Examining the impact of observer skill and survey methods on the effectiveness of citizen science monitoring programs in Grenada
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Date
2020
Authors
Bergen, Nicholas
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Abstract
Citizen science projects in ornithological research have become prevalent across the globe and are answering many of the questions that professional science does not have the resources to pursue. For these projects to meaningfully contribute to our understanding of birds, citizen scientists must be able to collect reliable data. To determine the effects of observer skill on detectability, observed abundance, and species richness, I trained 34 volunteers how to identify Grenadian land birds and follow survey protocols. Over three field seasons, they conducted 405 point counts and transect counts using dependent double observer methods. In general, more skilled primary observers counted more individuals and unique species, and this was especially true for difficult to detect species. Surprisingly, less skilled secondary observers recorded more birds the more skilled their primary observer was. Point counts were the more effective method of accumulating species and recorded higher abundance than transect counts. Fewer individuals and species were recorded during the dry season (January/February). Surprisingly, early evening surveys recorded as many birds as early morning surveys in most cases. This information can be used to develop a monitoring program in Grenada that can be reliable and accessible for volunteers that are looking for ways to invest in conservation.
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Keywords
Citizen science, Birds, Grenada, Caribbean, Conservation biology, Detectability