Discovering Biodiversity: The Bug Barcode Blitz 2024 in Western Australia

Western Australia's stunning and diverse landscapes are home to an incredible array of invertebrate species. To help uncover and document this biodiversity, the innovative WA Bug Barcode Blitz program has emerged.  As part of National Science Week, this program engages students and the community in STEM learning experiences and deepens their understanding of global diversity loss. Run by BioBarcode Australia and co-sponsored by Inspiring Australia (WA), Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute, Promega Australia, Fisher Biotec WA and AGRF, this initiative empowers everyday students and community members to become scientists, collecting and analysing samples from their local environment.

The WA Bug Barcode Blitz 2024 program is aimed at Regional WA and is designed to map and identify insect and spider species through DNA barcoding. Participants collect samples from their local area, which are then genetically analysed to identify the species using a unique "barcode" of DNA. This process not only helps in cataloguing biodiversity but gives participants a hands-on opportunity to be DNA scientists for the day. 

Pauline Charman, Science Educator and Founder of BioBarcode Australia, is on a mission to demystify DNA technologies for all Australians.  “Our aim through this program is to make it real and make it fun,” says Pauline.  “This week, participants come from the Kalumburu and Looma remote communities in the Kimberley, Albany Leonora and Geraldton. “We want to hear Indigenous stories about the insects and spiders they collect and exchange knowledge in true two-way science exchange,” Pauline enthuses. 

Two separate 4-hour live stream events will be broadcast from Murdoch University guiding participants through the preparation of samples themselves using equipment that has been provided by the program.

AGRF plays an important role in supporting the Bug Barcode Blitz 2024 by providing Sanger Sequencing services, ensuring accurate and reliable sequencing to “barcode” the collected samples. AGRF Perth based scientist, Jeremy Beerkens, serves as an avid Science Ambassador for the program.  “By providing these DNA sequencing services, we help turn the data collected by the participants into valuable scientific information,” Jeremy explains.

Understanding and preserving biodiversity is more important than ever. Programs like Bug Barcode Blitz 2024 play a vital role in conservation efforts by providing detailed data on species distribution and diversity. With the help of AGRF's sequencing services, this program ensures that the data collected is accurate and valuable for future research and conservation planning.

So, whether you're a budding scientist, a nature enthusiast, or just curious about the world around you, Bug Barcode Blitz 2024 offers a unique opportunity to contribute to important scientific work right in your backyard.  For further information, please visit BioBarcode.com.au or you can attend the live stream events.



References:
https://biobarcode.com.au/biobarcode-goes-regional/
https://biobarcode.com.au