Eu-social science: the role of internet social networks in the collection of bee biodiversity data.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Monitoring change in species diversity, community composition and phenology is vital to assess the impacts of anthropogenic activity and natural change. However, monitoring by trained scientists is time consuming and expensive.

Methodology/principal findings

Using social networks, we assess whether it is possible to obtain accurate data on bee distribution across the UK from photographic records submitted by untrained members of the public, and if these data are in sufficient quantity for ecological studies. We used Flickr and Facebook as social networks and Flickr for the storage of photographs and associated data on date, time and location linked to them. Within six weeks, the number of pictures uploaded to the Flickr BeeID group exceeded 200. Geographic coverag

SUBMITTER: Stafford R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3003702 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature