, which is vital for scientific research and conservation mapping.

### What devices is EchidnaCSI available on?

EchidnaCSI is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed to be accessible to a wide range of Apple users interested in contributing to wildlife research.

### How often is EchidnaCSI updated?

The app was last updated on August 11, 2019, with version 1.4.0. While the last update was in 2019, the core functionality for data collection remains relevant for ongoing citizen science projects.

### Is EchidnaCSI suitable for children?

EchidnaCSI has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for younger users. The app's focus on nature and conservation can be an educational tool for children interested in wildlife.

### Does EchidnaCSI have ads?

No, EchidnaCSI does not contain advertisements. As a free application focused on scientific research and conservation, it provides an uninterrupted user experience.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4.0 — 2019-08-11

Minor enhancements and fixes.

### 1.3.2 — 2019-01-09

Bug fix for Map display.

### 1.2.1 — 2018-10-10

Fixed bug on startup.

### 1.2.0 — 2018-08-02

You can now upload an observation photo from your photo library!

You can also now share an observation with your friends on Facebook and Twitter after it's been uploaded!

Photo resolution has been increased. Some other small enhancements and bug fixes.

### 1.0.8 — 2017-11-16

Bug fixes including submission date fix.

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## More apps by Scruff Monkey Productions Ltd

- [BeatSpeak](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beatspeak/id543230100)
- [BeatSpeak Metronome Entry](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beatspeak-metronome-entry/id962729136)

All apps by Scruff Monkey Productions Ltd: https://appshunter.io/developer/543230103

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*