Using Citizen Science to build baseline data on tropical tree phenology

Abstract

Large-scale and long-term understanding of the phenology of widespread tree species is lacking in the tropics, and particularly in the Indian subcontinent. In the absence of baseline information, the impacts of climate on tree phenology, and thus on trophic interactions downstream of tree phenology, are also poorly understood. Citizen scientists can help bridge this gap by contributing simple, technology-based information over large spatial scales and over the long term. In this study, we describe an India-wide citizen science initiative called SeasonWatch, with preliminary insights into contributor behaviour and species phenology. Over a period of 8 years, between 2011 and 2019, cumulative contributor numbers have increased every year, although consistent contribution remains constant and low. The phenological patterns in the 4 most-observed species (Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., Mango Mangifera indica L., Tamarind Tamarindus indica L., and Indian Laburnum Cassia fistula L.) are described, with discernible seasonal peaks in flowering and fruiting. Seasonal peaks are influenced by tree phenology reported in the south Indian state of Kerala, which has the maximum number of contributors and most number of observations per contributor, comprising 89% of all observations. We look in detail at the flowering phenology of one particular species, Cassia fistula, which appears to show aberrant phenology, reflecting a potential shift away from historical baselines. Latitudinal patterns in the phenology of widespread species such as Mangifera indica are also discernible from 4 seasonal bioblitz events organised during 2018-19, with trees in lower latitudes exhibiting flowering and fruiting phenology earlier than the higher latitudes. We conclude that there are signs of shifts in phenological patterns, as in the case of C. fistula, and extend a call for action to sustain long-term interest and participation by contributors to develop a baseline for common tropical tree species that can be used to understand long-term consequences of climate change on tropical tree phenology.