Emerging technologies in citizen science and potential for insect monitoring

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 379(1904)

Published: May 5, 2024

Emerging technologies are increasingly employed in environmental citizen science projects. This integration offers benefits and opportunities for scientists participants alike. Citizen can support large-scale, long-term monitoring of species occurrences, behaviour interactions. At the same time, foster participant engagement, regardless pre-existing taxonomic expertise or experience, permit new types data to be collected. Yet, may also create challenges by potentially increasing financial costs, necessitating technological demanding training participants. Technology could reduce people's direct involvement engagement with nature. In this perspective, we discuss how current have spurred an increase projects implementation emerging enhance scientific impact public engagement. We show technology act as (i) a facilitator efforts, (ii) enabler research opportunities, (iii) transformer science, policy participation, but become (iv) inhibitor equity rigour. is developing fast promises provide many exciting insect monitoring, while seize these must remain vigilant against potential risks. article part theme issue ‘Towards toolkit global biodiversity monitoring’.

Language: Английский

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Molecular signatures reveal intra-species divergence, undetectable by traditional morphology, in the deadly box jellyfish, Chironex yamaguchii (Cubozoa; Chirodropidae) of Western Pacific

Regional Studies in Marine Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 104033 - 104033

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Have you seen this fish? Important contribution of stakeholder observations in documenting the distribution and spread of an alien fish species in Iceland

NeoBiota, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 97, P. 67 - 90

Published: Jan. 31, 2025

To address the increasing global issue of biological invasions adequate long-term monitoring data is crucial. Due to substantial resource requirements such continuous remains largely underdeveloped across many countries. In recent years, experiential knowledge public, or specific stakeholder groups, has become increasingly popular gather species’ occurrence data. context aquatic alien species recreational fishermen often represent a valuable group. Using case study European flounder ( Platichthys flesus , Linneaus, 1758) in Iceland, we explore benefits incorporating observation-based information with traditionally obtained on and distribution an fish. We compiled records reported by fishing community both when directly approached anonymous online survey as well via social media conversations applying approach iEcology. then contrasted this compilation from databases at Icelandic Marine Freshwater Research Institute (MFRI). Our results show that including stakeholder-observation based offers significant advantage. While all sources indicated similar patterns spread they differed number unique sites provided their geographic distribution. Combining therefore allows counteract inherent biases present diverse sources. furthermore indicates interest voluntarily reporting sightings decreased over time, but reemerged stakeholders and/or public were presented easily accessible opportunity share form survey. recommend implementing for incorporates provides clear venues report where possible involve throughout entire research process holistically invasions.

Language: Английский

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Moving north under the eye of the public: the dispersal ecology of the Nosferatu spider, documented by citizen scientists

Basic and Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Beetlehangers.org: harmonizing host–parasite records of Harmonia axyridis and Hesperomyces harmoniae

Arthropod-Plant Interactions, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 18(4), P. 665 - 679

Published: Feb. 14, 2024

Abstract Citizen science is an increasingly powerful tool to gather large quantities of biological data and engage the public. The number citizen initiatives has rapidly increased in last 15 years. Invasive alien species such as harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), provide a particularly good opportunity for broad-scale use initiatives. parasitized by fungus, Hesperomyces harmoniae (Ascomycota, Laboulbeniales), that can be found throughout range its host. Here we present Beetlehangers.org, website repository where combine observations He. from literature, online databases, initiatives, including new records both Ha. . Whereas now 86 countries across six continents (including seven country records), distribution parasite comprises 33 five two since description 2022). We explore spatiotemporal trends light these records. Finally, discuss challenges opportunities relation interactions future perspectives home Laboulbeniales research outreach.

Language: Английский

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From ecological to anthropogenic factors: unraveling the drivers of blue crab Callinectes sapidus occurrence along the Mediterranean coasts

Frontiers in Marine Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: Jan. 16, 2025

Introduction Non-native species are widely recognized as threats to biodiversity, ecosystems, and the services they provide humans. The Mediterranean Sea has a high biodiversity of endemic is hot spot biological invasions. One most recent ecosystems invasion Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus . Methods occurrences throughout coastline were indexed from citizen science through Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Using spatial analysis linear mixed models, we investigated geomorphology (i.e., water depth coastal wetlands extension), physical variables salinity winter summer temperature), quality chlorophyll-a, nitrate orthophosphate) anthropogenic factors ship density population size) potentially affecting occurrence along coast. Results Our results showed that nitrate, an indicator riverine nutrient loading, depth, slope bottom, influential in explaining crabs. Water temperature had lesser impacts; factors, such commercial marine traffic human size no effect on occurrence. Discussion These sug gest benthic primary production shallow drive coasts. Even considering data limitations gaps, our large-scale findings contribute broader understanding success which, turn, can inform management actions outline research needs.

Language: Английский

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Population Dynamics of the Exotic Flatworm Obama nungara in an Invaded Garden

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Population dynamics and the way abundance fluctuates over time may be key determinants of invasion success an introduced species. Fine‐scale temporal monitoring invasive species is rarely carried out due to difficulties in collecting data regularly a long period. Thanks collaboration amateur naturalist, unique dataset on land flatworm Obama nungara was obtained during 4‐year survey French private garden, where up 1585 O. were recorded 1 month. Daily revealed high population size fluctuations that explained by meteorological factors as well intra‐ inter‐specific interactions. Bayesian modeling confirmed nungara's depending temperature, humidity, precipitation. growth seems favored mild winters precipitation while it disadvantaged drought. These exogenous affect both directly this species, which sensitive desiccation, indirectly since they are known populations its prey (earthworms terrestrial gastropods). We also suggested important resilience site, able recover from drastic demographic bottleneck severe drought, systematic removal owner site. findings highlight potentially invasiveness raise concerns about major threat these flatworms pose their prey.

Language: Английский

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Exploring the contribution of citizen science to statistically sound and risk‐based surveillance of insect pests in the EU

EFSA Supporting Publications, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 22(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Abstract This report explores the integration of citizen science into surveillance insect pests, aiming to enhance statistically sound and risk‐based surveys. The study, conducted by researchers from Wageningen University, focuses on three primary objectives. First, it compiles a comprehensive inventory initiatives across Europe, identifying 81 projects 21 countries that contribute significant biodiversity data. Second, develops statistical methodology estimate probability pest detection using opportunistic, presence‐only data science. is tested pests: Popillia japonica, Agrilus planipennis, Anoplophora chinensis, demonstrating can meaningfully complement official Third, provides guidelines for incorporating these findings existing tools methods used European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs). results indicate increase overall confidence in freedom reduce required sample sizes However, study also highlights spatial temporal biases inherent need further research optimize its frameworks.

Language: Английский

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Climate change may increase the suitable habitats for invasive freshwater Cichlids in a Neotropical basin

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 2, 2025

Climate change is considered a driver for the spread of invasive alien species (IAS); nevertheless, research assessing this link remains limited. Recognizing suitable habitats where IAS have been introduced crucial biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Here, we integrated online, museum, laboratory occurrence databases with local ecological knowledge (LEK) on fishes from semi-structured interviews georeferenced Instagram posts traditional recreational fishers to model habitat-suitability three voracious Cichlids in Brazilian part Upper Paraguay River Basin (the Pantanal wetland its tributaries). Our goal was locate areas (regions, sub-basins, reservoirs) most at risk these basin. findings reveal extensive throughout study basin, currently covering half up 90% upstream sub-basins. Under future climate scenarios, are projected expand further, encompassing 85% floodplain - one fish-rich basins Neotropical region (~ 300 spp). These underscore potential Cichlid range expansion floodplains upcoming decades. emphasizes value integrating Ecological Niche Models (ENMs) Citizen Science data identify high-risk during early invasion stages, inform preventive strategies, support efforts mitigate impacts native biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Balancing Monitoring and Management in the Adaptive Management of an Invasive Species

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Efficient allocation of managers' limited resources is necessary to effectively control invasive species, but determining how allocate effort between monitoring and management over space time remains a challenge. In an adaptive context, data are key for gaining knowledge iteratively improving management, costs money. Community science or other opportunistic present opportunity managers gain critical without substantial reduction in funds. We designed strategy evaluation investigate optimal spatial while also exploring the potential community improve decision‐making, using flowering rush ( Butomus umbellatus ) Columbia River, USA, as case study. evaluated alternatives under two invasion conditions, well‐established emerging invasion, both risk‐neutral risk‐averse decision makers. Simulations revealed that regardless condition risk tolerance, allocating outward from estimated center Epicenter prioritization) resulted lowest overall level infestation at end management. This outperformed which occurred fixed areas Linear targeted patchily distributed with highest species High prioritization). Additionally, outcomes improved when more were allocated toward removal than effort, addition only certain scenarios. Finally, actions led best often did not produce most accurate precise estimates parameters describing system function, emphasizing importance value information principles guide monitoring. Our approach adaptable many contexts ongoing allows strategies be updated time.

Language: Английский

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