Comparative Data Analysis of Data Set Collected from Four Biodiversity Survey Projects in Nigeria

A groundbreaking presentation at #LivingData2025 has spotlighted Nigeria’s growing leadership in citizen science and biodiversity informatics. The paper, titled “Comparative Data Analysis of Data Set Collected from Four Biodiversity Survey Projects in Nigeria on the iNaturalist Platform,” demonstrates how collaborative, citizen-driven data initiatives are transforming biodiversity monitoring and research across the country. Presented by Dr. Babajide Agboola during the just concluded Living Data 2025 conference in Bogotá, Colombia, the study analyzed biodiversity data gathered through four ongoing projects in Ekiti, Lagos, Bauchi, and Plateau States, hosted on the global citizen science platform iNaturalist. Together, these projects generated over 6,300 observations spanning 1,234 species, representing one of the most comprehensive collections of open-access biodiversity data from Nigeria to date. The findings provide critical insights into species occurrence, distribution patterns, and habitat representation across diverse ecological zones. Notably, the study documented several significant records, including range extensions for the Forest Chestnut-winged Starling and the Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin, and confirmed the presence of the endangered Ibadan Malimbe in Ekiti State. These discoveries not only enrich Nigeria’s biodiversity inventory but also illustrate the immense potential of citizen science as a reliable tool for ecological research and conservation planning. Beyond its scientific contributions, the presentation underscores the transformative role of digital platforms in democratizing biodiversity data collection. By leveraging the iNaturalist platform, local observers’ students, community custodians, and ecotourism enthusiasts are now active contributors to national and global biodiversity databases. This approach enhances transparency, fosters data-driven decision-making, and strengthens Nigeria’s capacity for environmental reporting under global biodiversity frameworks. The success of this initiative reflects the power of cross-institutional collaboration. The @Global_Learning
_Exchange_Network (GLEN) provided intellectual and logistical support, fostering data-sharing culture and linking Nigerian researchers with international biodiversity data communities. Meanwhile, Agbo-Veterinary and Environmental Consult (AVEC) led the technical coordination, field management, and stakeholder engagement that ensured the projects’ success and continuity. The team expressed deep appreciation to ‪@inaturalist-org‬ , GLEN, and the communities participating across the four states for their vital contributions. Together, they have built a model for scalable, community-driven biodiversity data mobilisation in Nigeria bridging longstanding data gaps and laying a foundation for informed conservation policy and sustainable ecosystem management. This achievement represents more than a scientific milestone; it signals a shift toward a more inclusive, data-powered future for biodiversity conservation in Nigeria. By connecting local observation with global knowledge systems, the work demonstrates how citizen science and open data can reshape national conservation priorities, empower communities, and sustain biodiversity for generations to come.