Citizen science is scientific research advanced through the efforts of voluntary members of the public. Citizen scientists can be involved with data collection, research analysis, and even project development. So, basically, with a little training, a citizen scientist is acutally just a scientist and citizen science is…well…science!

The amount of time it takes to become a citizen scientist can vary widely depending on what kind of science you want to conduct. For our Pacing Pandas Citizen Science Project, expect about 2-3 hours to learn the material and take the exam. Of course, you can spread it out and baby-step it however you like!

Once you become a certified citizen scientist, you can help us collect behavioral data on pandas! Your task will be to watch panda cams from anywhere in the world and record their behaviors (particularly stereotypic ones) and send us your collections. You, of course, will be credited in the published findings!

How ever much you’d like! There’s no minimum or maximum amount of data you have to send us to be able to participate.

We will send you a citizen science starter packet with information, recording sheets, and your certificate! You’re then free to record however much you’d like and send us data whenever it’s convientient for you!

We’re more than happy to answer anything you’d like to ask. Just message us on Facebook or email us.

Chengdu Panda Base: http://en.ipanda.com/live/

CCRCGP Dujiangyan Base: http://en.ipanda.com/live/

Smithsonian Zoo: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/panda-cam

Zoo Atlanta: https://zooatlanta.org/panda-cam/

Edinburgh Zoo: https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/webcams/panda-cam/

Memphis Zoo: https://www.memphiszoo.org/panda-cam

Thank you to Kyle Mosher for finding these:

Adelaide Zoo, Australia:  https://www.zoossa.com.au/zoo-to-you/  or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz1BKIdmNf4&feature=emb_logo 

Ahtari Zoo, Finland: Note, camera view changes every few seconds so was not good for continuous observation:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC53ULXLIwDglm_OsrNr5Ekg/feed?disable_polymer=1

Adventure World Shirahama, Japan: Note, appears to only live stream at certain times:  https://aws-panda-live.com/?lang=en

Moscow Zoo, Russia: Note, has live cams, but requires authorization to view them and it’s unclear how to get that:  https://moscowzoo.su/about-zoo/live-stream/

Stereotypes do NOT get recorded until you have seen them at least three times in a row. For example, a bear may start locomoting (record locomote) but once they are on the same path for three times it becomes stereotypy

Start recording behavior if it is visible and active. Active means it is awake and could perform behaviors if it wanted. Do not begin recording when Feeding, Resting/Inactive, and Not Visible.

Once you start recording, finish the entire 30-minute observation even if the bear becomes Not Visible, Feeding, or Resting/Inactive for the rest of the observation. 

“Other Normal” behaviors should be tallied anytime you see a behavior that isn’t listed specifically on the ethogram. This may mean that you have multiple “Other Normal” behaviors in a sequence which would all get their own tally. For example if a bear sniffs an object, scratches the object, plays with the object, walks over to the water feature, drinks, and then sleeps you would record tallies as so:

    Locomote: I

    Other Normal: IIII

    Resting/Inactive: I

Always score locomote when the bear starts moving even if another stereotype or behavior is happening within locomote. For example, a bear can perform “event” behaviors such as tongue flick, pirouette, and somersault while locomoting.

We’re more than happy to answer anything you’d like to ask. Just message us on Facebook or email us.