Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using the AusFlora website and services, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provision of this agreement. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our botanical research platform, educational resources, and community features. If you do not agree to abide by these terms, please do not use this service.

AusFlora is a platform dedicated to the study, conservation, and education about unique Australian native plants. Our services include botanical databases, research collaboration tools, educational content, and community engagement features designed to promote understanding and preservation of Australia's unique flora.

2. Use License

Permission is granted to temporarily access the materials on AusFlora's website for personal, non-commercial transitory viewing only. This is the grant of a license, not a transfer of title, and under this license you may not:

• Modify or copy the materials without explicit written permission
• Use the materials for any commercial purpose or for any public display
• Attempt to reverse engineer any software contained on the website
• Remove any copyright or other proprietary notations from the materials
• Transfer the materials to another person or mirror the materials on any other server

This license shall automatically terminate if you violate any of these restrictions and may be terminated by AusFlora at any time. Upon terminating your viewing of these materials or upon the termination of this license, you must destroy any downloaded materials in your possession whether in electronic or printed format.

3. User Responsibilities

As a user of our botanical research platform, you agree to use our services responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws. When contributing to our community features, citizen science programs, or research databases, you must:

• Provide accurate and truthful information about plant observations and data
• Respect intellectual property rights of researchers and content creators
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive location data for endangered species
• Follow ethical guidelines for botanical photography and specimen collection
• Report any misuse or inappropriate content through our designated channels

Users participating in field research programs must adhere to environmental protection guidelines and obtain necessary permits for activities in protected areas. Violation of conservation laws or unethical research practices may result in immediate account suspension and reporting to relevant authorities.

4. Content and Data Usage

Scientific data, botanical images, and research materials provided through AusFlora are intended for educational and research purposes. Commercial use of any content requires explicit written permission. When using our botanical databases or research findings:

• Always provide proper attribution to researchers and data contributors
• Respect embargo periods on unpublished research findings
• Comply with Creative Commons licenses where applicable
• Acknowledge AusFlora as a data source in academic publications

User-generated content, including plant observations, photographs, and research contributions, remains the property of the contributor while granting AusFlora a non-exclusive license to use such content for platform operations, research purposes, and educational initiatives.

5. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which forms an integral part of these Terms of Service. We are committed to protecting your personal data and maintaining transparency about our data practices.

For detailed information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, including your rights regarding your data, please review our comprehensive Privacy Policy. By using our services, you consent to the data practices described in our Privacy Policy.

6. Research Ethics and Scientific Integrity

AusFlora is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity and research ethics. All research activities, data collection, and collaborative projects must adhere to established scientific principles and ethical guidelines:

• Research must be conducted with environmental responsibility and minimal impact
• Data manipulation, falsification, or plagiarism is strictly prohibited
• Collaborative research must respect indigenous knowledge and traditional uses
• Endangered species locations must be handled with appropriate confidentiality
• All research activities must comply with relevant institutional and governmental ethics approvals

7. Limitation of Liability

In no event shall AusFlora or its suppliers be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of data or profit, or due to business interruption) arising out of the use or inability to use the materials on our website, even if AusFlora or an authorized representative has been notified orally or in writing of the possibility of such damage.

While we strive for accuracy in our botanical information and research data, users acknowledge that scientific understanding evolves and that field conditions can vary significantly. Plant identification and ecological information should be verified through multiple sources and professional consultation when making important decisions.

8. Service Availability and Modifications

AusFlora reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of our services at any time without prior notice. We may also impose limits on certain features or restrict access to parts of the service without notice or liability.

We strive to maintain continuous service availability but cannot guarantee uninterrupted access due to maintenance, technical issues, or external factors beyond our control. Users are encouraged to maintain backup copies of important research data and contributions.

9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms of Service and any disputes arising from the use of AusFlora services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Australia, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any disputes, claims, or controversies arising from these terms or your use of our services will be resolved through binding arbitration, except where prohibited by applicable law. Users retain the right to seek relief in small claims court for disputes within the court's jurisdiction.

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service or need clarification regarding acceptable use of our platform, please contact us through our contact page or reach out to our legal team directly.

We are committed to addressing user concerns promptly and maintaining transparent communication about our policies and service changes. Updates to these terms will be communicated through email notifications and website announcements.