Outstanding challenges and future directions for biodiversity monitoring using citizen science data

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 14(1), P. 103 - 116

Published: Feb. 20, 2022

Abstract There is increasing availability and use of unstructured semi‐structured citizen science data in biodiversity research conservation. This expansion a rich source ‘big data’ has sparked numerous directions, driving the development analytical approaches that account for complex observation processes these datasets. We review outstanding challenges analysis monitoring. For many challenges, potential impact on ecological inference unknown. Further can document explore ways to address it. In addition outlining describing may be useful considering design future projects or additions existing projects. outline monitoring using four partially overlapping categories: arise as result (a) observer behaviour; (b) structures; (c) statistical models; (d) communication. Potential solutions are combinations of: collecting additional metadata; analytically combining different datasets; developing refining models. While there been important progress develop methods tackle most remain substantial gains subsequent conservation actions we believe will possible by further areas. The degree challenge opportunity each presents varies substantially across datasets, taxa questions. some cases, route forward clear, while other cases more scope exploration creativity.

Language: Английский

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Different facets of the same niche: Integrating citizen science and scientific survey data to predict biological invasion risk under multiple global change drivers

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 29(19), P. 5509 - 5523

Published: Aug. 7, 2023

Abstract Citizen science initiatives have been increasingly used by researchers as a source of occurrence data to model the distribution alien species. Since citizen presence‐only suffer from some fundamental issues, efforts made combine these with those provided scientifically structured surveys. Surprisingly, only few studies proposing integration evaluated contribution this process effective sampling species' environmental niches and, consequently, its effect on predictions new time intervals. We relied niche overlap analyses, machine learning classification algorithms and ecological models compare ability scientific surveys, along their integration, in capturing realized 13 invasive species Italy. Moreover, we assessed differences current future invasion risk predicted each set under multiple global change scenarios. showed that surveys captured similar though highlighting exclusive portions associated clearly identifiable conditions. In terrestrial species, granted highest gain space pooled niches, determining an increased biological risk. A aquatic modelled at regional scale reported net loss compared survey suggesting may also lead contraction niches. For lower These findings indicate represent valuable predicting spread especially within national‐scale programmes. At same time, collected poorly known scientists, or strictly local contexts, strongly affect quantification taxa prediction

Language: Английский

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Species-Habitat Associations: Spatial data, predictive models, and ecological insights

Published: Dec. 1, 2020

Ecologists develop species-habitat association (SHA) models to understand where species occur, why they are there and else might be. This knowledge can be used designate protected areas, estimate anthropogenic impacts on living organisms assess risks from invasive or disease spill-over wildlife humans. Here, we describe the state of art in SHA models, looking beyond apparent correlations between positions their local environment. We highlight importance ecological mechanisms, synthesize diverse modelling frameworks motivate development new analytical methods. Above all, aim synthetic, bringing together several apparently disconnected pieces theory, taxonomy, spatiotemporal scales, mathematical statistical technique our field. The first edition this ebook reviews ecology associations, mechanistic interpretation existing empirical shared foundations that help us draw scientific insights field data. It will interest graduate students professionals for an introduction literature SHAs, practitioners seeking analyse data animal movements distributions quantitative ecologists contribute methods addressing limitations current incarnations models.

Language: Английский

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Integrated community models: A framework combining multispecies data sources to estimate the status, trends and dynamics of biodiversity

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 92(12), P. 2248 - 2262

Published: Oct. 25, 2023

Abstract Data deficiencies among rare or cryptic species preclude assessment of community‐level processes using many existing approaches, limiting our understanding the trends and stressors for large numbers species. Yet evaluating dynamics whole communities, not just common charismatic species, is critical to responses biodiversity ongoing environmental pressures. A recent surge in both public science government‐funded data collection efforts has led a wealth data. However, these programmes use wide range sampling protocols (from unstructured, opportunistic observations wildlife well‐structured, design‐based programmes) record information at variety spatiotemporal scales. As result, available vary substantially quantity content, which must be carefully reconciled meaningful ecological analysis. Hierarchical modelling, including single‐species integrated models hierarchical community models, improved ability assess predict processes. Here, we highlight emerging ‘integrated modelling’ framework that combines integration modelling improve inferences on species‐ dynamics. We illustrate with series worked examples. Our three case studies demonstrate how can used extend geographic scope when distributions richness patterns; discern population over time; estimate demographic rates growth communities sympatric implemented examples multiple software methods through R platform via packages formula‐based interfaces development custom code JAGS, NIMBLE Stan. Integrated provide an exciting approach model biological observational types sources simultaneously, thus accounting uncertainty error within unified framework. By leveraging combined benefits produce valuable about as well dynamics, allowing holistic evaluation effects global change biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Bridging the gap between commercial fisheries and survey data to model the spatiotemporal dynamics of marine species

Ecological Applications, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 31(8)

Published: Sept. 14, 2021

Monitoring and assessment of natural resources often require inputs from multiple data sources. In fisheries science, for example, the inference a species' abundance distribution relies on two main sources, namely commercial scientific survey data. Despite efforts to combine these into an integrated statistical model, their coupling is frequently hampered due differences in sampling designs, which imposes distinct bias sources estimator distribution. We developed flexible species model (SDM) that can integrate both while filtering out relative contributions. applied three different age groups western Baltic cod stock. For each group, we tested (1) (2) (survey + commercial) as means compare investigate how inclusion improved spatiotemporal parameter estimates. Moreover, proposed novel validation approach evaluate whether not direct contradiction with Following our approach, results indicated use suitable model. Across all groups, demonstrated supplied additional information cod's dynamics, highlighting sometimes hot spots were detected by alone. Additionally, provided reduction up 20% 10% uncertainty (SE) predicted fields fixed-effect parameters, respectively. The represents thus valuable benchmark evaluating dynamics fish, strengthens science-based advice marine policymakers.

Language: Английский

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Integrating citizen‐science and planned‐survey data improves species distribution estimates

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 27(12), P. 2498 - 2509

Published: Sept. 22, 2021

Abstract Aim Mapping species distributions is a crucial but challenging requirement of wildlife management. The frequent need to sample vast expanses potential habitat increases the cost planned surveys and rewards accumulation opportunistic observations. In this paper, we integrate planned‐survey data from roost counts with samples eBird, WikiAves Xeno‐canto citizen‐science platforms map geographic range endangered Vinaceous‐breasted Parrot. We demonstrate estimation mapping occurrence based on integration while accounting for specifics each dataset, including observation technique uncertainty about Location Argentina, Brazil Paraguay. Methods Our analysis illustrates (a) incorporation sampling effort, spatial autocorrelation site covariates in joint‐likelihood, hierarchical, model; (b) evaluation contribution as well effort covariates, predictive ability fitted models using cross‐validation approach; (c) how representation latent occupancy state (i.e. realized occupancy) helps identify areas high that should be prioritized future fieldwork. Results estimate Parrot 434,670 km 2 , which three times larger than “Extant” area previously reported IUCN Red List. exclusion one dataset at time analyses always resulted worse predictions by truncated Full Model, included all datasets. Likewise, autocorrelation, or predictions. Main conclusions different datasets into joint‐likelihood model produced more reliable any individual taken its own, improving use combination results.

Language: Английский

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Many cameras make light work: opportunistic photographs of rare species in iNaturalist complement structured surveys of reef fish to better understand species richness

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 31(4), P. 1407 - 1425

Published: March 1, 2022

Abstract Citizen science is on the rise, with growing numbers of initiatives, participants and increasing interest from broader scientific community. iNaturalist an example a successful citizen platform that enables users to opportunistically capture share biodiversity observations. Understanding how data such opportunistic platforms compare complement structured surveys will improve their use in future research. We compared fish photographs those obtained at eight study reefs Sydney, Australia over twelve years. recorded 1.2 5.5 times more species than resulting significantly greater annual richness half reefs, remainder showing no significant difference. likely due having simple methods, which allowed for broad participation substantially observation events (e.g., dives) same period. These results demonstrate value documenting richness, particularly where access marine environment common communities have time resources expensive recreational activities (i.e., underwater photography). The datasets also different composition recording many rare, less abundant, or cryptic while captured abundant species. suggest integrating both sources best outcome monitoring conservation activities.

Language: Английский

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Comparison of methods for estimating density and population trends for low-density Asian bears

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 35, P. e02058 - e02058

Published: Feb. 15, 2022

Populations of bears in Asia are vulnerable to extinction and effective monitoring is critical measure direct conservation efforts. Population abundance (local density) or growth (λ) the most sensitive metrics change. We discuss value implementing spatially explicit capture-recapture (SCR), current gold standard for density estimation, open population SCR (OPSCR) monitor changes over time. provide guidance designing studies estimates with sufficient power detect changes. Because wide availability camera traps interest their use, we consider six estimation methods extensions developed use traps, specific consideration assumptions applications Asian bears. conducted a analysis calculate precision needed populations reference IUCN Red List criteria. performed systematic review empirical trap considered sample sizes, effort, model required achieve adequate monitoring. found OPSCR, reliant on "marked" individuals, currently only enough reliably even moderate major (20–80%) declines. Camera unmarked individuals rarely achieved large declines (80–90%), although some exceptions (e.g., situations densities, number sampling sites, inclusion ancillary local telemetry data. describe additional options including line transects, observations, age-specific survival reproductive rates, hybrid/integrated methodologies that may have potential work bear populations. conclude possible but will require collaboration among researchers broad spatial extents extensive financial investment overcome biological logistical constraints. strongly encourage practitioners study design effort meet objectives by conducting simulations, analyses, assumption checks prior efforts, reporting standardized dispersion measures such as coefficients variation allow assessment precision. Our relevant other low-density wide-ranging species.

Language: Английский

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Integrated community occupancy models: A framework to assess occurrence and biodiversity dynamics using multiple data sources

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 13(4), P. 919 - 932

Published: Feb. 3, 2022

Abstract 1. The occurrence and distributions of wildlife populations communities are shifting as a result global changes. To evaluate whether these shifts negatively impacting biodiversity processes, it is critical to monitor the status, trends effects environmental variables on entire communities. However, modelling dynamics multiple species simultaneously can require large amounts diverse data, few approaches exist provide community‐level inferences. 2. We present an ‘integrated community occupancy model’ (ICOM) that unites principles data integration hierarchical in single framework inferences species‐specific using sources. ICOM combines replicated nonreplicated detection–nondetection sources explicitly accounts for different detection sampling processes across use simulations compare previously developed models integrated distribution models. then apply our model assess foliage‐gleaning birds White Mountain National Forest northeastern USA from 2010 2018 three independent 3. Simulations reveal integrating increased precision accuracy compared source models, although benefits were dependent information content individual (e.g. amount replication). Compared yielded more precise species‐level estimates. Within case study, had highest out‐of‐sample predictive performance used only subset 4. provides estimates multi‐species or single‐species further found improved broad region interest with empirical study forest birds. offers attractive approach estimate dynamics, which additionally valuable inform management objectives both their broader

Language: Английский

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The challenges of data in future pandemics

Epidemics, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 40, P. 100612 - 100612

Published: July 20, 2022

The use of data has been essential throughout the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic. We have needed it to populate our models, inform understanding, and shape responses disease. However, not always easy find access, varied in quality coverage, difficult reuse or repurpose. This paper reviews these other challenges recommends steps develop a ecosystem better able deal with future pandemics by supporting preparedness, prevention, detection response.

Language: Английский

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