Our Citizen Science program allows us to engage volunteers in producing data that helps us show the importance of the panther as an umbrella species.
The Florida panther is known as an umbrella species. This means that if we ensure the survival of the panthers and protect the necessary lands for this, there are many other species that will also be protected that live in that same area.
Enjoy the images below that illustrate many of the other species that are protected under the panther's "umbrella".
Our Citizen Scientist volunteers help us by:
Servicing our cameras in the field by changing batteries and replacing data cards.
Sorting the images generated by the cameras and extracting the usable images.
Determining the types and quantities of species in the usable images and inputting that data into workable formats.
Boy have I had a great night going through camera folders...Thank you again for letting me do this!!! It was amazing to see some of these images. A bobcat was eating a little field mouse. Two panthers walking together. Best Saturday night!
Tami R., Veterinary Surgeon
Being involved with the fStop Foundation has been really helpful for my graduate experience. Many of the concepts that we focus on are solidified with some of the work that I’m doing: things like keystone species, trophic levels, sustainable development, and citizen science are all applied with the remote camera project. I’ve gained important field experience, as well as building skills with several types of camera equipment. I'm also proud to be a part of building connections with the local community, whether it be government entities like Conservation Collier or private groups like Cypress Cove Conservancy.
The work that is going on with the Florida panther is extremely important and I’m glad to be a part of it. Helping bring this species back from the brink of extinction will hopefully serve as a model for future projects around the world. Citizen science will also be a key part of that and I hope the use of technology helps officials and researchers gain valuable information. Southwest Florida is a unique spot in this country due to its wide variety of habitats and biodiversity. Hopefully the content produced here educates people about what's in their backyards and pushes them to do citizen science projects of their own.
Jared M., graduate student at FGCU