Working for the local branch of Butterfly Conservation I developed an online system to document sightings of butterflies submitted by members of the public in Dorset.
This ‘citizen science’ project encourages engagement in nature conservation and adds to our knowledge of these vital environmental indicator species.
In 2018 more than 44,000 butterflies were successfully recorded using this method.
Capture
Initially butterfly spotters are directed to a web form which collects personal info, location details including grid reference, and species observed.
Butterfly recording form: recorder info
Butterfly recording form: site details
This information is then inserted into the Dorset Branch web sightings database.
Verify
Local experts are given password-protected access to a record management interface on the branch website. Recently submitted butterfly sightings can be reviewed and verified with a single click.
Butterfly record verification
Questionable records can be studied in more detail and recorders contacted to clarify information as necessary.
Butterfly record management view
Interpret
Verified records are instantly published to the branch website, using a number of graphical representations for easy interpretation.
Butterfly data: map
Butterfly data: tree chart
Butterfly data: calendar
Butterfly data: bar chart
Butterfly data: pie chart
Butterfly data: Gantt chart
Archive
Butterfly sightings received via the website are archived online for the public to explore in greater depth.
Butterfly data: archive
Share
Casual sightings received via the branch website provide a useful snapshot of butterfly activity in Dorset. But for research purposes it’s necessary to combine them with data from formally structured butterfly transects and other recording schemes within the region and nationally.
Website data is exported to the national society’s database annually. National butterfly recording cycles run for 5 years, at the end of which an ‘atlas’ is produced, showing the updated distribution of species and population trends.
To encourage recording in under-represented areas an interactive ‘White Holes’ map is published on the branch website. This combines data from the national database with more up-to-date regional web sightings.
Butterfly data: White Holes map
Butterfly data: White Holes map detail
It’s possible to use this map on a GPS-enabled mobile device to locate the nearest White Hole for observation. A list of previously recorded species for each 1km square is also presented.
Over the past 4 years this recording system has gathered more than 180,000 individual butterfly records, contributing to our understanding of these beautiful creatures and the changing environment they inhabit.
