New study from the BES showing the importance of iNaturalist and citizen science in early detection (and rapid response) to new invasive species occurrences.
“The researchers found that the citizen science platforms detected these species before scientific literature half of the time. Citizen scientists were more likely to detect vertebrates earlier than plants or invertebrates. But the researchers also found that when species were on the European Union’s priority list for concern, the scientific literature had earlier official recordings. The study reveals that citizen science platforms are effective methods for detecting the early incursion of invasive species to new areas.”
We’ve had similar experiences with iNat observations representing newly detected invasive species occurrences here where I work in Surrey. The challenge has been what to do with that information as a local govt when you don’t have the resources (or the authority) to take action on control.