Understanding the Importance of Social Media as a Citizen Science Platform by Using Tiger Sighting Photographs from Facebook

Availability of scientific data and public support for conservation actions are necessary tools in mitigating issues (Forrester et al. 2017). According to Falk Dierking (2010), informal learning may be considered as an important avenue engage the with both science nature. Ballantyne (2007) reported is a key strategy maintain conservation. Citizen useful method collecting ecological at large scales involving non-professional volunteers research (Tulloch 2013). Dickinson (2012) it effective form education about natural world. unique tool that can used vehicle direct experience nature well offering education. Ubiquitous inexpensive availability internet-connected devices leads social media platforms scale. People from various age groups variety professions regularly use like Facebook, Instagram, Flickr etc., share their activities creativity, fruitful discussions. Facebook alone enjoys more than 2.35 billion monthly active users (Abu Al-Haija 2019). Photo sharing help generating occurrence datasets (Barve 2014) understanding spatial distribution organisms (Jiménez‐Valverde In our current study (Barman 2022) we have selected source collect analyze perspective. On common people, travelers, amateur scientists, corporations, photos observations structured or unstructured manner, knowingly unknowingly. By compiling communities on attempted co-relate parameters time space, understand status abundance Bengal tiger ( Panthera tigris ), which one largest charismatic carnivorous megafauna (Kumar 2021), plays role management plans umbrella species (Roberge Angelstam 2004). Based dates images were posted, collected period eighteen years (2004–2022). Individual tigers identified field based stripe pattern individually named by staff forest department tour naturalists. As critically endangered animal, maximum available every individual, understanding, robust ecology respect landscape. Data compilation involved detailing metadata recorded person posting comments post, evident photograph e.g., sex, life stage activity. Geotagging was performed place mentioned location photograph, extent area mobility meaningful way. compiled individual specimen, basis photographs shared individuals over platforms, has potential generate same result radio telemetry, invasive expensive It will then elevate importance photography documentation interest through participation citizen efforts megafauna. The sampled shows higher number protected areas clear tourism protocol. We also compared map, evolved out this effort (Fig. 1) maps created Tiger Monitoring Cell*1 Census activity, happens India four years. This kind cross referencing bring very interesting patterns coarse-scale geographic properties (Peña-Aguilera 2019, Soberón 2007).