Contribute wildlife sightings as a citizen scientist

Contribute wildlife sightings as a citizen scientist

Participating in citizen science is a terrific way to connect with the natural world around us, and, at the same time provide meaningful data that can be used to conserve our incredible biodiversity. However, citizen science programs are about much more than just the data collection – they acknowledge the importance of collaboration between scientists and the general public, where ordinary sightings can contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.

Citizen science also offers physical and mental health benefits, as participants typically spend more time outdoors to interact with their natural environment – often in new and different ways. Many citizen science programs can also be undertaken within groups or will offer further learning and educational resources that link like-minded people together to share skills, develop new ones and learn from one another. This increase in activity, learning and social connection is a powerful combination that helps to reduce stress, improve mood and support overall wellbeing. 

Did you know, there are citizen science programs happening near you? Help to save Australia’s threatened species by recording sightings and calls, surveying landscapes, or studying the interactions between wildlife. No experience or expertise is needed – just a keen eye and a thirst for knowledge! One of the easiest ways to be involved is through a citizen science app for smartphones or tablets.

Do you have a favourite type of native animal? These citizen science programs might be of interest:

Birds

• Joining the annual Aussie Bird Count is a quick and fun way to contribute to the national snapshot of birds in our backyards, parks and school grounds. Take part in the activities as an individual, business, school or community group, by spending just 20 minutes observing the birds in your outdoor area.
• The annual Great Cocky Count is the single biggest survey for Carnaby’s, Baudin’s and Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoos in the south-west of Western Australia, from Geraldton to Esperance. Taking place on one evening in autumn, it involves volunteers monitoring known roost sites and counting the black cockatoos as they arrive that evening.
• Submit your other bird sightings year-round to Birdata, a digital repository of more than 30 million bird sightings from across Australia! This data is used by community groups, corporations, universities and government bodies to inform publications, legislation and academic records.  
• Your sightings could also help researchers, councils and environmental groups across the nation to better understand how birds use nest boxes and introduced tree hollows. Create and upload new records in just three easy steps, using the Hollow Watch Australia mobile app and web portal.

Turtles

• Record your sightings of freshwater turtles (such as the local Chelodina oblonga / Southwestern snake-necked turtle) and their nests by using TurtleSAT – available either as a smartphone app or report your findings by registering through the website. Turtles leave waterways and wetlands to start nesting during spring, particularly on rainy days from Djilba to Kambarang (August to November). Hatchlings can be seen emerging from their buried nests throughout the year, with most emerging during Djeran to Djilba (March to August).
• Foxes are one of the main predators for turtles, therefore TurtleSAT work directly with FoxScan to reduce the impact of fox predation on freshwater turtles and their eggs. Report your sightings of fox attacks and evidence of fox activities through the FoxScan app. 

Frogs and toads 

• Record and report frog and toad calls with the free FrogID app and help gather other essential information to better understand and conserve Australia’s frog species, which are under threat from habitat loss, disease and the effects of climate change. You could even make it onto the leaderboard of ‘top froggers’!

Moths and butterflies 

• Help to promote the conservation of and research on Lepidoptera, like the rare Emerald Moth, with the Butterflies Australia project. Record your field sightings (or dig through your old photos) and submit them using either the webpage or the smartphone app. Even unknown species can be identified by their panel of experts!

Orchids

• The south-west corner of Western Australia between Kalbarri, August and Esperance, is home to hundreds of native orchid species. These exquisitely beautiful flowers come in a wide variety of colours, shapes and sizes; however, most would be easily missed as they grow in small or isolated groups. Help to collect and share sightings of native orchids through Wild Orchid Watch.

Sharks, rays and skate

• The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency, is calling on citizen scientists to find and record eggcases from egg-laying sharks, rays and skate that wash up on our coastlines as part of The Great Eggcase Hunt.

You can also help to record data of other species too:

Pests and diseases

• Use the handy My Pest Guide® app throughout the year, developed by the State Government, to easily and quickly identify potential pests or plant diseases by sending in a report using your mobile phone. Then participate in the annual Biosecurity Blitz (held in spring) when community members can help to protect Western Australia’s biosecurity by reporting, mapping and learning about interesting organisms. 

Other flora, fauna, invertebrates and fungi 

• Can’t choose a particular species? Make your observations of any other organism and upload them with iNaturalist. Supported by the Atlas of Living Australia, this community-powered app offers instant identification suggestions based on data submitted by scientists, conservationists, researchers and other keen citizens from across the globe. Why not start with the Bug Hunt Australia project, led by the Invasive Species Council and Invertebrates Australia.

Don’t have a smartphone or tablet? Use our handy printable biodiversity checklists to help you discover some of the many species that are living in your neighbourhood or in your favourite natural area.

Remember, our native fauna and flora are precious. Always keep your distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitats or physically handling native wildlife, to ensure we can all continue to enjoy seeing these unique species for many years to come. If you encounter a native animal in distress, phone the Wildcare Helpline for advice on 08 9474 9055.