Getting to grips with wildlife research by citizen scientists: What role for regulation?

ABSTRACT: Wildlife research by citizen scientists, involving the capture and handling of animals, provides clear scientific benefits, but also potential risks to animal welfare. We explore debates about how best to regulate such work to ensure that it is undertaken in an ethical manner.We focus on the UK as a case study, drawing on qualitative research and stakeholder engagement events. We show that because trapping and marking of certain species requires minimal licensing, training and justification, some argue for increased formal regulation to minimise risks to animal welfare. However, others have reflected on the already complex regulatory landscape affecting wildlife research, and have expressed concern that introducing additional formal regulations could potentially make citizen science workin

SUBMITTER: Palmer A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7116685 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature