WATCH: Make a ‘splat’ by contributing to virtual Bugs Matter survey
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
People in the strath are being encouraged to take part in the Bugs Matter survey 2023 by using their new virtual 'splatometer'.
Citizen scientists can contribute to the understanding of insect abundance trends by using the measurement to count the number of insect splats on their number plates after a journey.
In the Bugs Matter citizen science survey last year, it was discovered that the insect splats on number plates had dramatically reduced by 40 per cent between 2004 and 2022 in Scotland.
By taking part in the survey, anyone can contribute to the UK-wide effort to monitor insect populations.
The new virtual 'splatometer' makes contributing to the survey more efficient through the instant data collection as well as more sustainable by reducing the need for paper, printing, and postage.
Project leaders hail it as 'easy as wiping down your number plate before driving, counting the bug splats after stopping, and taking a photo with the splatometer'.
The data from Bugs Matter will go towards calculating the repeatedly reported decline of insect numbers throughout the UK – and the rest of the world.
The results will better inform effective conservation measures which aim to halt and reverse the decline in insect trends.
More participants are required every year for a long-term reliable dataset to be procured and to determine if the survey’s results from the past two years are an indication of a long-term trend.
This year, The Bugs Matter survey is running from June 1 to August 31 to align with peak insect activity.
The Bugs Matter 2023 Survey has been launched by the conservation charities, Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife.
On the importance of the survey, spokesman Dr Lawrence Ball said: “By joining the Bugs Matter survey, every participant becomes a vital contributor to our understanding of insect population numbers in Scotland.
“The survey enables us to collect data efficiently and sustainably, thanks to the elimination of paper splatometers this year.
“Together, we can make a difference in preserving populations of our valuable insects.”
To explain the ease of taking part in the survey, Andrew Whitehouse, Operations Manager at Buglife said: “We hope that this year even more people will get involved in the Bugs Matter survey, and help us to understand more about the health of Scotland’s insect populations.
“It’s easy to take part: just download the app, and after your car journey record how many insect splats are on your number plate. Let’s make every car journey count!”
Participants can visit the Bugs Matter website here to download the app for free on iOS and Android devices.
