Locating species range frontiers: a cost and efficiency comparison of citizen science and hair-tube survey methods for use in tracking an invasive squirrel

摘要: Context Improved knowledge of changing species distributions is critically important for conservation managers in the face increasing invasions, habitat disturbance and climate change. Efficient monitoring location advancing invasion frontiers especially crucial effective community management. Aims To compare cost-effectiveness efficiency two survey methods, a citizen science traditional hair-tube survey, their abilities to locate current southern frontier grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) Ireland. Methods In we collected sighting reports squirrel its native congener, red (S. vulgaris), from geographic region untrained members public over 2-year period. Hair-tube surveys were carried out 14 woodlands (≥30 ha) same area test ability this indirect field method identify colonising populations. The costs, each compared. Key results resulted clear delineation zone invaded by squirrel. ascertained presence 4 sites, but did not detect close defined survey. Even though total cost was higher, it more cost-effective efficient on per detection basis purposes detecting squirrels. Conclusions detected invasive sites where not. As such, provided comprehensive snapshot efficiently cost-effectively than techniques. Implications ecological economic costs biological recommend straightforward surveys, researchers seeking track progressing invasions readily observable animals cost-effectively.