Session Abstract

From the conference abstract booklet:

At the 60th conference of the Israel Zoological Society, which took place on April 16, 2024, a designated session was dedicated to the topic “Using Citizen Science and Social Networks for Ecological Research and Nature Conservation,” coordinated by Dr. Shevy Rothman.

In recent years, projects focused on citizen science and data collection through online social networks have evolved into extensive and complementary knowledge infrastructures that advance ecological research and nature conservation. The growing use of these platforms leverages the collective power of the public, active volunteers, and online communities to gather valuable data and insights for scientific research and conservation efforts. This approach allows for the collection of large-scale data across space and time, often filling gaps where other quantitative data is lacking. It also engages a wide range of stakeholders in the scientific process, fostering stronger cooperation between researchers and the public. In Israel, several initiatives harness citizen science and social networks to collect data on species distribution, behavioral patterns, environmental changes, human interactions with nature, and more.

Summary of the Session Lectures

The session began with a lecture by Dr. Tomer Gueta, director of the Israeli Center for Citizen Science, who introduced the center’s mission to promote public participation in biodiversity and environmental monitoring and research. The center provides technological, scientific, and methodological support for such initiatives. This was followed by presentations of studies that utilize citizen science and social network data collection.

Dr. Adi Barash from the NGO Sharks in Israel presented an initiative focused on gathering observations of cartilaginous fish from the Israeli Mediterranean shores. The project provides valuable insights into the spatial, seasonal, and annual distribution patterns of these species, shedding light on the unique community composition in the eastern basin and the condition of the species along Israel’s coast.

Re’em Neri shared a project that collects observational data (content mining) from social networks to monitor shark and bat fishing. The study focuses on cartilaginous fish traded in fish markets in the Gaza Strip and demonstrates the effectiveness of this method for characterizing fishing activity in areas with limited access.

Zohar Afek presented a study examining long-term trends in the abundance of two threatened butterfly species in Israel. This research is based on observations and surveys conducted by volunteers through the National Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, organized by the Israeli Lepidopterists’ Society. The study revealed a significant decline in the abundance of these species and explored the role of climate change in this decline.

Ofri Eitan shared a study that used citizen science to investigate changes in the activity hours of fruit bats in Israel. The research found that fruit bat activity is concentrated in urban areas, particularly among females and young bats. It also revealed higher levels of vitamin D in females active during the day.

Finally, Dr. Victor Kina presented a study analyzing the user experience of nature reserves through images uploaded to social networks. This research compared the effectiveness of artificial intelligence tools with manual analysis to identify visitor patterns. The goal was to improve the management of nature sites for both humans and wildlife. The insights gained from such projects can inform the management of natural resources, policy-making, and responses to environmental challenges.

Photograph of the subject image: Rafi Amar, iNaturalist