Prof. Dieter Hochuli1, Assoc Professor Zoe Sadokierski2, Dr Caitlyn Forster1

1The University of Sydney, Australia, 2UTS, Ultimo, Australia

Biography:

Professor Dieter Hochuli leads the Integrative Ecology research group at the University of Sydney. His research focuses on how biodiversity responds to the unique pressures of urbanisation, with a particular interest in the ecology of iconic birds, mammals, insects and spiders of cities, and their interactions with the environment and the humans who share their world with them. He spends an inordinate amount of time trying to convince people that flies are just as ecologically important as bees.

Abstract:

In a rapidly urbanising world where insects regularly inspire fear (and loathing) among the broader public, pollinators are of entomology’s gateway groups. Widespread concerns over the global pollinator crisis coupled with the unambiguous ecological importance of the floral visitors makes them an irresistible focus of efforts to promote insects. The aim of the Urban Field Naturalist Project is to inspire city dwellers to observe and report nature in their local environments. The philosophy underpinning it reimagines the naturalist tradition to create an inclusive, and interactive approach to observing, recording, and learning about nature in the everyday.

We developed three illustrated guides offering distinct perspectives on insect pollination. The first identified the importance of pollination in ecology, and the techniques used to study it, highlighting the benefits of staring at flowers. The second looked at pollinator guilds, their adaptations, and idiosyncrasies, highlighting the diversity of floral visitors. The third perspective focussed on hover flies, unsung heroes of the pollination world, and why they deserve greater recognition for their ecological services.

These resources were then refined to be used in multiple “walkshops” for 16-25 year olds from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Sydney, as part of a partnership with headspace Australia. Participants regularly expressed surprise at the diversity and activity of organisms observed during activities, the chance to report sightings through iNaturalist, as well as the “choose your own adventure” approach to exploring their local environment.

This interdisciplinary collaboration highlighted the importance of integrating multiple worldviews to effectively introduce the natural world to reach new audiences. Critically, our approach blending facts, narratives, and creative activities to cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world identified a pathway to help people tell their stories about the animals critical to our way of life – insect pollinators.