ing negatively affected by forest degradation‚” says Cherry, “other
animal species are likely to be worse affected.”
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On the basis of
the study, scientists are evaluating what can be done to better
protect avian habitats in South African forests.
Traps That Are Not Really Traps
Citizen science projects are not only for adult volunteers. Many op-
portunities for involvement in these research projects are available
for young people. Children and teens who are interested in science-
related projects, including those involving wildlife, can become in-
volved in citizen science efforts. “Citizen science creates oppor-
tunities for young people to connect with the natural world, gain
scientific skills, and learn key science concepts related to topics
such as life cycles, habitats, adaptations, and interrelationships,”
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says the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. One citizen science program
for youth is Nature Navigators, which is for youth in Los Angeles,
California, aged nine to twelve. Young people who are involved in
Nature Navigators have the chance to participate in different kinds
of wildlife research with scientists.
Twelve-year-old Rachel Ann Arias developed a passion for
wildlife science through her involvement in the Nature Naviga-
tors program. “I think citizen science is a lot of fun,” says Rachel
Ann. “I enjoy helping scientists and I also enjoy seeing how citi-
zen scientists like me can gather a wide
range of observations.”
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What espe-
cially intrigued her was learning how to
use camera traps. These are cameras
that are encased in a secure housing
and equipped with sensors that take a
picture whenever they sense movement.
The name is misleading because camera
traps have nothing to do with trapping,
as the WWF explains: “While a ‘camera
trap’ might sound menacing, it actually
does no harm at all to wildlife. The name
is derived from the manner in which it
‘captures’ wildlife—on film!”
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WORDS IN
CONTEXT
camera trap
A camera encased in
a protective housing
and equipped with
sensors that takes
pictures whenever it
senses movement.
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