Ciência cidadã e perspectivas de conservação da biodiversidade no pontal do Paranapanema: uma abordagem na plataforma digital Wikiaves

Abstract

The urban world, combined with technological advances, such as social networks through the internet, promotes a disconnection between people and nature. Citizen science has emerged as an alternative to reestablish these connections, particularly regarding birdwatching and records of this activity on digital platforms. In this work, we evaluate the potential of the citizen science platform “Wikiaves” to promote interactions between people and nature and, from there, leverage a vital sustainability goal, such as biodiversity conservation. For this purpose, photographs deposited on this platform from 2009 to January 2023 were considered. municipalities of Pontal do Paranapanema. The analyzes are based on the variable’s native vegetation cover, municipality area, number of species, registered people, registered people's training area, endemic species, endangered species, level of dependence on forests, aquatic species, and trophic guilds. With this information, the necessary statistical tests were performed: correlation analysis (Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients), Simple Regression analysis, and time series approaches. Generally, vegetation cover was a good predictor of bird diversity, including keeping species sensitive to environmental changes. The results of this work emphasized the diversity of birds that the region has but also showed the need to preserve natural environments under the pressure of urban growth. Restoration of the municipal landscape, e.g., increased vegetation cover, is essential to maintain the integrity of the avifauna in Pontal do Paranapanema.