Playtimes HK Magazine Winter Issue 2020 | Page 49

education me out to explore nature from the time I was three months old so I feel I ’ ve always been exposed to it . When you observe or you just like being in nature , you notice little things everywhere .

How is your work helping HK ’ s scientific community ? Ben : By using the iNaturalist app , the information goes directly to scientists so they can see and learn more about the species and their ranges . Even if it ’ s just for the photographs , they can use that information for scientific purposes to show people examples of species . Regarding eBird , maybe not as much for scientists , but just for the general community as well , you can see exactly where different species have been found , and if you want to see them , then you know where they are . Kamakshi : I think the concept of citizen science is great because one of the biggest things that it was designed to do is get more people interested in the environment , fall in love with it and get more involved in it . We can see the value in this . It ’ s an amazing way for people to get involved on an individual level and I think it definitely helps a lot of research in conservation projects . People who want to take action may
be trying to figure out where things are happening , what ' s happening , and why it ' s happening , and they can join the efforts of others .
How much did you know about HK ’ s biodiversity before you started with Citizen Science ? Ben : I think I knew quite a bit already because I ’ ve gone out a lot birdwatching with my dad . But now I ’ ve started to look at all the small creatures like insects and butterflies and have noticed how much there really is . The power of citizen science got me more interested . It ’ s great because people are able to go right out their door and see for themselves what ' s out there . Kamakshi : I think it ' s much the same for me . It ’ s so interesting going out , and I think since I have gone out in nature so much , I kind of have an eye for these things like biodiversity . The more you notice , the more you see , and then you just build from there .
Have you learned anything new or surprising about HK wildlife ? Ben : Yes ! There ’ s such an abundance of wildlife and I ’ ve discovered just how many different species are here . Because it ’ s Hong Kong , you don ' t think of it as a diversity hotspot , but there are
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