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Poster Short Abstract

A citizen science project monitoring nocturnal flying insects in Belgian conservation habitats. It addresses the underrepresentation of nocturnal communities in science by involving volunteers in long-term sampling, fostering local engagement and ecological understanding.

Poster Abstract

Nights are no longer dark and calm—human activity and artificial lighting have transformed nocturnal environments. Yet, nocturnal animal communities remain poorly studied, likely due to the day-biased nature of scientific work and the logistical challenges of night-time sampling. This project aims to shed light on the dynamics of nocturnal flying insect communities, which are crucial for understanding prey availability and selectivity for nocturnal insectivores such as the European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus).

Embedded in my PhD research, this citizen science initiative will establish the first long-term monitoring of nocturnal insect communities across key habitats—heathlands and grasslands—within the National Park Bosland, Flanders. By involving trained volunteers in standardized sampling using LED, bait, and malaise traps from April to October, the project addresses the practical barriers that have historically limited nocturnal biodiversity research.

Beyond data collection, the project seeks to build a vibrant community of “night observers” who contribute to biodiversity conservation through digital platforms like iNaturalist. Through newsletters, shared protocols, and annual gatherings, we aim to foster an inclusive and empowered network of citizen scientists. This initiative not only enhances ecological knowledge of neglected nocturnal communities but also bridges the gap between science and society, centre and periphery.

This poster will present the project’s design, early implementation, and its potential as a replicable model for participatory ecological monitoring in protected areas.