Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
07:17
Deploying Community Scientists to Conduct Nondestructive Genetic Sampling of Rare Butterfly Populations
Published on: October 28, 2022
1.9K
Using citizen science butterfly counts to predict species population trends
Emily B Dennis1,2, Byron J T Morgan1, Tom M Brereton2
1School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7FS, U.K.
Summary
Citizen science projects like the Big Butterfly Count (BBC) can provide reliable biodiversity data comparable to standardized methods. This approach effectively engages the public while complementing formal ecological monitoring efforts.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Citizen Science
Background:
- Citizen science initiatives are growing for biodiversity data collection.
- Balancing public engagement with data reliability is a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare butterfly population estimates from a citizen science project (BBC) with standardized monitoring data (UKBMS).
- To assess the suitability of citizen science data for biodiversity monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Compared 4 years of Big Butterfly Count (BBC) data with U.K. Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) data for 18 butterfly species.
- Analyzed correlations between population estimates, considering sampling duration and phenological variation.
Main Results:
- Species population changes were significantly correlated between BBC and UKBMS data.
- BBC counts showed susceptibility to phenological variation but correlated with weather covariates.
- Citizen science data yielded comparable estimates of species abundance and trends to standardized methods.
Conclusions:
- Mass-participation citizen science can effectively contribute to biodiversity monitoring and public engagement.
- Citizen science complements, rather than replaces, standardized monitoring, offering broader spatial and temporal insights.
- These initiatives can help reconnect urban populations with nature.
Keywords:
Big Butterfly CountEsquema de Monitoreo de Mariposas del Reino UnidoGran Conteo de MariposasUK Butterfly Monitoring Schemeabundancia de mariposasbutterfly abundancefenologíagardensgeneralized abundance indexjardinesphenologyspecies trendstendencias de las especiesíndice de abundancia generalizadaMore Related Videos
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