DNA Barcoding Complements Citizen Science Identifications in an Arthropod Survey at Governors Island, New York

Author

• Malky Gestetner, CUNY City CollegeFollow

Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Ana Carnaval

Second Advisor

Amy Berkov

Keywords

DNA Barcoding, iNaturalist, Governors Island, Biodiversity

Abstract

Arthropods are declining worldwide, threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and growing urbanization. Efforts to monitor arthropod biodiversity are crucial for conservation policies and for maintaining the ecosystem services provided by these animals in urban environments. Surveys of arthropods have been attempted in many New York neighborhoods, but no formal assessment has been conducted on Governors Island, which harbors 72-acres of parkland within a short boat ride away from Manhattan. This is a deficiency which this study helps to address. Following student-led collection efforts within four Governors Island sites, DNA barcoding was employed to complement specimen identification based on morphology and the use of iNaturalist, a free online citizen science tool. Over 430 specimens were identified, representing 12 different arthropod orders, with a total of 141 identified to species level. This survey demonstrates the enhanced success in species identification when two complementary identification methods are used, and discusses differences between these methodologies.

Recommended Citation

Gestetner, Malky, "DNA Barcoding Complements Citizen Science Identifications in an Arthropod Survey at Governors Island, New York" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/1335