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Citizen Science Mosquito Surveillance by Ad Hoc Observation Using the iNaturalist Platform

Author

Listed:
  • Larissa Braz Sousa

    (UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
    Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia)

  • Stephen Fricker

    (UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
    Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia)

  • Cameron E. Webb

    (Medical Entomology, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
    Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Katherine L. Baldock

    (Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
    UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia)

  • Craig R. Williams

    (UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
    Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia)

Abstract

Citizen science mosquito surveillance has been growing in recent years due to both increasing concern about mosquito-borne disease and the increasing popularity of citizen science projects globally. Health authorities are recognising the potential importance of citizen science to expanding or enhancing traditional surveillance programs. Different programs have shown success in engaging communities to monitor species of medical importance through low-cost methods. The Mozzie Monitors project was established on iNaturalist—an open citizen science platform that allows participants to upload photos (i.e., observers) and assist identification (i.e., identifiers). This article describes the likelihood of citizen scientists submitting photos of mosquitoes, assesses user submission behaviour, and evaluates public health utility from these citizen science-derived data. From October 2018 to July 2021, the Mozzie Monitors project on iNaturalist received 2118 observations of 57 different species of mosquitoes across Australia. The number of observers in the system increased over time with more than 500 observers and 180 identifiers being active in the project since its establishment. Data showed species bias with large-bodied and colourful mosquitoes being over-represented. Analyses also indicate regional differentiation of mosquito fauna per state, seasonality of activity, and ecological information about mosquitoes. The iNaturalist citizen science platform also allows connectedness, facilitated communication and collaboration between overall users and expert entomologists, of value to medical entomology and mosquito management.

Suggested Citation

  • Larissa Braz Sousa & Stephen Fricker & Cameron E. Webb & Katherine L. Baldock & Craig R. Williams, 2022. "Citizen Science Mosquito Surveillance by Ad Hoc Observation Using the iNaturalist Platform," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:10:p:6337-:d:822017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andres Echeverria & Idoia Ariz & Judit Moreno & Javier Peralta & Esther M. Gonzalez, 2021. "Learning Plant Biodiversity in Nature: The Use of the Citizen–Science Platform iNaturalist as a Collaborative Tool in Secondary Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-12, January.
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