@JuliaPupko Interesting thought process! #Bioblitzes could be a tool to spotlight systemic racial and #environmentalinjustices as well as contribute to #climatechange issues. I think the past four years have only strengthened bioblitz popularity and it will probably continue #Optimism
Let's round out this discussion with a final question about the future of #bioblitzes..
Q10. What do you think the future of #bioblitzes will look like in five years from now-especially after the impact of #COVID on events that rely on social gathering?
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@GameBiologist I agree with @DragonflyWoman2 in that I personally favor user iNat for bioblitz data collection. However, I do think there is value in adding other databases like eBird. However, I definitely feel a standardized type of recording is needed based on taxonomic groups surveyed
@DragonflyWoman2 There does seem to be a give and take when contemplating organizing a #BioBlitz versus a NSF funded census. I would think the size of the bioblitz location and goals involved would be key to the decision.
https://t.co/Pp9Wex7mb5 you think #bioblitzes will become a regular part of #wildlife inventory efforts for environmental organizations/agencies/institution?
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@sumdawg Good point! There is quite a bit of talk over the seasonality aspect of bioblitzes. Then again, a traditional biological survey can also run into the seasonality issues as well! Do you think data can still be compared despite seasonality variables?
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@GameBiologist I agree! I think organizers need to be very forthcoming and realistic in their goal for having a bioblitz. While these events can provide scientific information and community engagement, having a goal in mind will make the event worth it for the organizer and participant
Q7.Thereβs some debate in the science community on how bioblitzes are conducted. Do
you think there should be a standardized method of conducting a bioblitz?
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@JuliaPupko Yes! Data accuracy has been a much debated topic in BioBlitz for managers new to this type of #icitsci tool. However There are many research papers that reiterate the notion that BioBlitz data can be very accurate like other biological surveys.
@DragonflyWoman2 This is true! I had a rude awakening moment when I first started using iNaturalist. A very nice scientist responded to my first uploaded iNat pic of a mushroom and kindly suggested certain ways to take pictures of fungi in the future to make it easier to identify. I had no idea
@JuliaPupko Wise words. I never felt so connected to random people than when I was participating in a bioblitz. Just seeing those who don't work in conservation become fascinated with plants and wildlife in their own backyards made me happy and hopeful.
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@sumdawg@MO_Prairie My forestry class @DukeEnvironment was just discussing how important native bees and pollinators are and how they can be used in reforestation management! None of us students knew there were over 3,000 different native bee species!
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@theTroi A6. One of the most important benefits of conducting or participating in a #BioBlitz is getting people excited about nature! When people know about the incredible diversity surrounding them, they are more likely to work to conserve it in their everyday lives. #CitSciChat
@sumdawg@MO_Prairie@MDC_online Sounds intense! I always wondered what methods people used to record data and how those methods could be compared to each other...
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