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Assessing the value of the Garden Moth Scheme citizen science dataset: how does light trap type affect catch?

2013; Wiley; Volume: 146; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/eea.12038

1570-7458

Adam J. Bates, Jon P. Sadler, Glyn Everett, Dave Grundy, Norman Lowe, George E. Davis, D. James Baker, Malcolm Bridge, Jon Clifton, Roger Freestone, David Gardner, Chris Gibson, Robin Hemming, Stephen Howarth, Steve Orridge, Mark Shaw, Tom Tams, Heather A. Young,

Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies

Abstract Done well, citizen science projects can gather datasets of a size and scope far larger than would be possible using professional researchers. This study uses data gathered in B ritain by the G arden M oth S cheme ( GMS ). Participants run garden light traps for at least 26 weeks a year and complete garden questionnaires detailing garden habitat and nearby landscape features. We used data exploration and generalised linear modelling ( GLM ) to investigate whether the data can be used to generate reliable research findings, testing the effect of moth light trap type on moth catch. Robinson traps, then Skinner traps, then H eath traps were found to catch the highest abundance and diversity of moths. Mercury vapour bulbs, then blended light bulbs, then actinic bulbs collected the highest abundance and diversity of moths. The GMS dataset can be used to generate useful and reliable research findings, and can be used in the future to investigate temporal and spatial trends in moth assemblage. Under international law, the use of mercury vapour bulbs will be phased out in coming years, leading to changes in the way moth assemblages are sampled. Information on the relative efficacy of different bulb types will aid the analysis of long‐term moth datasets after these changes.