Towards ecological science for all by all

Imagine a global community of people who—as matter daily routine—observe wildlife, smell the air, discuss weather and touch world around them. As sensors, have evolved ability to assess environmental change one might easily conceive an army such ‘citizen scientists’ ready willing advance knowledge. Of course, it is not that straightforward. Although volunteers supported science for decades, concept citizen has more holistic consideration methods, ethics, philosophy social relatively new. We know can generate large, high-quality datasets, but as much this volume observations demonstrates potential science, there are new challenges opportunities, reconnecting with nature. No discipline, how best incorporate into research in efficient, cost-effective ethical way works both contributing citizen, professional scientist still be fully understood. Indeed, from perspective sciences, need adapt society demands responsive rapidly changing concerns. The Oxford English Dictionary defined 2014 (OED, 2020), combined two early definitions emphasised (a) responsibility (Irwin, 1995) (b) participatory role or efforts scientific endeavours (Bonney, 1996). More recently, Ceccaroni et al. (2017) attempted reconcile these viewpoints describe work undertaken by civic educators scientists together communities foster broad mentality, and/or encourage democratic engagement, which allows deal rationally complex modern problems (Eitzel al., 2017). 12th December 2020, hub SciStarter.com lists 1,358 active projects. these, 642 (47.3%) listed under topic ‘Ecology Environment’. been rapid growth projects since 1940s, 1990 10% decadal increase (Pocock This expansion precipitated range supporting infrastructure, including typologies (e.g. Danielsen 2009; Wiggins & Crowston, 2011), practice principles ECSA, 2017) frameworks implementation (Chase Levine, 2016; Resnik 2015; Shirk 2012). It because activities across breadth ecology studies, increasing attention BES launched open call papers Special Feature on six journals October 2019. In Editorial, we topics covered conclude brief outlook ongoing future developments. comprises 19 papers, Journal Applied Ecology, five People Nature, four Animal Ecological Solutions Evidence each Ecology Methods Evolution. wide ranging varied, collection articles go some addressing perspectives intended Feature; contribution advancement ecological knowledge community-based science. Among 16 present original quantitative qualitative research, practice-based article (Bonnet 2021), (Palmer 2021) literature review (Winch 2021). Seven address aspects quality assurance control (QA/QC). Trust critical factor leveraging partnerships between scientists, project coordinators decision-makers (Freitag 2016). However, although number disciplines remains scepticism public trusted source information (Burgess 2017; Tredick many struggle meet decision-maker needs (Newman 2016), who require data suitable reliable inference. Thus, underpinning mode matters, context means ensuring any participation members may improved development procedures protocols followed before during (quality assurance). also extended processes improving after collection, ‘at back-end’ control). Pernat (2021) El Bizri studies assurance. compared trained researcher (or ‘professional’) mosquito collections German ‘Mückenatlas’, while local peoples’ capacity determine reproductive status female pacas (Cuniculus paca). used seven years surveillance evaluate what kind method provides. They found systematic monitoring was superior terms mapping diversity, passive did better job detecting invasive species. suggests citizens often do at novel occurrences than approaches. With 17-year long dataset, indigenous already highly accurate pregnancy diagnosis (72.5% correct) pacas, even training (88.2% correct). depending circumstances, only complement providing insights emerging extensive seen before: example, Hanny's Voorwerp Galaxy Zoo (Cardamone 2009). through blur boundaries those considered professionals when either produce sufficiently inform wildlife management. high rates agreement about 55% similar accuracy (Aceves-Bueno term ‘extreme’ emerged recent years, borne partly out internet accessibility, led thousands web-based mobile applications aid recording observations. Extreme involves crowdsourcing its analysis (see Haklay, 2013). ‘From Practice’ paper Bonnet presents Pl@ntNet platform, initiated 2009 well being platform aggregating disseminating observations, identification plants automatic visual recognition. disseminated different socioeconomic contexts; Ramières Reserve (France) Lewa Conservatory (Kenya). For tool widely adopted, key factors they identify reinforce existing include good communication (Constant Roberts, 2017), validation, recognition participant expectations (Dickinson line extreme includes adopting policy technologies commensurate infrastructure. Petersen provides forensic study biological Norway finds classic taxonomic biases towards traditionally recorded charismatic fauna birds), non-random skew anthropogenic land-uses (‘road-side bias’), whether focus any, rare non-native useful remaining three theme consider account forms bias generated related site selection observer retention over time (Dambly artificial light conditions (Ditmer choice methods generating less biased SDMs (Steen long-term monitoring, concern frequent turnover observers affect 2010). Dambly develop ‘virtual ecologist’ model test opportunistic uneven bat roosts. showed issues result trends, affecting reliability Their findings highlight value engaging retaining observers, standardised sampling design metadata. interdisciplinary perspective, termed ‘bias’ natural sciences part rich dimensions shape particular ways; shaping submitted Nature largely concerned with. alert us human why concerns particularly compelling like engage periods time. Observer influenced conditions. Ditmer tested incorporation night (ALAN) detection American black bears (Ursus americanus) scientists. Members provided 1,315 bear Minnesota, USA. Using occupancy modelling framework, authors other commonly metrics footprint housing density), accounting spatial showing higher elevated illuminance. abundance substantially underestimated Such volunteer effort associated urban infrastructure established (Geldmann Tiago, Ceia-Hasse, added interaction improves our understanding bias, incorporated models improve estimation predictions organisms’ distributions abundances. Further error methodological choices made production based upon presence-only data, characteristic class imbalances where absence data) far abundant another (Robinson 2018). Steen compare mitigating imbalance: thinning, balancing majority-only thinning using eBird 102 Finding no single approach all species, considerable differences SDM performance, recommend series case-by-case basis guide thin balance data. involvement species most (although always referred such). Audubon Society sponsored Christmas Bird Count began 1900 (Bock Root, 1981) UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme 1976 (Pollard Yates, 1994), closely European equivalents. popularity ornithology particular, bird dominate biodiversity occurrence facility (Troudet thanks part, successfully (Sullivan When conventional broadened opportunity temporal allowing phenology population dynamics. demonstrated animals (Van Der Kolk 2016) (van Vliet 2014) relation climate; distribution (Crall amphibians reptiles (Tiago, Pereira, migratory birds 2020). limited fewer narrow geographical range, investigated within small portion annual cycle organism's life cycle. use La Sorte Graham allowed associations vegetation breeding migration tracked entire cycle, rather just focusing extent. habitat tracking large previous able investigate simultaneously. Similarly, Project FeederWatch Latimer Zuckerberg dynamics North birds. repeat observation scheme dynamic models, explicitly processes. hierarchical techniques facilitated boom usability multiple sources programmes will facilitate greater flexibility increased scope questions answered. Williams combine purple martin (Progne subis) eBird, Breeding Survey demographic parameters MartinWatch relationship suitability demography. highlights record species’ presence asking fecundity eggs fledglings per nest. Technologies camera traps offer ways collect contribute presence) planned way. left fixed locations site, survey periods. Twining red (Sciurus vulgaris) grey squirrel carolinensis), pine marten (Martes martes) 332 sites distributed Northern Ireland. Camera trap were build recovery strongly, positively populations, having opposite relation. Expanding suitability, warn populations likely persist areas. clear ecosystem management implications, eloquently careful set-up, handling verification lead real impacts conservation Santangeli Biodiversity extends diversity (UNEP, 1994) so Aavik (2020) took citizen-science morph frequencies flower styles heterostylous grassland plant cowslip (Primula veris) Estonia. A campaign ‘Eesti otsib nurmenukke’ (‘Estonia looking cowslips’) engaged participants 1,700 localities Analysis indicated deviations equal ratios areas density fragmentation, likelihood inbreeding fitness declines (Leigh 2019), finding builds earlier evidence geographically restricted Rossum Triest, 2006). conclusion, contributed movement engagement mobilisation could monitor wider comparison traditional study. associations, indeed raises play significant monitoring. Detecting scales biotic abiotic important fundamentally policymakers managers longer-term planning resource allocation (Parr 2002; Peters 2014). To detect requires disentangle background noise (Magurran Citizen posed possible solution given achievable 2018; Thornhill Alongside funding shortfalls, limiting successful volunteers, amount required (Weiser 2019). may, therefore, sensible optimise maximise retention, economic efficiencies. What then would minimum robust trends in, woodland populations? aspect explored Prowse (2021), resample simulate levels effort. find reducing surveyed, trend retained effectively revisiting biennially turn, risk engagement. compromise met visited annually extent; however, programme warning signals, declining dimensions, controlled become critically success outcomes research. places non-scientist experts centre endeavour. Billaud 1,000 French farmers period effect farm practices invertebrate variations. Varied relationships farming groups investigated. flying taxa negatively impacted pesticide mineral fertilisation, mixed. recognise benefit sustained farmers, additional awareness biodiversity, farming. question political acceptability adapting long-monitoring strategies. goal plan subjective decision should variety stakeholders guidance (Hauser regarding (Billaud 2021; further discussion. Each reviews poses challenging anyone designing resourced volunteers. resolution protocol spatially temporally, effective? And, requirements data? Perhaps so, point drivers participation, central next papers. communities, individuals, very nature, psychological set motivates individuals take project. must addressed if serve dual purpose trustworthy appropriate resolution, societal transformation (Bela Yet, recently begun stay Geoghegan extent enhance engender behaviour (Bonney Winch make substantial area first, participation. From reasons participating, align motivations participants. intriguingly, contrast demographics online, UK-based NatureVolunteers community, advertised organisations. organisations tailor their appeal readily prospective typically younger, interested physical activity, skills restoration involved volunteering. Addressing mismatches broaden projects, diversify base. identify, diverse meeting goals priority minority groups. Efforts understand social, contextual nature help represented (and Asia Latin Americas) remain underrepresented. One co-design embed values opinions MacLeod Scott report New Zealand Garden (NZGBS) reporting process adapted response surveys focused channels. An impressive 15,844 responses received result, team refine strategy ensure feedback loop complete, results NZGBS larger, Ensuring happens frequently cited (Geoghegan Sullivan despite project, acknowledge complexities co-production, promoting organisations' governance making ‘a real-world difference engagement’. While participate wonder tangible benefits (see, e.g. There be—from building cohesion problems, education issues. Most contributions Feature, interests individual change. Santori analyse 148 Australian turtle TurtleSAT. Unexpectedly, attitude changes rate unlikely altered If scalable adds witnessed tail few majority August minimal outcomes. under-researched stewardship, emotional bond person place, ‘place attachment’ (PAT). Haywood delineate revised three-dimensional PAT (after Raymond 2010) apply COASST program. comprise personal, environment components, major constructs Through interviewee responses, demonstrate exhibit show profile time, implications These reflect difficulty measuring, undoubtedly important, Gouveia, needed unique function programmatic variables pre- post-programme ethics (Resnik 2015), knowledge, and, perhaps treatment wildlife. latter reflects setting ground regulatory forces, case animal welfare policies Drinkwater context, shaped (McMahon 2012) 2019 Science: Theory Practice presented special issue (Rasmussen Cooper, Palmer ask ‘What (is role) regulation?’ wildlife-focused disturb animals, involving mark–recapture trapping. provide comprehensive thoughtful overview legislation pertaining discussion points: stock wildlife-focussed state formal regulations (c) integration informal regulations. opens political, historical huge developments application now moving beyond simply observe occur. demographics, name applications, subject. All evidence, excellent snapshot, points field backgrounds, expand democratic; giving voice. limitations theoretical conceptual assumptions yet addressed. does mean, unwilling sciences? roles identified, elevating endeavour, potentially transforming solving contemporary problems? care golden thread necessary opportunity. Care every journey inception dissemination. carefully Thereafter, facets minimising errors, required, handled communicate results. ideas (Vos 2000), dependent extra gravitas. shift away acquisition fundamental participant. here audience granular level, attachment place expectations. Several motivations, others elements effect. Furthermore, general gain hence trust overall. among collection. promising. beginning operates formalising Challenges themes highlighted here, opportunities refinement. assist international scale, components. technology support continues advance, too deliver.