Introduction

Rethinking Biodiversity Inventories in the Digital Age

NAHPU (NAtural History Project Utility), loosely named after the Greater Malay Chevrotain, Tragulus napu, is a field cataloging app designed to handles complex natural history data collections in the field. It is a free, open-source project and supports major desktop and mobile operating systems.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Collecting natural history specimens requires strict adherence to ethical and legal standards. You are responsible for ensuring that all collecting activities comply with applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.

The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections provides guidance on permitting requirements, with emphasis on U.S. laws and regulations. Always consult with local authorities and relevant natural history institutions to ensure compliance with applicable standards.

Quick Start

1. Install NAHPU

   You can start simple by using your phone or computer. NAHPU user interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to use in any screen.

2. Visit NAHPU Day 1 Guide

   This page provides a comprehensive introduction to get started with NAHPU.

3. Practice using NAHPU on your lab.

   If you plan to use NAHPU in the field, we recommend practicing on your lab first using a real specimen. Especially useful if you use to using paper catalogs.

4. Learn best practices

   The Best Practices page provides guidance on optimal usage of NAHPU. We also include additional resources you can check out to learn best practices in specimen collection, preservation, and management.

5. Use NAHPU in the field.

   Once comfortable with the app, use it in the field to catalog specimens. You can start with a soft transition by tracking data on paper catalogs first, then inputting into NAHPU later. Check out the device requirements page for information about device options using NAHPU in the field.

Tip

If you are transitioning from paper-based cataloging or using other digital catalogs, consider visiting the Switch to NAHPU page.

Support and Contribute to NAHPU

NAHPU is a free and open source project. We welcome any supports and contributions. You can support us by:

• Report bugs and request features
• Contribute to the project

If you would like to be a part of the team, please contact the project maintainer.

Acknowledgments

NAHPU is a collaborative project among museum and computer scientists. Many thanks to the following people for their contributions and feedback: Darwin Morales-Martínez, Diego J. Elias, Spenser J. Babb-Biernacki, Jessie L. Williamson, Jocelyn P Colella, Nicholas A. Mason, Katrina Derieg, Ellie Dripps, Alivia Hartz, Eleanor Hoeger, Gabriella Linsalata, Lazaro Lopez, John Mewherter, Fritz Pichardo Marcano, Heidi Stevens, Marisa Surovy, Rose Wilhoyt, Litsa Wooten, and Lucas H. DeCicco. Funding for this project was provided by the National Science Foundation (DEB-1754393 and DEB-2244754) and the Alfred L. Gardner and Mark S. Hafner Mammalogy Fund. Various other funding sources may have supported this project through the work of the contributors. Human-Augmented Analytics Group at the Georgia Institute of Technology provided logistical support for collaboration and development.