Sustaining Wildlife Conservation with Zooniverse

Hello everyone,

65 million years since the annihilation of the dinosaurs, the planet is experiencing its first wildlife mass extinction in human history. According to the 2016 Living Planet Report, which reports the state of the biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources on the planet: 

Populations of vertebrate animals, such as mammals, birds, and fish, have declined by 58% between 1970 and 2012. 

With populations getting closer to extinction at faster than normal rates, the Earth will become more inhospitable for its residents. Fortunately, there are brave men and women currently in the field fighting against illegal poaching, habitat loss and degradation, pollution due to unnecessary methods of food production, climate change, and the overall exploitation of species. 

While workers are on the field, they acquire tremendous amounts of research and data that is instrumental in saving wildlife. The research is overwhelmingly massive and requires a lot of time, dedication, and patience. Fortunately, there is a wonderful solution to this problem: Zooniverse. Zooniverse is a web portal, created by the Citizen Science Project, to help researchers go through data with the help of virtual volunteers. 

As a volunteer for Zooniverse, I have helped researchers locate endangered animal safe zones, monitor the Amazon Rainforest, analyze photos to help big cats, as well as transcribe museum records. Even more, there are dozens of great studies posted on Zooniverse that can appeal to many interests. From detecting litter on beaches to monitoring elephants and jaguars, Zooniverse has it all. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who want volunteer experience, want to get their foot in the door to a fun and rewarding career in wildlife conservation, or maybe just a hobby or kindness to the planet. 

So next time you're relaxing on the couch, laying at the beach, or on the bus going to work or your next class, take a chance to help scientists identify humpback whales or study chimpanzees! 

Until next time!

Nala