Relative Contribution of Citizen Science, Museum Data and Publications in Delineating the Distribution of the Stag Beetle in Spain

Abstract

Reliable distribution maps are in the basis of insect conservation, but detailed chorological information is lacking for many insects of conservation concern (the Wallacean shortfall). Museum collections, entomological publications and citizen science projects can contribute to solve this Wallacean shortfall. Their relative contribution to the knowledge on the distribution of threatened insects has been scarcely explored, but it is important given that each of these three sources of information has its own biases and costs. Here we explore the contribution of museum data, entomological publications and citizen science in delineating the distribution of the European stag beetle in Spain. Citizen science contributed the highest number of records and grid cells occupied, as well as the highest number of grid cells not contributed by any other information source (unique grid cells). Nevertheless, both museum data and publications contributed almost 25% of all unique grid cells. Furthermore, the relative contribution of each source of information differed in importance among Spanish provinces. Given the pros and cons of museum data, publications and citizen science, we advise their combined use in cases, such as the European stag beetle in Spain, in which a broad, heterogeneous, sparsely populated territory has to be prospected.

Transference of Citizen Science Program Impacts: A Theory Grounded in Public Participation in Scientific Research

“…A table with each participant's unique demographic characteristics is not included in order to avoid deductive disclosure [70]. 3 Backyard Bark Beetles participant, 4 Firefly Watch participant, 5 Lost Ladybug Project participant, 6 Milkweed Watch participant, 7 Pieris Project participant, 8 Aphid and Ladybug study participant, 9 State bumble bee survey participant, 10 Monarch Watch participant, 11 Journey North participant, 12 Project FeederWatch participant, 13 Tiger Beetle Project participant.…”

“…The combination of public participation, educational outreach, and research is intended to generate educational and scientific benefits for all involved. Citizen science-generated data have allowed researchers to publish in peer reviewed journals on conservation issues in the fields of entomology [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12], mammalogy [13,14], marine studies [15,16], urban wildlife conservation [17], and ornithology [18,19]. At a global scale, the potential of this volunteer-driven data has been recognized for tracking the progress of the wicked problems reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including biodiversity and conservation goals [20,21].…”