Queensland Citizen Scientists Join National Insect Study
Residents in Queensland are participating in a national citizen science initiative, "Bug Hunt," to assist researchers in studying insect populations across Australia. The project utilizes photographic contributions from the public to build a comprehensive database.
The Bug Hunt Initiative
Developed by the Invasive Species Council and Invertebrates Australia, Bug Hunt aims to compile a nation-wide inventory of invertebrates using the online platform iNaturalist. The project collects images and observations from participants to establish a dataset that enables scientists to monitor native species and identify non-native pests.
Elle Irvine, a Brisbane resident, commenced photographing insects in 2020 and subsequently joined Bug Hunt to contribute to the understanding of Australian invertebrates. Irvine stated her interest developed from photography, leading her to document various insects encountered in her surroundings. She also noted the project's role in public engagement with insect life, indicating that photograph submission allows for increased public understanding and community involvement.
Alison Mellor, co-lead for the Invertebrates Australia Bug Hunt project, emphasized the project's objective to gather extensive public input. Mellor explained that citizen involvement provides researchers with observations from a broad geographical range, facilitating a comprehensive overview of Australian invertebrates.
Research Contributions
Dr. Chris Burwell, senior insect curator at the Queensland Museum, identified citizen science platforms like Bug Hunt and iNaturalist as valuable resources for research. Dr. Burwell stated these platforms are useful for tracking species distribution throughout the year and observing potential climate-related shifts in species migration, such as the increasing presence of species in south-east Queensland. He noted that the participation of individuals recording observations in their local environments generates a substantial volume of data. Dr. Burwell, who has logged over 14,000 observations on iNaturalist, highlighted the interactive aspect of the platform where users can identify species from submitted photos.
Invasive Species Detection
Reece Pianta, advocacy director for the Invasive Species Council, described Bug Hunt as a tool for monitoring the dispersal of invasive species that pose risks to ecosystems. Pianta indicated that if an invasive species is identified in a photo uploaded to the Bug Hunt platform, relevant researchers and authorities would be notified. He cited Queensland as a region prone to invasive species such, as fire ants, yellow crazy ants, and electric ants, and noted that public contributions can aid in environmental protection by identifying non-native organisms.
Bug Hunt organizers are also seeking photographic submissions of native Queensland species, including nesting bees, birdwing butterflies, and Christmas beetles.
Participation Guidance
Ms. Irvine advised new participants to begin their observations locally, such as within their own gardens. She suggested that familiarity with one's immediate environment assists in noticing more insect species.