Citizen science project in Visakhapatnam lets community members document biodiversity

On a sunny afternoon in Visakhapatnam, a group of people armed with smartphones, laptops and a love for nature gathered at the base of Tenneti Park. The next two hours will be devoted to biodiversity recording, part of a larger effort to protect the region’s rich ecosystems. The group is made up of experienced nature enthusiasts, students and first-time participants who have all come together with a common goal: to observe, document and document the species they see in the intertidal zone.

Back in the forest area of ​​Kambalakonda, another group concluded their bird watching session. Early sightings included White-brown Bulbul, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, and a distant Black-rumped Fire-backed Woodpecker.

Participants record their findings on the iNaturist app, contributing valuable data to the Global Biodiversity Platform.

Environmental organizations in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam are leading citizen science projects, turning personal observations into scientific contributors and in the process creating a network of citizen scientists who ‘s work is filling knowledge gaps about species in your own backyard.

The East Coast Conservation Team (ECCT), a Visakhapatnam-based organization, launched a citizen science program along with coastal walks in 2020 to create awareness about marine life. Organizations like Wilded are leading the way forward through nature education and awareness programs. Andhra Pradesh’s intertidal biodiversity, marine life, skates, rays and shells are a few of ECCT’s citizen science projects on the iNaturalist app.

“The intertidal zone was initiated to focus on the fragile ecosystems we see between high and low tides. Through this project, we have recorded around 350 species in the coastal area of ​​Visakhapatnam alone. About sharks, The Citizen Science Project on Rays and Rays aims to obtain information on catches and sightings of these vulnerable species, 40% of which are threatened with extinction. Marine Life in Andhra Pradesh is a project that brings together sightings of all marine species under one roof. Project. Associated Shells began recording shells seen on the shore but probably not alive.

On the other hand, Wildlife Conservation Research and Education (WCTRE) in Visakhapatnam has launched a citizen science project on biodiversity in Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh of reptiles and amphibians, sharks, rays and skates of India and orchids of the Eastern Ghats.

“Members of the public can take photos of species they see during casual walks on the beach and upload them. This allows us to access information that may not be available otherwise. This bridges knowledge gaps about the presence of species in different areas and may also discover New species,” said ECCT member Chandrashekhar Durgasi. The Sharks and Rays Project helps highlight key messages about these endangered species. Citizen scientists have also reported recent strandings of green sea turtles and dolphins.

To familiarize people with biodiversity, these organizations introduce them to citizen science projects through bird watching, night walks, intertidal walks and harbor walks. “They also learn and contribute to science and conservation. It’s fun and looks like the game Pokemon Go.

The process is simple. You can take photos of any species or marine life you spot. Upload it to iNaturist; the app will get the date and time of the shot, as well as the location. The app will suggest what the species might be. If people are unsure, they can simply name it an animal or a plant. Experts identify them. The data are open source and available to any researcher or conservationist. “For example, we occasionally see blue button polyps washing ashore, but little is known about their movement patterns in the area. Long-term observations will give us insights into their movements and other biological messages,” Pranav said. . Citizen scientists also use the Indian Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Network website to report sightings and strandings of dolphins, whales and porpoises.

The impact of these citizen science projects is far-reaching. In addition to filling critical data gaps, these initiatives also foster stewardship awareness. Participants not only gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystems in which they live, but also become advocates for environmental protection. Perhaps the most important outcome is the democratization of science. What was once the domain of professional scientists is now available to students, fishermen, farmers and city dwellers.

Through ECCT’s Andhra Pradesh Intertidal Biodiversity Project, 60 citizens made approximately 2,700 observations and recorded 350 species. Some of the earliest records are noted, e.g. Garasen antlered deer There are also four species of flatworms, several species of nudibranchs, nudibranchs, and a handful of fish, such as the Janssen wrasse.

To engage local communities, ECCT is launching an icon-only software tool for those who cannot read or write but can use icons to take photos and upload them.

WCTRE members with a group of participants at the Indira Gandhi Zoo. |Photo source: Special arrangement

WCTRE has allowed 19,000 observations to be recorded, of which nearly 3,000 species were recorded in Visakhapatnam alone. “These reveal the distribution records of elusive species such as the Visakhapatnam limbless skink (Black-striped bakudia), is believed to exist only within its type locality (Andhra University campus); however, there are three other sites that differ from its type locality and at different elevations. Citizen science projects have also highlighted the presence of shieldtail snakes, which are found at specific elevations. Currently, there are only records of this snake by Vivek Rathod of WCTRE and of elusive snake species like Dumerils black-headed snake and white-crowned pigeon by Yagnapathy Adari.