Document: MIC-3-28-10

Monarch larval monitoring: A North American citizen science project.

PRYSBY, M.D.* and K.S.OBERHAUSER

University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108 USA ¹

Abstract:
In an effort to describe and understand the variation in monarch (Danaus plexippus) distribution and abundance, we have developed a large-scale citizen science project to monitor monarch and milkweed (Asclepias spp.) populations across North America. The Monarch Larval Monitoring Project, now in its fourth year, involves volunteers from the public in data collection efforts. Each volunteer monitors a site weekly throughout the monarch breeding season, following a defined protocol. Since the project's inception, over 80 volunteers have participated, monitoring more than 40 sites in the United States and Canada. The resulting data are compiled to form the foundation of a long-term monarch population database. With these data, we have described consistent trends in interannual variation in monarch densities and in patterns of monarch recruitment. The results are shared with the volunteers via an annual newsletter and postings to the website. In addition to its research goals, the project works towards education and conservation by improving public understanding of monarch and milkweed biology, general ecological principles, and the process of scientific research. This project may serve as a model of how citizen science can be a useful research tool for scientists while simultaneously serving as an effective tool for education and conservation.

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This abstract is being presented at: 2:00 PM in session:
Oral Session #29: Communicating Ecology.