Ecological traits as predictors of avian reporting rates and monitoring gaps: a 12-year analysis of iNaturalist in Nigeria
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: To prioritise interventions amid the biodiversity crisis, this study applied a vulnerability framework to Nigerian avifauna by analysing 12 years of crowdsourced iNaturalist data (2013–2025). We defined vulnerability as a function of species’ sensitivity (extinction risk and specialization) and adaptive capacity (dietary breadth and movement). Analysing 8,751 research-grade records across 631 species, we tested how ecological traits predict IUCN status and reporting rates. Results showed a significant inverse association between adaptability and extinction risk. We identified a specialist penalty and monitoring gap: highly sensitive species contributed only 5% of the dataset, while generalists with high adaptive capacity dominated observations. Despite this bias, the data documented six new country records, including the African Rail ( Rallus caerulescens ) and Ross's Turaco ( Musophaga rossae ), as well as several range extensions. We conclude that while citizen science is a vital tool for monitoring common species and rapid discovery, targeted expert-led surveys remain essential for specialists. This study demonstrates that unstructured iNaturalist data can effectively inform the design of integrated biodiversity monitoring frameworks in West Africa.
Source: Frontiers in Bird Science
Institution: Federal University Dutse
Language: English
Topic: Avian ecology and behavior
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,353
OpenAlex ID: W7128485038