Increase in Citizen Scientists during COVID-19

  • Author(s)
    Farley Fitzgerald
  • Read time
    2 minutes

Australian Museum Centre for Citizen Science breaks new records: FrogID surpasses 200,000 records and DigiVol’s Wildlife Spotter completes more than 500,000 transcriptions.

Australian Museum (AM) citizen science projects FrogID and DigiVol’s Wildlife Spotter have broken new records during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people become involved from their homes and backyards.

This month, the Australian Museum’s FrogID program surpassed 200,000 validated frog records. The incredible milestone was reached with the recording of the threatened Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis), documented by a citizen scientist in southern Sydney named Tom.

Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis)
A small species of frog reaching up to 3 cm in body length. It has a dark grey or dark brown back, with bright red or orange patches on the head and lower back. There is light grey on the sides, with several black patches or spots. The belly is a combination of black and white patches. The pupil is horizontal, and the iris is dark brown and sometimes red in the top half. Fingers and toes are unwebbed, both without discs. Image: Jodi Rowley
© Australian Museum

Frogs are one of the planet’s most threatened groups of animals and are often an indicator of environmental health. FrogID is a citizen science project that enables anyone to record and upload frog calls, along with time and location data, using a free app. More than 30,000 people across Australia are currently registered with FrogID.

“It’s incredible that since launching FrogID just under three years ago, we’ve been able to work with thousands of citizen scientists to record and validate more than 200,000 frog calls. The data collected from these recordings will help us understand the distribution, habitat and conservation needs of this incredibly significant animal group, as well as monitor the health of our ecosystems.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped us reach this exciting milestone and encourage even more people to get involved by downloading the free app,” Dr. Jodi Rowley, Chief Scientist of FrogID, said.

FrogID is not the only Australian Museum citizen science program that’s seen an uptick in participation this year. DigiVol’s Wildlife Spotter project has also seen a huge increase in activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program engages citizen scientists in identifying wildlife in camera trap images from across Australia, without leaving home.

This year, citizen scientists have transcribed nearly 2.4 million animal identifications in images on DigiVol’s Wildlife Spotter. In June alone, volunteers completed more than 500,000 transcriptions. This information will help Australian researchers monitor and protect Australia’s iconic wildlife.

“Citizen science is important work that makes a difference. I’m proud that the Australian Museum established the Centre for Citizen Science, helping engage the public to make meaningful contributions to science through programs like FrogID and DigiVol’s Wildlife Spotter.

I hope we will continue to see more people participate and become citizen scientists, ultimately helping us make positive changes for the environment,” Kim McKay AO, Director and CEO of the Australian Museum said.

Anyone can become a citizen scientist. On 15 August, the start of National Science Week, the Australian Museum partnered with the Royal Botanical Garden in Sydney to launch the Sydney Science Trail, which will run through 15 September. This series of free, virtual events and interactive learning activities will help inspire the scientist in everyone. Learn more and register at SydneyScienceTrail.net.au.

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About the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation’s first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. As custodian of more than 21.9 million objects and specimens, the AM is uniquely positioned to provide a greater understanding of the region through its scientific research, exhibitions and public and education programs. Through the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM also has a leading role in conserving Australia’s biodiversity through understanding the environmental impacts of climate change, potential biosecurity threats and invasive species.

About the Australian Museum Research Institute

The research undertaken by the Australian Museum Research Institute informs decision making, policy and global, regional and national efforts to manage biological resources. The Australian Museum Research Institute’s work guides conservation management decisions including management of wild and captive populations of endangered species, protected areas, natural resources such as marine fishing grounds and land restoration.

Media Contact

Farley Fitzgerald

Communications Advisor

Mobile: 0455 406 788

Email: farley.fitzgerald@australian.museum