More than a bit of fun: the multiple outcomes of a bioblitz

Meeus, Sofie; Silva-Rocha, Iolanda; Adriaens, Tim; Brown, Peter M.J.; Chartosia, Niki; Claramunt-López, Bernat; Martinou, Angeliki F; Pocock, Michael J.O. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4375-0445; Preda, Cristina; Roy, Helen E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6050-679X; Tricarico, Elena; Groom, Quentin J.. 2023 More than a bit of fun: the multiple outcomes of a bioblitz. BioScience, 73 (3). 168-181. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biac100

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biac100

Abstract/Summary

Bioblitzes are a popular approach to engage people and collect biodiversity data. Despite this, few studies have actually evaluated the multiple outcomes of bioblitz activities. We used a systematic review, an analysis of data from more than 1000 bioblitzes, and a detailed analysis of one specific bioblitz to inform our inquiry. We evaluated five possible bioblitz outcomes, which were creating a species inventory, engaging people in biological recording, enhancing learning about nature, discovering a species new to an area, and promoting an organization. We conclude that bioblitzes are diverse but overall effective at their aims and have advantages over unstructured biodiversity recording. We demonstrate for the first time that bioblitzes increase the recording activity of the participants for several months after the event. In addition, we provide evidence that bioblitzes are effective at bringing people and organizations together to build communities of professionals and amateurs, critical for conserving and protecting biodiversity.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biac100
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Biodiversity (Science Area 2017-)
ISSN:	0006-3568
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	engagement, species inventory, iNaturalist, invasive alien species, bioblitz
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Data and Information
Date made live:	06 Nov 2023 09:06 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/535453

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biac100

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Biodiversity (Science Area 2017-)

ISSN:

0006-3568

Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:

Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.

Additional Keywords:

engagement, species inventory, iNaturalist, invasive alien species, bioblitz