Using citizen science butterfly counts to predict species population trends.

摘要: Citizen scientists are increasingly engaged in gathering biodiversity information, but trade-offs often required between public engagement goals and reliable data collection. We compared population estimates for 18 widespread butterfly species derived from the first 4 years (2011–2014) of a short-duration citizen science project (Big Butterfly Count [BBC]) with those long-running, standardized monitoring collected by experienced observers (U.K. Monitoring Scheme [UKBMS]). BBC gathered during an annual 3-week period, whereas UKBMS sampling takes place over 6 months each year. An initial comparison restricted to period revealed that changes were significantly correlated 2 sources. The season rendered counts susceptible bias caused interannual phenological variation timing species’ flight periods. positively related phenology effort. Annual abundance trends predicted models including weather covariates as proxy data. Overall, obtained using simple protocol produced comparable through methods. Although caution is urged extrapolating this U.K. study small number common, conspicuous insects, we found mass-participation can simultaneously contribute monitoring. Mass-participation not adequate replacement may extend complement it (e.g., different land-use types), well serving reconnect urban human nature.