BioBlitzes: Citizen Science for in

Biodiversity, or the variety of life in a given area, is under serious threat as a result of human activities. Human population and resource consumption are still growing, and are accompanied by climate change, habitat loss, and invasive . The main purpose of a BioBlitz is to conduct a biodiversity inventory of a site at a given time, to document existing flora and fauna, while most places on Earth lack detailed information about local biodiversity.

Mathieu Basille & Kathryn Stofer

Citizen science to help many species (generally and an- years, NPS/NGS BioBlitzes have in- biodiversity imals) as possible living in a designated volved more than 50,000 participants Citizen science, also known as pub- area. By field survey, we mean an ac- in nearly 150 parks, and helped iden- lic participation in scientific research, tual tally on the ground of the biodi- tify more than 22,000 species. BioBlitzes is a set of activities that encourage versity observed and encountered in this can even take place under water: In area during the time period. BioBlitzes broad participation of non-professionals 2007, hosted the first ma- in scientific research activities. Origi- are often organized in natural areas and rine BioBlitz on the Wellington south nally, citizen science helped professional parks, but can be set in any area where coast, which led to the discovery of or academic scientists gather a great there is a demand or a need to mon- four new species, including an anemone deal of data over time and space, that itor biodiversity. Conducting a BioBlitz (Plate 1). they could not accomplish with tradi- in a human-dominated area can also document the impact of human activ- tional small research teams. Today, citi- zen science spans a spectrum of projects ities on biodiversity. The first BioBlitz across almost all scientific topics and in the U.S. was a 24-hour event held involves public participation through- at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gar- out the entire process of research, from dens in D.C. on May 31 conceptualizing problems and questions and June 1, 1996, which allowed sci- entists and volunteers to identify more for investigation, to raising money for projects through crowdfunding, and to than 1,000 species. It was organized Plate 1: Several 5–10 cm-long anemones analyzing, using, and sharing the re- by the U.S. Geological Survey in part- with 32 spotted tentacles were found by sults, in addition to data collection. nership with the (NPS), the National Biological Service, Malcolm Francis, a scientist from the Anacostia Watershed Society, and New National Institute of Water and What is a BioBlitz? Columbia Audubon Society. Later on, Atmospheric Research. NPS and National Geographic Society A BioBlitz is an intensive citizen-science (NGS) collaborated from 2007 to 2016 • Second, a BioBlitz is a citizen-science biodiversity survey. We can define a to organize annual BioBlitzes in na- event, which means that BioBlitzes are BioBlitz using the following three fea- tional parks. This collaboration culmi- open to public participation: volunteers tures, which are essential in its success: nated in a countrywide BioBlitz across are essential to detect local flora and • First and foremost, a BioBlitz is a national parks in 2016 as part of the fauna, but can also be instrumental in biodiversity survey. Experts and volun- National Park Service Centennial Cel- identifying species, entering the data so teers alike work together to conduct ebration. Altogether, during these ten it can be scientifically used, and even an intensive field survey to record as validating and discussing other’s find-

BioBlitzes: Citizen Science for Biodiversity in Florida Page 1 ings. As a matter of fact, volunteers They are typically conducted over a 24- Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor), Bay-Breasted are critical for a successful BioBlitz be- hour period to find biodiversity around Warbler (Setophaga castanea), and nest- cause they bring many pairs of eyes the clock. They can be organized for ing Roseate Spoonbills (Platalea ajaja) and a lot of enthusiasm. Enrolling a shorter periods of time (for instance 12 (Plate. 2). Divers observed three species large group of volunteers with var- hours during daylight) to attract more of groupers (Black Grouper Mycterop- ied interests is the best way to pro- volunteers, or for longer periods to ac- erca bonaci, Red Grouper Epinephelus duce a survey that is as exhaustive commodate the specificities of a par- morio, and Gag Grouper Mycteroperca as possible and representative of an ticular survey. For instance, the marine microlepis) on a night dive on the area’s true biodiversity. For instance, BioBlitz organized on the Wellington park’s reefs. Participants also identi- the BioBlitz organized by NPS/NGS in south coast of New Zealand lasted over fied 11 species of , 22 species Golden Gate National Recreation Area a month, due to the constraints of the of ants, and one species— () in 2014 involved more than marine environment. also known as a “water bear”—that had 9,000 people—including scientists, stu- not been previously documented in the dents, and volunteers—and found 2,350 BioBlitzes in Florida park. Most importantly, the highly in- species. BioBlitzes are led by and vasive lionfish, two species of which animal specialists, often researchers and The 2010 NGS–NPS BioBlitz, a marine are present in Florida (Red Lionfish naturalists trained to recognize fauna BioBlitz organized in southeast Florida’s Pterois volitans and the Common Lion- and flora. Specialists guide volunteers Biscayne National Park (April 30–May fish Pterois miles), was not observed who can use their cellphones to actively 1, 2010), was the biggest BioBlitz held during the event, which provided base- participate in the survey by document- in Florida. Two hundred scientists led line data to track the invasion of this ing the presence of biodiversity, con- the event with more than 2,500 partic- species, now common throughout West- tributing pictures, and identifying geo- ipants, including 1,300 school children ern North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and graphic coordinates. from Miami-Dade County. Eight hun- Gulf of Mexico. Biscayne National Park • Third, a BioBlitz is an intensive sur- dred species were identified, including BioBlitz was not the only one orga- vey. BioBlitzes are designed on a short a number of species rare to the park nized in Florida though, and many lo- time frame to give an exact snapshot such as the Silver-banded Hairstreak cal BioBlitzes have been held in the past of existing biodiversity at a given time. (Chlorostrymon simaethis), Mangrove decade.

Plate 2: Examples of terrestrial species documented during the NPS/NGS BioBlitz of 2010 in Biscayne National Park, FL: A) Silver-banded Hairstreak (Chlorostrymon simaethis), B) Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor), C) Bay-Breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea), D) Roseate Spoonbills (Platalea ajaja).

How can BioBlitzes make a regularly at the same location, and thus fessor and State Extension Specialist difference to science? provide repeated measurements of bio- Mathieu Basille is leading a collabora- diversity through time. By accounting tion between UF/IFAS Extension and for the monitoring effort, it is possible Broward County to set up a BioBlitz pro- Ongoing biodiversity monitor- to show how biodiversity changes over gram in the county. Basille is also look- ing time, and thus to document trends, and ing for people from other areas and or- assess conservation successes and cur- ganizations who are interested in get- While already invaluable as one-time rent threats. As of the end of 2018, ting involved and helping to expand ef- events, BioBlitzes can also be conducted Wildlife Ecology and Conservation pro- forts around Florida.

BioBlitzes: Citizen Science for Biodiversity in Florida Page 2 Contribution to biodiversity vasive weeds, about the weight of a cu- as a service activity. Scientists and Ex- atlases bic yard of mulch, or half the weight of tension faculty, or other event organiz- a polar bear. ers, therefore have a relaxed way to in- Several biodiversity atlases are now teract with these stakeholders, and both available on-line, consisting in reposi- share their expertise as well as under- tories of plant and animal occurrences. stand more about their stakeholders and Some of these are global in nature (e.g., the stakeholders’ interest in biodiversity. the Global Biodiversity Information Fa- cility, GBIF, which now compiles al- most one billion records from the en- Exploring and mapping tire world); others have a specialized purpose (such as the Early Detection BioBlitzes are also great opportunities and Distribution Mapping System, ED- to explore natural areas from inside DMaps, for invasive species). On-line at- out. In addition to the pleasure of dis- lases allow extensive research on bio- covering places in parks that are sel- diversity and species distributions, and dom visited, volunteers can also help can be easily complemented by the data their favorite park map the site, their collected in the BioBlitzes. trails, and treasures. For instance, sim- ply walking along trails with their cell- Rare and invasive species phones or hand-held GPS units record- ing their tracks, people can contribute to BioBlitzes are unique tools to keep track improve the maps of the parks through of both rare and invasive species. When collaborative projects such as Open- volunteers and scientists work together, StreetMap. Similarly, marking remark- Plate 3: Two species at risk documented they are able to identify uncommon or able items (e.g., the biggest, tallest, or during the NPS/NGS BioBlitz of 2015 in special habitats for protection and man- oldest trees, or features such as shelters, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, HI: A) agement, and rare species may be un- boardwalks or statues) also helps parks Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa covered. Specifically, BioBlitzes can help to correctly map and document their tameamea), and n¯en¯e or Hawaiian assess the presence of Threatened and trails, and eventually provide guides for goose (Branta sandvicensis). Endangered species, and contribute to the public that are more complete and the evaluation of their status. For in- accurate. stance, during the NPS/NGS BioBlitz of 2015 in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, volunteers documented 73 species How can BioBlitzes make a Nature awareness through at risk, including the Kamehameha but- difference to participants? citizen science terfly (Vanessa tameamea), and the fed- erally endangered n¯en¯e (Branta sand- Finally, BioBlitzes are a special chance vicensis), also known as the Hawaiian Scientists get input from local for the public to engage in a scien- goose (Plate. 3). On the other hand, residents tific event to help preserve biodiversity many alien species are categorized as and reconnect to flora and fauna in invasive when they have a detrimen- Not only do scientists and the BioBlitz their natural habitats. During an excit- tal impact on an ecosystem. Appropri- organizers get the data on the local ing day, which does not bear the con- ate response to invasions is only possible species from BioBlitzes, but also the straints of conventional scientific field with early detection of those unwanted events can be valuable chances to in- surveys, people can enjoy their local plants and animals, and BioBlitzes offer teract with people from the area. These parks and discover biodiversity in their a way to monitor these threats to biodi- people may be interested in a variety backyards. BioBlitzes are open to all vol- versity. For instance, the National Park of things related to the event, including unteers, whether adults or children, am- Service organizes a “Weed Blitz” each a particular endangered or well-known ateur naturalists or experts, or simply year in Glacier National Park to iden- species, a group of species such as fungi people who like to try new things. They tify noxious weeds and infested areas. In or , the importance of local natural give the public an opportunity to meet 2016, 99 volunteers spent the morning areas, or the environment and science and learn from working scientists. If you learning how to identify and control five in general. Public participants may also are interested in BioBlitzes in your area, invasive plant species, and in the after- be simply participating with a particu- contact your Extension County Offices, noon, pulled a total of 620 pounds of in- lar group such as their church or school or directly contact Mathieu Basille.

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