Wirambi Landcare will be coordinating the Citizen Science Tally of the Trapdoor spiders for the third year. .This project is in collaboration with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
Our aim this year is to make this year’s tally bigger and more known amongst the community. So far we have surveyed 69 sites across the Swan Coastal Plain and have conducted 86 surveys over the past two years.
We have designed three methods in which you can participate depending on how much time you have to commit to survey for trapdoors. From a simple take a photo of a burrow or spider and send it through to us. To a more detailed survey which will take 20 minutes searching for burrows and sending the results back to us. Most importantly no handling of spiders for any of the survey methods.
When: 1st September – 31st October
Where: Reserve, park or your own backyard
How: Record the Trapdoor sightings using the online or physical data sheets during the evening
Duration: 20 minutes.
Areas that require surveying: North of the river we are lacking in data and sightings of trapdoors.
Send us an email if you want to know which reserves to survey in your local area.
We have also set up an inaturalist group in which people can log opportunistic sightings of trapdoors. If you have an inaturalist account type “Trapdoor spider Tally – Swan Coastal Plain” into the projects tab and join the group as a member. This data will be included in the Trapdoor database. Below is the link to the project.
https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/projects/trapdoor-spider-tally-swan-coastal-plain
Why should you be involved
· Be part of saving a poorly known and researched species
· This survey can be done without leaving the home especially if you live on a bush block.
· Data submitted goes into the database in which all region coordinators manage (Wirambi Landcare manages the Swan Coastal Plain database).
· Information gathered is then used as a reference for population trends, future planning decisions and conservation projects.
· It is a great way to spend time with friends and family while being immersed in nature.
Important notes
· Do not walk alone in the bush bring a friend or family member along.
· Do not try to touch trapdoor spiders, strictly observations only.
· If you see no trapdoor on your survey do not be discouraged, still record the information and send the data to us. The information will provide insights on their distribution.
The information you have provided has been invaluable in better understanding the species and in particular the threats of the species within the Swan Coastal Plain. We do hope you can continue your participation.
Email – [email protected] for a tally sheet and to send all complete data sheets. If you have any questions please use the same email address.
Submit all completed data sheets by the 10th November