Citizen Science

When playing QuestaGame, the species data recorded by participants is verified by experts and then shared for biodiversity research and conservation. As well as local quests, global competitions are held, as well as university and school challenges.

First Nations people were and still are the first scientists of Australia. The Ngukurr Wi Stadi Bla Kantri (We Study the Country) project conducts cross-cultural research by collaboratively re-exploring the biodiversity of south-east Arnhem Land and recording Indigenous and western scientific knowledge.

The Butterflies Australia project empowers citizen scientists to record butterfly sightings, the aim of which is improved conservation and research of Australia’s butterflies, protection of Australia’s agriculture industry from potential invasive pest species, and even the discovery of new species.

Most urban areas of Australia are vulnerable to covert invasions by two Zika mosquito species and the subsequent risk of cryptic Zika outbreaks. Zika Mozzie Seeker participants are providing a sustainable and innovative solution to the expansion of urban mosquito surveillance networks, by collecting mosquito eggs in their yards and sending them in for counting and screening. Since 2017, Zika mozzies have not been detected in six rounds of trapping (approximately 240,000 eggs collected from 2,200 traps in 160 suburbs).