Citizen science mitigates the lack of distributional data on Nigerian birds.
Autor: | Tende T; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria., Iniunam IA; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria., Ivande ST; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria., Awoyemi AG; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria.; Forest Center International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Ibadan Nigeria., Danmallam BA; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria., Ringim AS; Biodiversity Conservation and Education Unit, Centre for Arid Zone Ecology Federal University Dutse Dabawa Jigawa Nigeria., Bako LA; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria., Ramzy FJ; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria., Kazeh NW; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria., Izang AI; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria., Kumdet PS; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria., Ibrahim JI; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria., Haruna MA; School of Education Federal College of Education (Technical) Potiskum Yobe Nigeria., Eyos K; Becheve Nature Reserve/Nigeria Conservation Foundation Cross River Nigeria., Iki ED; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria., Chaskda AA; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria., Ottosson U; Department of Zoology, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Laminga Nigeria. |
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Jazyk: | angličtina |
Zdroj: | Ecology and evolution [Ecol Evol] 2024 Apr 16; Vol. 14 (4), pp. e11280. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Apr 16 (Print Publication: 2024). |
DOI: | 10.1002/ece3.11280 |
Abstrakt: | Citizen science projects are expanding globally, with the African continent, particularly Nigeria, registering significant growth. Here, we document and analyse novel operations of the Nigerian Bird Atlas Project (NIBAP), 2015-2022. This project has employed the use of ornithologists, mainly trained at the A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI) located in Jos, Nigeria, and its 28 bird clubs established across Nigeria to enlist 827 bird enthusiasts that contribute regular and near real-time data about bird distribution and relative abundance in the country. Interestingly, NiBAP has recorded about 75% of the bird species known from Nigeria in only about 50% of Nigeria's total surface area, including 39 nationally threatened species. The Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus , Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis , and Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata were the most commonly recorded species, while Amurum Forest Reserve, Rennajj Fish Farm, and Obudu Cattle Ranch were the most surveyed sites during the period. Thus, our approach reveals how to increase involvement of nature enthusiasts, ornithologists, and a regional research institute to build local capacity and contribute rich information necessary to alleviate the lack of distributional data about Afrotropical avifauna. We strongly recommend our approach to boost other citizen science projects across Africa and beyond to address the huge lack of biodiversity data, create public awareness, and foster conservation education. Competing Interests: None of the authors have any conflict of interest. (© 2024 A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI). Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.) |
Databáze: | MEDLINE |
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