Session

Digital technologies are significantly transforming approaches to citizen science (SC) data collection. New SC platforms enable easy and fast data collection with relevant verification. The websites and apps are becoming increasingly popular. However, it remains unclear whether we should rely solely on data collected through modern technologies or continue focusing on traditional methods of collecting data from citizen scientists. This research attempts to answer this question using a case study from Ukraine. It was conducted in the Poltava and Sumy regions during spring 2024. The main goal was to collect data on the distribution of 2 rare rodents (Cricetus cricetus L., 1758 and Marmota bobak Müll, 1776) inhabiting grasslands, and to analyze the most effective channels for obtaining this information. A poster featuring photos of the animals and a request for information on encounters with these species was prepared. It included our phone numbers, email addresses, Facebook pages, and mentioned the possibility of submitting data via iNaturalist and UkrBin. This announcement was shared in many local groups of social network and messengers, regional media, websites of local authorities, and physically in several public places. Random surveys of local residents were also conducted in parallel. In total, 43 reports were received, and 9 new, previously unknown locations of these species were identified. Most reports were about marmots (90.7%), with 1 report where the species could not be identified. The remaining information pertained to hamsters. The most effective channels for obtaining information were personal surveys conducted in potential habitat areas (17 responses), followed by reactions to the Facebook posts (10 responses), and 4 messages in response to the poster publication in regional media. Thus, we believe that relying solely on digital methods for CS data collection in biodiversity is not advisable, especially in regions with limited internet access and low levels of digital literacy. Traditional methods of information collection provide greater representativeness of the data. Personal interviews and the use of print media for information dissemination allow for more valid data collection by including contributions from individuals who do not use modern technologies.