BIOD - Citizien science and species surveys

Question 1

Outline what a wildlife survey is, and how people can be
involved.

Answer 1

A wildlife survey is a formal study which aims at making an estimation of the
population of certain species in a certain area.
To be a formal study, a survey has to have certain rules which make it
objective and scientific. For this reason professional advice is needed to set it
up, although in some cases it may be possible to copy the methodology of a
survey which has already been completed somewhere else. The survey aims
at counting sightings of particular species within a particular time period
within a defined time period. Having survey results from different places also
helps create context. Although setting up a survey needs expertise, it is very
easy to get untrained people involved in actually doing it – they just have to
agree to follow the rules, and possibly be given some basic training in
identification of the wildlife concerned. Getting people involved is a very
positive way of engaging them with conservation.

Question 2

1. A survey of local trees tells us that sycamore (Acer
   pseudoplatanus) is a very common tree species. Is this
   good or bad for local biodiversity? What are the further
   questions that have to be asked in order to answer this
   question?

Answer 2

A survey only provides us with information. We then have to put that
information into a local context and make decisions. Some simple online
research indicates that sycamore does not have any specialist insect
predators, but instead can play host to vast numbers of aphids, which are a
very good food source for many small birds.
This information and this finding from online research indicates that the
sycamore here is a biodiversity benefit.
However, what trees are there, other than sycamore? If there is a mix of
species locally, then no problem, but if only sycamore? Or if only young
sycamores? Perhaps the sycamore is suppressing other species?

Question 3

1. How can the results of a wildlife survey actually help
   with designing and developing new plantings? Imagine
   that you involved in a community project where there are
   strong local views on the visual appearance of a new
   planting (perhaps for a small community public space).
   Outline the steps necessary to take notice of survey
   outcomes and recommendations but at the same time be
   faithful to the community’s wishes. For this question,
   imagine that the survey is one looking at butterfly
   numbers.

Answer 3

Interpreting survey results is something that requires knowledge and
expertise. Local experts will be able to advise if the results indicate whether
something should be a cause of concern. If butterfly numbers are low, then
one way to boost populations is to ensure plenty of food plants for their
larvae. Since the plant-larvae relationships are well-documented, it is not too
difficult for horticulturalists to know what they should recommend planting.
A list of larval food plants now needs to be integrated into a planting design.
Many of them (notably nettles, Urtica dioica) are not especially attractive. A
plan needs to ensure that they will be present but as out of sight as possible,
and in the case of nettles, be unable to spread. There is no reason why desired
plants should not be given pride of place.
The reasoning behind these plant choices and the suggested locations need
to be presented to the community (or whoever is representing them).