The risks and rewards of community science for threatened species monitoring. Issue 9 (8th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soroye, Peter; Edwards, Brandon P. M.; Buxton, Rachel T.; Ethier, Jeffrey P.; Frempong‐Manso, Acacia; Keefe, Hannah E.; Berberi, Albana; Roach‐Krajewski, Maisy; Binley, Allison D.; Vincent, Jaimie G.; Lin, Hsien‐Yung; Cooke, Steven J.; Bennett, Joseph R.
• Is Part Of: Conservation science and practice. Volume 4:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-08-08
• Subjects: citizen science -- community science -- outreach -- iNaturalist -- participatory monitoring -- species assessments -- threatened species; Biodiversity conservation -- Periodicals; Biodiversity conservation; Periodicals; 333.951605
• DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12788
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2578-4854

Abstract

Abstract: Finding ways of efficiently monitoring threatened species can be critical to effective conservation. The global proliferation of community science (also called citizen science) programs, like iNaturalist, presents a potential alternative or complement to conventional threatened species monitoring. Using a case study of ~700, 000 observations of >10, 000 IUCN Red List Threatened species within iNaturalist observations, we illustrate the potential risks and rewards of using community science to monitor threatened species. Poor data quality and risks of sending untrained volunteers to sample species that are sensitive to disturbance or harvesting are key barriers to overcome. Yet community science can expand the breadth of monitoring at little extra cost, while indirectly benefiting conservation through outreach and education. We conclude with a list of actionable recommendations to further mitigate the risks and capitalize on the rewards of community science as a threatened species monitoring tool. Abstract : Finding ways of efficiently monitoring threatened species can be critical to effective conservation. Community science provides a potential alternative or complement to conventional threatened species monitoring, but there are some risks. Here, we provide some recommendations to mitigate the risks and capitalize on the rewards of community science as a threatened species monitoring tool.