Introducing IBISurvey (Introduced Bird Interaction Survey), a Citizen Science project

Abstract

“Introduced Bird Interaction Survey (IBISurvey)” is a citizen science initiative of LabOr, Laboratory of Ornithology of MED – Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (University of Évora, Portugal) launched in April 2021. The project aims to decrease the lack of knowledge about the impacts that some exotic bird species may induce on the environment in the European context. At the project website www.labor.uevora.pt/en/ibisurvey/ (available in six languages), citizens can learn about the identification and ecology of 76 exotic bird species most frequently observed in wild in Europe. At the website, people can find exemplificative photos of bird interactions with the environment, including feeding on agricultural crops and behaving aggressively towards individuals of native species. Besides, citizens can also access the survey by visiting the website to submit their observations. The survey is built for the use of a broad public, helping citizens to identify the species, while collecting information about the behaviour of birds. Whenever possible, citizens are invited to add a photo of the interaction. Until end the of December 2021, we received 499 records of 336 participants from 20 European countries. Portugal, Italy, Spain, and France were the main contributors. A total of 57 species were reported to IBISurvey, being Psittacula krameri, Alopochen aegyptiaca, Leiothrix lutea, Myiopsitta monachus, and Branta canadensis the most frequent. The main reported interactions were exotic birds socializing (not showing direct aggressiveness) with native bird species (50%), feeding on ornamental or wild plants (21%), and exotic birds being aggressive towards native bird species (14%). An important part of the project is knowledge transfer via social media (Facebook and Instagram) and participants’ email addresses. We share information regarding (i) species ecology and introduction success, (ii) identification and comparison with similar species, (iii) habitat and diet preferences, (iv) examples of interactions with the environment; we also share (v) photos of participants, and (vi) main results.