Projects for Amateur Biologists

There are many examples of useful work that can be done by amateur naturalists in the field of Natural History - four of my articles so far have given specific examples:

‘The Harlequin’ explains how an intentionally introduced species of ladybird (both in the UK and the US) is damaging native species. Some help (through links to relevant sites) is given for anyone who wishes to contribute to the documentation of the spread of this species.

‘Bumblebees’ points out that many species of this important pollinator are now in crisis and links to sites that help readers get involved. The case of the ‘Great Yellow Bumblebee’ goes a little further and hints that this species might become a useful ‘project’ for anyone holidaying in the Hebridean Islands.

‘Asian Hornet in France describes the accidental introduction of a new species of hornet into South-West France. Here the identification is easy, and I give the email link to the professional entomologist who is actually working on the case. Because this development is so recent some of my links in this article have had to refer to French websites, but anyone holidaying in South-West France can confidently email Jean Haxaire because he understands English very well. (I have been in contact with him myself and he welcomes any help from the public).

‘Freshwater Pollution’ describes the different ways in which members of the general public can ‘keep an eye on’ the water quality of streams. Fishermen in particular might like to do a little sampling of the invertebrates lurking in the waters they fish regularly? This would allow them to alert the professionals to cases of pollution.

I hope these articles encourage a few people to become involved in this sort of work for two reasons. First because the professionals really do need help, and second (and equally important in my view) because the more the general public becomes aware of ecological problems the more chance there is of public pressure being put on policymakers.

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