MammalWeb : Citizens Transforming Conservation

MammalWeb was set up by Durham University and Durham Wildlife Trust to address the gap in mammal research. Compared to birds and butterflies, the mammals of Britain are understudied, due to their often nocturnal and shy nature. This is despite mammals being of huge importance culturally, economically and ecologically. You only have to look at the uproar generated over fox hunts and badger culls to know that people in the UK care deeply for our mammals. MammalWeb taps into the power of the citizen and enables ordinary people to get involved in mammal research, research that helps make effective conservation decisions.

The existing platform collates photographs taken by the camera traps, set up by citizen volunteers, which they can then classify by species. This has built up a picture of what species could be found where in north-east England. Over 45,000 photos have been classified by 130 users.

The next stage will see MammalWeb transform into a world-leading, fully interactive citizen science platform, with a modular format allowing it to be applied to many other projects in the UK and overseas. We have completed our preliminary work in developing the operational strategy for MammelWeb and identified a partner development organisation to do the technical work. The onus is now on the lead organisation, Durham University, to agree the arrangements for future collaboration.

Links:

• MammelWeb

Alex, Penn and Simon worked hard on the MammalWeb stand at Glastonbury's Green Fields and, despite having the worst rain and mud in Glastonbury’s 46 years history, this first time for MammalWeb at the Festival was a success !

MammalWeb is an international initiative to engage citizen scientists from all walks of life to actively participate in monitoring and evaluating the wildlife in their area, and contribute to conservation policy and practice. Glastonbury week was a great opportunity for more people of all ages, families and friends to get involved in this incredibly rewarding activity. With MammalWeb teeshirts, animal disguises and an amusing photo competition, badges and brochures, Smart Earth Network’s members and friends ensured that the MammalWeb stand was a fun and informative event.

This year Glastonbury celebrated the International Year of Global Understanding. The Green Fields at Glastonbury, set up to highlight activities that promote and elevate awareness of how the local impacts the global, was the perfect arena for MammalWeb to demonstrate a practical example of how we as individuals can make a difference to the whole.