
Elizabeth White is a fourth-year PhD candidate at the University of Florida where she works with research-grade data from iNaturalist, a popular citizen science platform, in combination with herbarium data from iDigBio (Integrated Digitized Biocollections) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). By connecting citizen science data, ecological models, and land management strategies, her work aims to create a more holistic understanding of endemic species conservation.
In her work with iNaturalist, Elizabeth aims to establish the database as a credible source of biodiversity information that can be effectively integrated with traditional herbarium data. In a recent publication, she pulled thousands of plant images from iNaturalist to see if they were correctly identified or not. After comparing these results to other reputable databases, she found that citizen science data was just as accurate. In the Southeastern United States especially, iNaturalist data can serve as a wealth of knowledge for scientists and the public.
Another significant aspect of her research involves ecological niche modeling of endemic plant species native to the Southeastern Coastal Plain of the United States. She emphasizes the importance of fine-scale processes, such as elevation and soil composition, that drive plant diversity and species distributions. While most ecological niche models rely on digital data from museum or herbarium collections available through platforms like iDigBio and GBIF, Elizabeth’s approach highlights the value of integrating citizen-collected data into these models, which are essential for the preservation of endemic or endangered species.
Elizabeth’s niche modeling helps to identify and prioritize areas that require urgent protection. Focusing specifically on the Florida Panhandle, she aims to highlight its ecological and evolutionary significance as a conservation priority. Given the region's vulnerability to development, she hopes to draw attention to its unique biodiversity and urgent need for protection. Fire-dependent ecosystems, which rely on regular fires to maintain their biodiversity and plant community structures, have been disrupted by anthropogenic fire suppression. As a result, prescribed burns are now used to mimic natural fire regimes. Her research explores the role of fire management in maintaining these ecosystems, with the goal of providing land managers with clear pathways and effective strategies to enhance biodiversity. By merging citizen science data with ecological niche modeling and fire management, Elizabeth’s work aims to improve the effectiveness of land management decisions, ensuring the protection of critical habitats for rare and endangered species.
Written by Makena Lang