100 citizen scientists to conduct biodiversity survey in Sobaeksan National Park

Approximately 100 citizen scientists are converging on Sobaeksan National Park in South Korea for a two-day intensive biodiversity survey.

Organized by the National Institute of Biological Resources, the joint investigation aims to bolster the skills of citizen scientists in observing and documenting the region's biological diversity. Participants will work in teams alongside experts, focusing on various categories like plants, birds, and insects.

This initiative is part of the K-BON (Korea Biological Observation Network) project, which has been running since 2011. It fosters collaboration between professional researchers and the public to monitor and record climate change indicator species. Last year's survey in Byeonsanbando National Park yielded significant results, documenting 921 species, including the endangered Bu-an crucian carp and climate-indicator species like the large tree frog and the large blue swallowtail butterfly.

The data collected through K-BON, now exceeding 400,000 records, is crucial for predicting biological changes and informing ecological management strategies. Notably, citizen scientist observations were vital in monitoring the recent outbreaks of the 'lovebug' (red-faced leaf beetle) in the Seoul metropolitan area. The National Institute of Biological Resources plans to continue expanding citizen participation in ecological research and policy.

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We will continue to systematically collect biological information accumulated by citizen scientists in the field and actively utilize it in research and policy to respond to ecological changes such as climate change and the influx of alien species, and we will continue to broaden the base for citizen science participation.