A standard protocol for harvesting biodiversity data from Facebook DOI Creative Commons
Shawan Chowdhury, Sultan Ahmed, Shofiul Alam

et al.

Published: Aug. 27, 2023

1. The expanding use of citizen science platforms has led to an exponential increase in biodiversity data global repositories. Yet, our understanding species distribution remains patchy for most the world. Social media potential reduce knowledge gap. However, practical guidelines and standardised pipelines harvest such sources are still missing. 2. Here, we provide a framework extract records from Facebook groups that allow access their following privacy protection safeguards. actively used moderated some countries share records. We present how structure keywords, search photographs, georeference localities further highlight challenges users might face when extracting suggest solutions.3. Following proposed framework, case study on Bangladesh’s – tropical megadiverse South Asian country. scraped nearly 45,000 unique locality 967 species, with median 27 per species. About 12% were threatened which represent 27% all also obtained 56 Data Deficient species.4. If carefully harvested, social can significantly gaps. Consequently, developing automated tool interpret is essential research priority.

Language: Английский

Three-quarters of insect species are insufficiently represented by protected areas DOI Creative Commons
Shawan Chowdhury, Myron P. Zalucki, Jeffrey O. Hanson

et al.

One Earth, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 6(2), P. 139 - 146

Published: Feb. 1, 2023

Language: Английский

Citations

50
From Sand to Bell: Novel Predation of Scyphozoans by the Giant Caribbean Sea Anemone Condylactis gigantea (Weinland, 1860) from the Western Atlantic DOI Creative Commons
Ramón D. Morejón-Arrojo, Natalia B. López‐Figueroa, Joan I. Hernández-Albernas

et al.

Diversity, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(2), P. 111 - 111

Published: Feb. 3, 2025

Predation is a fundamental ecological process that shapes marine ecosystem dynamics. This study reveals novel predator–prey interaction between the giant Caribbean sea anemone Condylactis gigantea and two jellyfish species Cassiopea sp. Aurelia sp., challenging traditional understanding of feeding habits. Observations from citizen science platforms field recordings documented C. successfully capturing consuming these gelatinous organisms. The research highlights trophic plasticity gigantea, demonstrating its ability to prey on larger organisms beyond traditionally known diet. predation event represents possible benthic–pelagic coupling mechanism underscores value in rare interactions.

Language: Английский

Citations

3
Identifying the identifiers: How iNaturalist facilitates collaborative, research-relevant data generation and why it matters for biodiversity science DOI
Caitlin J. Campbell, Vijay Barve, Michael W. Belitz

et al.

BioScience, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 73(7), P. 533 - 541

Published: July 1, 2023

Abstract The iNaturalist platform generates millions of research-grade biodiversity records via a system in which users collectively reach consensus on taxonomic identification. In the present article, we examine how identifiers and their efforts, an understudied component platform, support data generation. Identification is keeping pace with rapid growth observations, assisted by small subset highly active who tend to be taxonomically specialized. Identifier experience primary determinant whether research grade, time it takes do so. Time grade has fallen rapidly growing identification effort use computer vision, identifications are generally stable. Most observations vetted experienced identifiers, although not free biases. We close providing suggestions for enhanced quality continuing steps enhance equitable credit trust across ecosystem observers, users.

Language: Английский

Citations

30
A globally synthesised and flagged bee occurrence dataset and cleaning workflow DOI Creative Commons
James B. Dorey, Erica E. Fischer, Paige Chesshire

et al.

Scientific Data, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 10(1)

Published: Nov. 2, 2023

Species occurrence data are foundational for research, conservation, and science communication, but the limited availability accessibility of reliable represents a major obstacle, particularly insects, which face mounting pressures. We present BeeBDC, new R package, global bee dataset to address this issue. combined >18.3 million records from multiple public repositories (GBIF, SCAN, iDigBio, USGS, ALA) smaller datasets, then standardised, flagged, deduplicated, cleaned using reproducible BeeBDC R-workflow. Specifically, we harmonised species names (following established taxonomy), country names, collection dates and, added record-level flags series potential quality issues. These provided in two formats, "cleaned" "flagged-but-uncleaned". The package with online documentation provides end users ability modify filtering parameters their research questions. By publishing workflows globally can increase reliability downstream analyses. This workflow be implemented other taxa support conservation.

Language: Английский

Citations

28
Plant diversity darkspots for global collection priorities DOI Creative Commons
Ian Ondo, Kiran L. Dhanjal‐Adams, Samuel Pironon

et al.

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 244(2), P. 719 - 733

Published: Aug. 16, 2024

Summary More than 15% of all vascular plant species may remain scientifically undescribed, and many the > 350 000 described have no or few geographic records documenting their distribution. Identifying understanding taxonomic knowledge shortfalls is key to prioritising future collection conservation efforts. Using extensive data for 343 523 time‐to‐event analyses, we conducted multiple tests related shortfalls, identified 33 global diversity darkspots (those ‘botanical countries’ predicted contain most undescribed not yet recorded species). We defined priority regions according several socio‐economic environmental scenarios. Most are found within biodiversity hotspots, with exception New Guinea. identify Colombia, Myanmar, Guinea, Peru, Philippines Turkey as priorities under conditions considered. Our study provides a flexible framework help accelerate documentation implementation actions. As digitisation world's herbaria progresses, soon be identifiable at finer scales.

Language: Английский

Citations

15
Understanding and addressing shortfalls in European wild bee data DOI Creative Commons
Leon Marshall, Nicolas Leclercq, Luísa G. Carvalheiro

et al.

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 290, P. 110455 - 110455

Published: Jan. 25, 2024

Understanding and reversing biodiversity decline in the Anthropocene requires robust data on species taxonomic identity, distribution, ecology, population trends. Data deficits hinder assessments conservation, despite major advances over past few decades, our understanding of bee diversity, distribution Europe is still hampered by such shortfalls. Using a unique digital dataset wild occurrence we identify seven critical shortfalls which are an absence knowledge geographic distributions, (functional) trait variation, dynamics, evolutionary relationships, biotic interactions, tolerance to abiotic conditions. We describe "BeeFall," interactive online Shiny app tool, visualizes these highlights missing data. also define new impediment, Keartonian Impediment, addresses high-quality situ photos illustrations with diagnostic characteristics directly affects outlined Shortfalls highly correlated at both provincial national scales, identifying key areas where gaps can be filled. This work provides important first step towards long-term goal mobilize aggregate European into multi-scale, easy access, shareable, updatable database inform research, practice, policy actions for conservation bees.

Language: Английский

Citations

11
Using social media records to inform conservation planning DOI Creative Commons
Shawan Chowdhury, Richard A. Fuller, Sultan Ahmed

et al.

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 38(1)

Published: Aug. 8, 2023

Citizen science plays a crucial role in helping monitor biodiversity and inform conservation. With the widespread use of smartphones, many people share information on social media, but this is still not widely used Focusing Bangladesh, tropical megadiverse mega-populated country, we examined importance media records conservation decision-making. We collated species distribution for birds butterflies from Facebook Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), grouped them into GBIF-only combined GBIF data, investigated differences identifying critical areas. Adding data to improved accuracy systematic planning assessments by additional important areas northwest, southeast, central parts extending priority 4,000-10,000 km

Language: Английский

Citations

18
Citizen Science for Environmental Monitoring in the Eastern Region of Bolivia DOI Open Access
Oswaldo Maillard,

Gilka Michme,

Huáscar Azurduy

et al.

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(6), P. 2333 - 2333

Published: March 12, 2024

The eastern region of Bolivia is high conservation interest due to the presence Chiquitano Dry Forest, Chaco, Pantanal and Cerrado ecoregions. However, this under pressure from various anthropogenic threats, which requires continuous monitoring. An alternative for monitoring use mobile applications designed concept citizen science, in local stakeholders are part process obtaining information finding solutions environmental problems their territories. main objective study was evaluate obtained during with a science approach Bolivia. We developed public electronic form ArcGIS Survey123 application capture spatial data nine thematic variables. Between 2021 2023, we conducted 16 training courses 12 population centers, attendees 98 communities 6 municipalities region. A total 360 volunteers different sectors participated training, including technicians private institutions, park rangers, community representatives citizens. 379 records, 70.4% were recorded near rest within protected areas. results reclassified grouped into three clusters: human activities, water resources biodiversity. In activities cluster, categories highest number records wildfires deforestation. most cattle waterholes streams, but one notable reduction wetlands sector Bolivian Pantanal. biodiversity reports mammals, among footprints jaguar (Panthera onca). This tool made it possible generate high-quality sites almost real time, could help strengthen interactions relationship users dialogue governance processes.

Language: Английский

Citations

4
The potential of iNaturalist for bee conservation research—A study case in a southern Brazilian metropolis DOI
Felipe Walter Pereira,

Maristela Zamoner,

Rodrigo Barbosa Gonçalves

et al.

Insect Conservation and Diversity, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 17(2), P. 386 - 395

Published: March 1, 2024

Abstract Citizen science can expand our knowledge of biodiversity and enhance conservation programs by adding species records associated data. This is the case for bees—the main group pollinators—with millions observations on iNaturalist . Here we ask if spontaneous made citizen scientists this platform provide a good picture bee diversity in terms taxonomic coverage (i.e., proportion different subfamilies, tribes, genera species), identification acuity correct at what level) diversity. For purpose, compare with dataset from structured local survey Curitiba, city 2 million inhabitants southern Brazil. The search resulted 496 52 species, richness similar to most urbanised sampling site survey. Highly eusocial large bees are, proportionally, more frequently observed citizens than sampled professionals. Three observers were responsible 50% About 45% correctly identified number increased up 85% after validation. We perceive that spontaneous, non‐structured, bring biased representation fauna when compared However, shows great potential monitor bodied bees, including rare non‐native species; thus, it may be valuable surveying, monitoring conservation.

Language: Английский

Citations

4
Incorporating citizen science into IUCN Red List assessments DOI Creative Commons
Rachael V. Gallagher, Erin Roger, Jasmin G. Packer

et al.

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Aug. 27, 2024

Abstract Many citizen scientists are highly motivated to help address the current extinction crisis. Their work is making valuable contributions protecting species by raising awareness, identifying occurrences, assessing population trends, and informing direct management actions, such as captive breeding. However, clear guidance lacking about how use existing science data sets design effective programs that directly inform risk assessments resulting conservation actions based on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria. This may be because a mismatch between what can deliver reality needed threatened listing IUCN To overcome this problem, we examined each criterion (A–E) relative five major types outputs relevant (occurrence data, presence–absence observations, structured surveys, physical samples, narratives) recommend which most suited when applying assessment process. We explored real‐world examples projects amphibians fungi have delivered knowledge assessments. found although occurrence routinely used in process, simply adding more observations from information not inclusion nuanced types, or threats surveys. then characteristics already support These were led recognized experts who champion validate thereby giving greater confidence its accuracy. urge increased recognition value within

Language: Английский

Citations

4