Observado requires the same for validation purposes, but observations can still be submitted without. Validation can also be done based on accurate descriptions for example.
After much discussion amongst data users, HerpMapper has chosen to require vouchers (images / audio) as many data users do not want data without a voucher, and these voucherless data become superfluous data in the database. In our technological era, this isn't too much to ask in our opinion. As many herpers know, eye-witness information can be very unreliable, especially for reports by non-herpers.
ll observations in observado can be submitted without showing the point-location, depending on preference of the submitting person. Species in need of protection (for the same reason you mention) can be automatically 'hidden by admins', as is for example the case for several herp-species in the Netherlands on waarneming.nl.
T.b.h. I think participation is mainly depending on interest (however growing), not so much on fear of over-collection and poaching (but I could be wrong).
Again after much discussion, and years of experience, HerpMapper has decided it best to hide all point-location information from the general public. It doesn't take a 'rocket scientist' to deduce that observation hotspots for common species resulting from repeated visits that were enter by a known herper is likely indicative of something less common in the area (hence the repeated visits). These geographical and spatial herping patterns can be used to exploit herps (this has unfortunately occurred here in the US and in Canada).
Personally I would rather see all platforms combined to just 1 world-wide platform with regional moderators taking care of validation and implementing certain protective measures (hiding specific species, etc).
This is the goal of HerpMapper in regards to its use as a data hub for herp data (similar to HerpNet / VertNet for museum data). We feel strongly that none of the current online database projects that incorporate all taxa do a good job for all taxa (jack of all trades, experts at none). We have tried to work through some of the issues associated with herp data with some of these (but not all), and have had little success. Hopefully someday we can see a truly united project that adequately addresses taxa-specific issues.
I really appreciate the feedback thus far, and encourage you to checkout HerpMapper as time allows, and send along any additional questions, comments, or concerns. I can be reached directly at the address below.
Thanks,
Chris
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Christopher E. Smith, M.Sc., AWB®
HerpMapper - A Global Herp Atlas and Data Hub
Christopher.Smith@herpmapper.orgwww.herpmapper.org