Citizen Science

Citizen scientists are making more significant contributions in South Carolina where the Swallow-tailed Kite (more) has become severely geographically restricted, and is now considered endangered.

The current extent of the bird’s habitat has been mapped out only because of the reporting of observations from people living in the area. In fact, the ten-year-old national wildlife refuge, Waccamaw, was established based on citizen science observations.

View from the Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Jessica Johnson, The Post and Courier

The South Carolina Swallow-tailed Kites Working Group is heading up critical programs to continue monitoring and mapping the habitat development of the bird. You may join in this project by reporting your own observations and bird sightings by registering with The Center for Birds of Prey, who is managing the on line database.

“Monitoring helps define rarely seen bird’s habitat” :: The Post and Courier Charleston.net :: July 3, 2008 :: [ READ ]

REPORT SWALLOW-TAILED KITES SIGHTINGS

In August 2006, BBC Radio 4 featured a great 3-week program on citizen science activities in Great Britain. You may listen to the archived programs online, which are now featured in the DPRI Learning/EDU section.

Be inspired by people who love doing amateur research and how they contribute valuable information to the scientific community. [ LISTEN NOW ]

Wildlife monitoring at Glacier National Park in Montana is the daunting responsibility of two biologists, little funding, a whole lot of ground to cover, and hundreds of species to track.

Over the past couple of summers, local volunteers have been trained to travel deep into the backwoods of the park and monitor population levels of animals that are of serious concern. The data collection has been tremedous, and would have otherwise been impossible to organize without the army of amateurs dedicated to supporting the park.

Through the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center  at the park, additional training sessions will be available in July for those interested in participating. Call 406.888.7986 for more information.

“Citizen Scientists to the Rescue for Glacier Park” :: Flathead Beacon :: June 26, 2008 :: [ READ ]

[ VIEW ] Live Webcams at Glacier National Park