Global change and local solutions: Tapping the unrealized potential of citizen science for biodiversity research

摘要: Abstract The collective impact of humans on biodiversity rivals mass extinction events defining Earth’s history, but does our large population also present opportunities to document and contend with this crisis? We provide the first quantitative review biodiversity-related citizen science determine whether data collected by these projects can be, are currently being, effectively used in research. find strong evidence potential science: within we sampled (n = 388), ∼1.3 million volunteers participate, contributing up $2.5 billion in-kind annually. These exceed most federally-funded studies spatial temporal extent, collectively they sample a breadth taxonomic diversity. However, only 12% 388 surveyed obviously peer-reviewed scientific articles, despite fact that third have verifiable, standardized accessible online. Factors influencing publication included project scale longevity having publically available data, as well one measure rigor (taxonomic identification training). Because low rate at which reach publication, growing movement is likely realizing small portion its research community. Strengthening connections between professional non-professional participants process will enable resource be better harnessed understand address global change impacts biodiversity.