Cape Breton Abuzz: Naturalists Amass Data About Bumble Bees

Abstract

Keen amateur naturalists who are interested in entomology can identify bumble bees (genus Bombus) and provide valuable data to document seasonal abundance, geographic range, and identify conservation concerns. Citizen science iNaturalist data on bumble bees is compared to data collected by experienced naturalists (those who study Bombus) in Cape Breton. A higher proportion of citizen scientist observations were research grade than those from experienced naturalists throughout the same time period. More than 90% of citizen scientist observations were identified to at least bumble bee (or Bombus sp.) by the observer. Researchers can look to citizen science data collection as a means of gathering quality data on where and when bumble bees are active from large areas in a short amount of time. An open, online learning guide to educate youth and eager naturalists about Cape Breton bumble bees is used to increase the effectiveness of citizen science data collection. This guide provides educational supports and may foster a passion for environmental stewardship. Next steps include determining how successful the online educational guide is in increasing the effectiveness of citizen science data collection. Research could also examine how education increases the value of iNaturalist observations and how that influences conservation efforts.