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Use of 3-Dimensional Videography as a Non-Lethal Way to Improve Visual Insect Sampling

Author

Listed:
  • Michael F. Curran

    (Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
    Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
    Wyoming Reclamation and Restoration Center, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
    Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA)

  • Kyle Summerfield

    (Shell 3D Visualization Center, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA)

  • Emma-Jane Alexander

    (Shell 3D Visualization Center, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA)

  • Shawn G. Lanning

    (Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA)

  • Anna R. Schwyter

    (Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA)

  • Melanie L. Torres

    (Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
    Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA)

  • Scott Schell

    (Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA)

  • Karen Vaughan

    (Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
    Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA)

  • Timothy J. Robinson

    (Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA)

  • Douglas I. Smith

    (Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA)

Abstract

Insects, the most diverse and abundant animal species on the planet, are critical in providing numerous ecosystem services which are significant to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). In addition to the UN-SDGs, the UN has declared the period 2021–2030 as the “Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.” Insects, because of the ecosystem services they provide, are critical indicators of restoration success. While the importance of insects in providing ecosystem services and their role in helping fulfil the UN-SDGs is recognized, traditional techniques to monitor insects may result in observer bias, high rates of type-I and type-II statistical error, and, perhaps most alarmingly, are often lethal. Since insects are critical in maintaining global food security, contribute to biological control and are a key food source for higher trophic levels, lethal sampling techniques which may harm insect populations are undesirable. In this study, we propose a method to visually sample insects which involves non-lethal 3-dimensional video cameras and virtual reality headsets. A total of eight observers viewed video captured insects visiting floral resources in a landscaped area on a university campus. While interobserver variability existed among individuals who partook in this study, the findings are similar to previous visual sampling studies. We demonstrate a combination of 3D video and virtual reality technology with a traditional insect count methodology, report monitoring results, and discuss benefits and future directions to improve insect sampling using these technologies. While improving quantitative monitoring techniques to study insects and other forms of life should always be strived for, it is a fitting time to introduce non-lethal sampling techniques as preservation and restoration of biodiversity are essential components of the UN-SDGs and the “Decade on Ecosystem Restoration”.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael F. Curran & Kyle Summerfield & Emma-Jane Alexander & Shawn G. Lanning & Anna R. Schwyter & Melanie L. Torres & Scott Schell & Karen Vaughan & Timothy J. Robinson & Douglas I. Smith, 2020. "Use of 3-Dimensional Videography as a Non-Lethal Way to Improve Visual Insect Sampling," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-10, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:9:y:2020:i:10:p:340-:d:417649
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Christopher N. Kaiser-Bunbury & James Mougal & Andrew E. Whittington & Terence Valentin & Ronny Gabriel & Jens M. Olesen & Nico Blüthgen, 2017. "Ecosystem restoration strengthens pollination network resilience and function," Nature, Nature, vol. 542(7640), pages 223-227, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael F. Curran & Timothy J. Robinson & Pete Guernsey & Joshua Sorenson & Taylor M. Crow & Douglas I. Smith & Peter D. Stahl, 2022. "Insect Abundance and Diversity Respond Favorably to Vegetation Communities on Interim Reclamation Sites in a Semi-Arid Natural Gas Field," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-13, April.

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