Evaluating the validity of a simple citizen science index for assessing the ecological status of urban drainage ponds

摘要: Abstract Citizen science approaches are valuable tools for biodiversity management and conservation, particularly in urban areas. The OPAL Water Survey is a citizen approach to assessing water quality by recording the presence/absence of 13 easily identifiable freshwater invertebrate groups. survey generates score (the Pond Health Score) that can usefully inform wildlife as well engaging residents with nature. main aim this study was investigate capability Score assess overall ecological status drainage ponds. We applied linear regression between from 78 ponds across Scotland measure obtained dimension reduction (Principal Coordinate Analysis) five widely-used indicators: taxonomic richness amphibians, macroinvertebrates macrophytes, adjacent terrestrial habitat degree urbanization. strongly correlated ponds’ established using indicators (Pearson’s r = 0.86, P