Results of the summer mobile game
The INNATURE nature game held in the Nekala district of Tampere has concluded. Throughout the summer, local residents used the Crowdsorsa mobile game to search for and photograph red clover—the host plant for critically endangered moth. Players recorded a total of approximately 85 observations of clover sites in the area. They participated in the game voluntarily, without monetary reward.
The leaves of zigzag clover are pointed and lack the white, wedge-shaped mark that distinguishes red clover. Photo Elina Alatalo.
In a nature-focused initiative launched in June, city residents were invited to search for zigzag clover in the Nekala area and photograph the plants they found using the Crowdsorsa app. Mapping the occurrence of zigzag clover provides data that can be used to protect and enhance the habitat of the critically endangered Anacampsis fuscella moth, whose larvae feed on the plant.
In Crowdsorsa’s tasks often a monetary reward is offered, but the task in the INNATURE nature game was entirely voluntary. Over the course of the summer, thirteen active participants recorded a total of 85 observations in the Nekala neighbourhood. For those who took part, nature and its conservation were reasons enough to get involved.
"Concern for the state of nature is a great motivator, even if you don't get paid for participating. I walk in the local area every day anyway, and red clover is a plant I’ve known since childhood. Taking the photos was easy, too. The app is a great idea!" says Anu Rajala, who took part in the activity.
The game was played on mobile phones, making it easy to include location data on where red clover grows in the mapping process. Photo Jenna Ramirez.
The INNATURE game also opened up a new way for Crowdsorsa to utilize crowdsourcing in nature conservation. Previously, mobile games have been used for purposes such as combatting harmful invasive species and gathering data on urban environments. Now, for the first time, the data is being used directly to protect a critically endangered species.
"We see great potential here for the future as well. The game allows a large number of people to get involved in collecting nature data that can be used to help endangered species and improve their habitats. It would be wonderful to see similar crowdsourcing methods applied to other species and areas in the future," says Toni Paju, CEO of Crowdsorsa.
Next, the visual geospatial data collected by residents will be examined in greater detail to plan how the game’s initial version can be developed and expanded. At the same time, work will begin on establishing a new multi-species meadow in the area. Meadows are among the most threatened urban habitat types.
“The moth thrives particularly in sunny, exposed locations, and there is just such a spot in front of Nekalab. On October 21 at 5 p.m., we are organizing a volunteer event where, led by the association Villi vyöhyke ry, we will sow zigzag clover and other suitable meadow plants there. For more information and to sign up for the event, please follow the project’s website,” says Katja Maununaho from Tampere University.
More info:
Katja Maununaho
Architect, PhD, Tampere University
katja.maununaho@tuni.fi
Toni Paju
CEO, Crowdsorsa
toni.paju@crowdsorsa.com