Assessing quality of contributions to avian monitoring by non-scientists: a case study on individually banded wild birds

Abstract

Abstract Long-term records of animal behaviour are useful sources of data for generating new testable hypotheses, though often human and financial resources limit opportunities to acquire such datasets. Citizen science can potentially fill the gap by generating win:win outcomes for science and society. In the present study, non-scientist participants (i.e. school classes and citizen scientists) joined the long-term monitoring of three avian model species (greylag goose, Anser anser; common ravens, Corvus corax; northern bald ibis, Geronticus eremita) by collecting sightings of individually marked birds. Objectives of the study were to address accuracy (in terms of correct identification of bands/species for individual birds) of the observations compiled by the participants depending on the specific tool used for data collection; compare the results obtained with analogue vs digital tools about the spatial abundances of the greylag geese; investigate potential differences in data collection depending on the species’ habits (ground-dwelling or not); and to merge both analogue and digital datasets to model spatial patterns of abundance for one of the monitored species, the greylag goose. Digital or analogue tools were used to collect data over three years. Training modules were offered before starting data collection. Data accuracy varied across focal species and tasks (range 12.5%–100% correct). Among the three monitored avian species, greylag geese (ground-dwelling) were observed the most compared to the common ravens and northern bald ibis (both aerial and/or arboreal). Furthermore, greylag geese showed differences in their abundance between locations as well as preferences for specific spatial hotspots within the study area. Spatial patterns did not differ between breeders and non-breeders. Our study underscores that participants of citizen science projects can contribute accurate behavioural data which could be used to develop a robust model of spatial patterns and abundance of the greylag goose. Involvement of non-scientist participants in research projects is expected to generate further benefits for science (management related decision) and society (enhanced knowledge and awareness of the process of scientific enquiry).