366 Monitoring Threatened Species and Ecological Communities
only at a level they are comfortable with. Being able to accommodate this range
of skills can be difficult, and may require decisions about who is involved in
the project.● (^) Be aware of the potential limitations to data quality and quantity. Participants
without specialised skills may find it difficult to collect certain forms of data
(e.g. precise quantitative measurements) or be simply uninterested in elements
of data collection (e.g. habitat data).
● (^) Be aware of the resources required. For some, the use of citizen scientists can
be seen as a more cost-effective way of running a monitoring project. However,
managing large numbers of volunteers is time consuming and specialised
resources need to be developed to accommodate the range of participants
involved in the project. Although technological advances are making elements
of data collection and data management more streamlined, there are set up
costs associated with these, as well as having capacity to provide support to
participants as required.
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