Counting butterflies—are old-fashioned ways of recording data obsolete?

Science
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The Value of Traditional Data Collection in Butterfly Conservation

In an age where digital technology pervades every aspect of our lives, it’s easy to assume that traditional methods of data collection have become obsolete. However, a recent study published in the Journal of Insect Conservation challenges this notion, especially within the realm of butterfly monitoring.

Citizen Science and Data Quality The study examines the quality of data collected by citizen scientists using traditional methods—pen and paper—versus modern online tools. Surprisingly, the “old-fashioned” approach yielded significant contributions to data quality, particularly for rare or difficult-to-identify species. This finding underscores the importance of maintaining diverse data submission methods to accommodate the varying preferences and capabilities of citizen scientists.

Technological Barriers and Species Knowledge One of the barriers to online data entry is the perceived complexity and time consumption of digital tools. Additionally, the study highlights a concerning trend: the decline in species knowledge among younger generations. This gap emphasizes the need for projects like “Butterfly Monitoring Germany” to engage and educate volunteers, ensuring the transfer of valuable expertise from seasoned naturalists to newcomers.

Inclusive Data Collection for Future Conservation The study advocates for an inclusive approach to citizen science, where data can be submitted in the most convenient way for each participant. This approach not only enriches the data pool but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among volunteers, which is crucial for the long-term success of conservation efforts.

In conclusion, while digital tools offer efficiency and advanced features, traditional data collection methods remain indispensable for capturing comprehensive and high-quality data. As we strive to conserve our planet’s biodiversity, let us remember that every contribution counts, whether it’s entered with a click or penned by hand.

Full article here: Counting butterflies—are old-fashioned ways of recording data obsolete? | Journal of Insect Conservation (springer.com)

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I have not read the full article yet, but thank you for this overview! It make me wonder if they looked at age or other factors in what way a person chose to record butterflies?

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That is a good question!

The article mentions that the older generation, with a median age of 62, often prefers traditional methods like pen and paper, while younger participants might favour modern tools like apps. The study also notes that some volunteers do not use online data entry due to reasons such as time consumption, cumbersomeness, bad internet connection, or lack of technical capabilities

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Maybe, but i am an older person and use my phone camera and ebutterfly AI to confirm id. It makes me very lazy! (In my distant youth i used to collect and set series of butterflies to capture the variation. It was quite time-consuming. I suppose that would be frowned upon today )

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I use a combination of methods: I carry a pocket-sized field notebook & pencil to record my butterfly sightings, then download photos to my computer when I get home and upload data to eButterfly.

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Yes, that is exactly how I do it too!! Already using e-bird. An e-butterfly app would become cumbersome, switching between the two. E-butterfly likes photo proof, so I wait until I get home and do the photo and complete submission.

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I use the very same method as Jeff