Using Social Media and Web Based Platforms to Collect Scientific Data on ... Raised awareness about page and survey through neighborhood email lists, news ...
Using Social Media and Web Based Platforms to Collect Scientific Data on Human-Coyote Interactions in Metro Atlanta, GA, USA 1 Hooper ,
2 Mowry ,
3 Wilson ,
4 Hale
Jeremy W. Christopher B. Lawrence A. and Randal J. 1 2 3 4 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga , Berry College , Emory University , North River Geographic Systems Technological Influence
Abstract
Human-coyote interactions appear to be increasing across North America. Such interactions have the potential to influence human perception and acceptance for coyotes, and, as a consequence, conservation and management efforts. Thus, information on the spatiotemporal characteristics and human dimensions of human-coyote interactions can lead to more targeted, resource efficient management efforts. The use of citizen scientists is allowing researchers to collect meaningful data with limited resources. Moreover, citizen science data can be collected through web-based platforms, including social media. We are currently using a web-based survey to gain a better understanding of the spatiotemporal characteristics of human-coyote interactions and the general perceptions of, and attitudes towards coyotes in metro Atlanta, GA. This has resulted in over 1,900 survey responses in 5 months (Oct. 2014 - Feb. 2015), showcasing the potential power of using web based platforms for a variety of science related efforts, including data collection and outreach. However, such a platform is not a simple means to an end. Researchers must consider potential biases and limitations, which will vary depending upon the question(s) being addressed. We intend to elaborate on our use of these platforms to provide a framework for other scientists to use.
Facebook Stats
Fig 7. Demographics of Facebook “fans” relative to all of Facebook users
In the past 3 years, do you recall seeing or hearing information about coyotes in the Atlanta Metro Area from any of the following sources
Survey Response Gender Distribution
Fig 10. Atlanta Coyote Project Facebook home page
31.2% 49.8%
34%
TV Radio Local Newspaper From Friends Social Media
Male Female
Introduction Along side increasing human population and development, the coyote (Canis latrans Say 1823) has expanded its range, infiltrating cities across North America (Parker 1995). These factors have led to increases in human-coyote interactions and, as a result, the potential for conflict. Such interactions have the potential to influence human perception and acceptance capacity for coyotes, and, as a consequence, conservation and management efforts. Web-based platforms, including social media, provide an additional tool for researchers and managers to collect meaningful data from citizen scientists. Moreover, these platforms can allow researchers to reach specific, potentially hard to reach groups quicker and with greater ease. Nonetheless, web-based platforms are mostly limited to those groups who have access to the internet, potentially leading to biased interpretation. This should not deter researchers and managers from using these tools, rather one must understand their limitations and strengths.
15.4%
53.9%
66%
35%
*Total # of Responses = 1,910 Fig. 8 Trial camera picture captured by volunteers
Fig. 9 Trial camera picture captured by volunteers
Educational Outreach Potential
Methods: • • • •
*Total # of Responses = 1,910
Constructed web-based survey, based on Denver Metro Coyote Study, in Google Docs Built Facebook page to serve as a central point Raised awareness about page and survey through neighborhood email lists, news media, and Facebook Used addresses reported in survey to generate a survey response distribution map in ArcMap 10.2
Facebook Stats
Survey Responses Across Time
200
*Reach equals the number of people
News Media
who received one of our educational or research posts on Facebook.
*Total # of Responses = 1,910
Social Media
Number of Responses
150 News Media
100
Email
News Media
50
0 10/12
10/22
11/3
11/14
11/26
12/5
12/14
12/23
1/2
1/11
Date
Fig. 5 *News media covering the study includes Atlanta Journal Constitution, NPR Atlanta and Atlanta ABC affiliate **Social media = Facebook ***Emails sent to Neighborhood Planning Units
Fig 6. # of people reached using Facebook
Over the last 3 years, how would you characterize the level of coyote activity near your home?
In the past 3 years, have you seen or heard a coyote near your home?
Discussion • Data collection was fast, efficient, and resulted in no monetary costs
2% Fig. 2. City of Atlanta (i.e., yellow layer) boundary within Urbanized Atlanta (2010) (i.e., blue layer)
(>1,900 survey responses in 5 months)
6%
12% 16%
• Preliminary analysis of types and amounts of human-coyote interactions similar to previous studies
17%
Fig 1. Survey response distribution across the state of Georgia.
Once
Increased
Occasionally
Remained Same
Frequently
4%
47%
No
• Tremendous outreach potential; 10 Facebook posts reached ~8,600 people (not all unique) (Fig 6)
Not Sure
Not Sure
28%
Decreased
in Denver and Calgary (Lukasik and Alexander 2011, Poessel et al. 2013)
Not Aware of Coyote Presence
42% 26%
• Use of Facebook created a social network that has led to volunteers, data, insight, and project support • Survey response rates and social networking influenced by news media covering project (Fig. 5) • Increased urbanization may increase outreach capacity via the web (Fig. 4)
*Total # of Responses = 1,910
*Total # of Responses = 1,910
References: • Lukasik, V.M. and Alexander, S.M. 2011. Human-coyote interactions in Calgary, Alberta. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 16:114-127.
• Limitations, biases, and difficulties that exists and must be addressed are dependent upon question(s) being addressed, including representativeness, identifying sample population, and
• Parker, G. 1995. Eastern Coyote: The story of it’s success. Nimbus Publishing; 1st edition • Poessel, S. A., Breck, Stewart W., Teel, T., Shwiff, S., Crooks, K., and Angeloni, L. 2013. Patterns of human-coyote conflicts in the Denver metropolitan area. Journal of Wildlife Management 77(2):297-305 Fig 3. Survey response distribution across Urbanized Atlanta (2010).
Fig 4. Showcasing potential influence of urbanization on ability to reach people via web-based methods. Pink layer represents Urbanized Atlanta (2000) and the blue layer represents Urbanized Atlanta (2010).
Acknowledgements • Thanks to Dr. Thomas Wilson, Dr. Timothy Gaudin, the Metropolitan Denver Coyote Study, and volunteers Tish Titus, Heather Tsetsi, and Meta Larson for their assistance and photographs.
obtaining a random sample • Web-based technologies are limited to those who have internet access which may not represent the population of interest (Fig. 7)
