Biodiversity records are the most available information on species distributions, though most publicly available datasets lack relevant information on the observation process. Observation processes may bias our understanding of macroecological patterns due to inconsistent sampling effort, imperfect detection or preferential sampling. Various methods have recently been developed to prevent spatial sampling bias (SSB) arising from unstructured and/or opportunistically collected biodiversity records into biodiversity mapping and predictive species distribution models (SDMs). Some of the most effective methods to account for the sampling effort variability across space in presence-only datasets require the discrimination of records that are opportunistically collected. This is because they can separate the signal of the species distribution from that of the sampling effort. We therefore argue that georeferenced biodiversity record databases should incorporate a binary metadata column on whether a record has been opportunistically or systematically collected to easily implement methods that would allow minimising biases when describing macroecological patterns or building predictive SDMs. Using open-source software, we describe how to download and classify Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) marsupial records by recorder ID, sampling protocol, and other metadata to improve SSB correction. We found that over 70% of available marsupial records for Australia (2000 – 2024) are identified as potentially derived from systematic surveys, with rare, endangered, and iconic species reporting the highest proportions. Systematically collected records should exhibit consistent sampling effort across space, so filtering them out helps distinguish the SSB and distribution signals within opportunistic records. After filtering them out, the spatial distribution of opportunistic records more closely resembles the spatial patterns of well-known SSB covariates, such as city accessibility or human population density. We provide code to replicate this filtering process on the ALA database, though, until the proposed metadata is implemented, it might need careful consideration of the system's particularities.

The Malleefowl, Leipoa ocellata, is the only megapode found in semi-arid and arid zones of southern mainland Australia. It is an iconic species, well-known and much-loved in areas where it is extant, for its habit of "scratching a living off the land".

The presentation will discuss the National Malleefowl Monitoring Program, overseen by the National Malleefowl Recovery Team, which monitors breeding of the nationally vulnerable species at over 4,000 nest sites, across 4 states and 19 regions of southern Australia.

For more than 25 years this monitoring effort has been delivered overwhelmingly by volunteer citizen scientists, using a nationally-consistent data collection process. Volunteers are trained to locate nest mounds and record standard observations on handheld devices using the Cyber Tracker app. The data is then uploaded to a national database, enabling consistent reporting and trend analysis on a continental scale.

Over time the program has expanded in geographic reach and scope to include monitoring in remote areas and regions impacted by agriculture, mining and other human impacts, and considering the effects of threats including habitat fragmentation, introduced predators and herbivores, fire and climate change, in cooperation with government agencies, public and private landholders, and research scientists.

This project was sparked by broad community interest in the current status of Lokeri (floodplain mussel Velesunio ambiguus) in Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert at the end of the River Murray in South Australia, on Ngarrindjeri Country. Freshwater mussels are one of the most vulnerable invertebrates in the world due to numerous factors related to contemporary human modifications of the environment. They can be very abundant under favourable conditions, and this is when the full extent of their ecological and social benefits are realised. Importantly, factors influencing freshwater mussel populations are specific to a population and region. Freshwater mussels also are of cultural importance to the Ngarrindjeri Nation who have used Lokeri and their shells as food, tools and decorations for millennia. Landholders, researchers and the Ngarrindjeri community talk of the species being very abundant in the lakes up until the early 2000s but the species was extirpated by 2010 due to prolonged drought. There is limited historic scientific data, with exception of measures taken by the late Keith Walker who found a Lokeri density of 2.7 m² in circa 1980 at Point Sturt on the western side of Lake Alexandrina. This project incorporates knowledge and motivation of scientists and citizen scientists to determine the current status of Lokeri in the lakes. A field survey in December 2024 found low numbers of Lokeri at nine of the 34 survey sites, and the usefulness of accurately determining age and growth from shells of collected Lokeri was examined. The density of Lokeri at Point Sturt was only 0.04 m², perhaps indicating the early stages of population recovery in the lakes. Ageing and growth techniques appear feasible, and may be used to examine links between environmental conditions (e.g. river flows) and Lokeri recruitment and abundance in the lakes.

Nature connection plays a vital role in supporting mental health and wellbeing worldwide. One way to understand people's connection with nature is through their participation in citizen science. While citizen scientists are often seen as valuable contributors to data collection, their involvement can also enhance their own connection to nature, scientific literacy, and conservation behaviours. However, citizen science data can be biased, and many communities are underrepresented.
Using records of eight common bird species from the popular citizen science platform iNaturalist, we examined the relationship between bird observations and ecological and socioeconomic factors across Sydney. Our findings reveal a significant disparity in observations, closely linked to areas of social disadvantage. But does this observation gap reflect a true absence of birds in those areas?
We also conducted field surveys and found that most of the target bird species were present in underrepresented areas. We actually recorded a greater diversity of bird species in areas with fewer citizen science observations compared to areas with high observation density.
These results highlight the importance of ensuring equitable access to nature and participation in citizen science. This can help address data gaps, support biodiversity monitoring, and ensure that all citizens can experience the mental and physical health benefits of local greenspaces.

Volunteers play a pivotal role in ecological monitoring programs, contributing valuable skills, outcomes and data across spatial and temporal scales. These contributions would be difficult to achieve through professional efforts alone. Using two contrasting case studies — a small-scale volunteer program with the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), and a large-scale initiative with Bush Heritage Australia, this research examines the significant contributions of volunteers to national biodiversity and environmental monitoring schemes. Volunteer participation strengthens data and sample collection and facilitates detection of ecological change, supporting scientists, land managers and policymakers in more effectively understanding and responding to shifting environmental conditions. Beyond their practical contributions, volunteer programs help foster a deeper public connection to science, promote environmental literacy, and encourages local stewardship. While challenges such as volunteer retention and varying skill and experience levels are ongoing considerations, evidence demonstrates that well-designed and supported volunteer programs can deliver high-quality data and expand the reach and impact of national monitoring efforts. This work underscores the importance of continued investment in volunteer-based programs as a vital and complementary component of professional ecological research.

Passport2Recovery is an innovative citizen science program designed to evaluate the environmental and socio-economic recovery of Kangaroo Island, South Australia, following the 2020 Black Summer bushfires. The program integrates 12 interlinked projects, each led by a scientific expert, within a unified website and app. These projects were co-developed through collaborative workshops with community members and government agencies to identify and address key conservation priorities.

Since its launch, over 5,000 domestic and international tourists from 47 countries have engaged with the program, many contributing valuable data that enhances real-time understanding of the ecological impacts of climate change and other human-related environmental disturbances affecting endemic and endangered species. Participants gain insight into scientific research and environmental stewardship and connect with a unique rewards scheme that links citizen science with local businesses. This approach not only boosts visitor engagement but also supports economic recovery through partnerships with regional businesses, creating an innovative integration of science, tourism, and local revitalisation.

Citizen scientists’ contributions since the bushfires reveal encouraging signs of recovery on Kangaroo Island. Wildlife is returning to fire-affected areas; feared pathogen infestations have not spread; pollution remains low along beaches; native bees are pollinating vegetation; endangered species are not significantly impacted by human activity; and oyster restoration reefs are successfully transitioning into functioning habitats. These vital insights would not have been possible without the hands-on participation of citizen scientists.

A finalist for the 2025 Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science, Passport2Recovery invites visitors to “Arrive as a Tourist and Leave as a Scientist.” The program exemplifies how tourism can be transformed into a dynamic platform for public engagement, STEM education, and long-term ecological monitoring in a disaster-affected landscape.

Addressing the biodiversity crisis requires strategies that not only change individual behaviours but also encourage broader patterns of engagement. This study explores behavioural spillover—where engaging in a pro-environmental action increases the likelihood of engaging in others—as a pathway for amplifying the impact of conservation behaviour change interventions.
In a real-world café setting at a zoo, we tested whether purchasing wildlife-friendly coffee could prompt further conservation actions. Visitors (n = 163) were exposed to one of three message conditions involving visual and verbal prompts: Direct (explicit links to other actions), Indirect (reflective prompts), or Control (neutral messaging).
Both Direct and Indirect approaches increased intentions to engage in conservation behaviours compared to the Control. The Direct condition boosted the likelihood of purchasing a bag of wildlife-friendly coffee and participating in citizen science. Sales data supported these self-reported outcomes, with the highest coffee bag sales occurring during the Direct condition.
The Indirect approach was especially effective for participants with lower conservation identity or no zoo membership (which are groups that may be harder to reach), while the Direct approach was broadly effective across participants. Although positive emotional responses (“warm glow”) were associated with greater intentions overall, they did not explain the effect of the intervention.
This study is among the first to test a spillover-informed intervention in a real-world setting and it offers practical insights for designing behaviour change strategies in support of biodiversity conservation. The findings highlight how simple, accessible actions, when paired with tailored messaging, may foster wider conservation engagement.

Remote biodiversity assessment enables Australian beef farmers to effectively use acoustic, camera and satellite information to make management decisions that improve biodiversity outcomes. Australian beef farmers are under growing pressure from the public to demonstrate they are managing their land in an ecologically responsible manner. Traditionally, ecological assessment methods are time consuming, expensive and laborious. The advancements in remote assessment methods like passive acoustic monitoring, motion-activated cameras and satellite imagery have greatly improved the ease and scalability of biodiversity assessments in recent years. Prior research has demonstrated the quality and efficiency of using these remote assessment methods as a ‘suite’ of technologies that, when used in tandem, can estimate biodiversity and ecological condition at farm-scale. However, the use of these tools remains limited to research and academic purposes. This research aims to determine the usability of remote biodiversity assessment as a toolkit for farmers to use themselves, to learn what information or results are most useful for farmers, and how this information may empower them to make management decisions in favour of biodiversity conservation or restoration. By conducting multiple rounds of consultation and interviews with 10-15 producers, this research builds a protocol for the use of remote assessment tools for producers. Optimising the usability of this remote biodiversity toolkit, without forsaking scientific rigor, will enable Australian beef farmers to demonstrate farm-level biodiversity and make management decisions to improve ecological condition of their land.