Abstract
We envisage a future research environment where digital data on species interactions are easily accessible and comprehensively cover all species, life stages and habitats. To achieve this goal, we need data from many sources, including the largely untapped potential of citizen science for mobilising and utilising existing information on species interactions. Traditionally volunteers contributing information on the occurrence of species have focused on single‐species observations from within one target taxon. We make recommendations on how to improve the gathering of species interaction data through citizen science, which data should be collected and how it can be motivated. These recommendations include providing feedback in the form of network visualisations, leveraging a wide variety of other data sources and eliciting an emotional connection to the species in question. There are many uses for these data, but in the context of biological invasions, information on species interactions will increase understanding of the effects of invasive alien species on recipient communities and ecosystems. We believe that the inclusion of ecological networks as a concept within citizen science, not only for initiatives focussed on biological invasions but also across other ecological themes, will not only enrich scientific knowledge on species interactions but also deepen the experience and enjoyment of citizens themselves.
Highlights
Understanding the effects of change on biodiversity and ecosystems requires holistic consideration of both biotic and abiotic factors (González-Salazar et al 2013)
The results from species distribution models (SDM) and their predictive power under different scenarios are increasingly used as the basis for management decisions related to biodiversity, including invasive alien species (IAS) management
Species interactions are one of the primary means by which IAS have a negative impact on other biodiversity (Blackburn et al 2014)
Summary
Understanding the effects of change on biodiversity and ecosystems requires holistic consideration of both biotic and abiotic factors (González-Salazar et al 2013). Species interactions are one of the primary means by which IAS have a negative impact on other biodiversity (Blackburn et al 2014) These interactions include predation, herbivory, toxicity, disease transmission and competition, thereby emphasizing how relevant a holistic understanding of ecological networks is to prevent, manage and control IAS (Zavaleta et al 2001). The involvement of different stakeholders in the process of gathering information will increase understanding of the specific invasion syndrome (combination of pathways, alien species traits and characteristics of the recipient ecosystem which collectively result in predictable dynamics and impacts) and so can prioritise management actions (Novoa et al 2018). We argue that citizen science can make a major contribution to our understanding of the effects of environmental change on biodiversity and ecosystems and, human health and well-being by collecting species interaction data. Keep it simple and fun Designing programmes for public participation in scientific research requires a tradeoff between maximising participation, outreach and learning outcomes and complexity of the research
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