Summary of project results
The National Wildlife Observation Network (
www.paratiro.gr) is a “Citizen Science” project, operated by ANIMA-Association for the Protection and Welfare of Wildlife that collects data on incidents of sick and injured wild animals throughout the Greek territory. It is currently the only organized nation-wide effort to implement and promote Citizen Science i.e. the research based mainly on the collection and analysis of data by citizens, scientists or not, on terrestrial biodiversity issues. The data collected offer a first insight into the key factors of anthropogenic mortality of wild animals (e.g. road accidents, poaching, electrocution, etc.) and the extent of the problem in Greece. They can be used to design and promote interventions that potentially lead to reducing the death incidents (e.g. cable insulations, tackling poaching, mitigation measures on highways etc.). Furthermore, the processed data, can highlight priority areas that need special interventions in order to reduce risks for wildlife. The "National Wildlife Observation Network" operates through the electronic platform
www.paratiro.gr, which was launched in mid-March 2015. Citizens can upload their observations via computer, tablet or cell-phone. By the end of 2015, 620 citizens and organizations had been registered in the network, while about 250 users had reported some 420 incidents of dead (80%) or injured (20%) animals. Most of these incidents involve mammal roadkills (mainly hedgehogs, foxes, badgers, and martens). Within the framework of the project nine (9) events and presentations took place in various places (Kerkini, Ioannina, Astros, Kalavrita, Heraclion), often in collaboration with other players such as management bodies, NGOs, municipalities, Universities etc. More than 1.200 persons were informed and / or trained during these events. The basic principles and main outputs of the project were compiled in a concise report, which was sent to about 50 governmental bodies, and regional and management authorities, in late 2015. By developing the national recording platform, ANIMA strengthened the participation of active citizens in wildlife protection activities and highlighted innovative methods of data collection and intervention that can have long-lasting positive impact.