Dutch Caribbean Species Register

Contribute to the image library of the Dutch Caribbean biodiversity

Naturalis Biodiversity Center and our partners strive to show the Dutch Caribbean biodiversity as completely as possible. Though new images are added constantly, there are still many gaps to be filled. In addition to species that still lack photos, we also aim to show  variation between, and within species. Examples include the difference between sexes, differences in development stage of the life cycle, or interesting behaviour. The goal is to create a complete as possible image library of Dutch Caribbean plants, animals and fungi, which can then be widely used by researchers and the public.

What are the conditions the image requires?
The following criteria are used for acceptance of submitted images. 

File / technical criteria 

• The image has a maximum file size of 8 Mb.
• The file has the format JP(E)G or PNG, with as little compression as possible.
• The image should be submitted in the highest possible resolution, for example 1600 pixels wide. We use an absolute minimum of 800 pixels wide. Smaller images are not accepted. Images with higher resolution can be displayed at a larger size on the Dutch Caribbean Species Register. 
• The image should have a standard size ratio (such as 4:3, 3:2 or vice versa). 
• There should not be any strange characters (including diacritics) in the file name. However these are allowed: _ - ( )

Content criteria

• The image must have value that will add to the set of already available images. For example, the image may concern a species not yet depicted or contribute to illustrating the diversity within a species already depicted (different sexes, color variations, life stages). If similar images have already been published with the kind in question, an image can still have added value through a combination of higher resolution and a free (Creative Commons) license. 
• The subject of the image must be sharp and the species must not be too small on the image.
• No frames, texts, bets or arrows may be placed in the photo. 
• Important identification characteristics must be visible, so that the species can be named from the photo. Which characteristics this applies too depends on the particular species group. 
• The image must be made on or near (for e.g. marine or bird species) one of the Dutch Caribbean Islands. 
• The image is preferably well documented with data including but not limited to location information. At least the island, photographing date and name of the image provider are mentioned.
• The images are not made of captive or kept species, in a zoo, botanical garden, etc. 
• Images of nesting birds are not allowed. We want to prevent breeding birds from being disturbed. This also applies to images of amphibians or reptiles shown in hand.

Benefits for contributing photographers

Your photo will be assessed after submission and the identification will be checked by experts in the field of Dutch Caribbean flora and fauna. This can take some time. You can track the status of your own photos by logging in to the website and check the "Images being processed" at any time. You will receive a message as soon as possible about whether or not your photos will be placed. The image provider retains the copyright of his own photographs. We will mention your name with your images, including the chosen license. If desired, you can indicate in your profile where interested parties can contact you for your images (e-mail adress and / or website). 

After approval for publication, Naturalis will present the images on the Dutch Caribbean Species Register. The photos may also appear on websites of partner organizations and sponsors of the Nature of the Netherlands program, for example Bioportal, which automatically show data from the Species Registers. In addition, the images may be used by Naturalis in other non-commercial digital initiatives that are part of the Dutch Caribbean Species Register, such as Species finders as already present on the Dutch Species Register, but not (yet) on the Dutch Caribbean Species Register. You thus also contribute to these initiatives. 

Licenses

The type of license must be indicated per image. We offer the possibility to use Creative Commons Licenses. More information about these licenses can be found here.