Using social media to document the persistence of the Peregrine Falcon and the Lanner Falcon across South Africa

Abstract Social media and networking platforms are growing in their usefulness in research through citizen science. We used diverse online data sources and methods to generate insight into the distribution, ecological interactions and any additional information on the Peregrine ( Falco peregrinus ) and Lanner Falcons ( F. biarmicus ) in South Africa. We used social media, specifically Facebook®, eBird®, and iNaturalist®, to collect posts/observations, images and any additional information on the two falcon species in South Africa. We collected and analysed 5070 images from 2702 observations/posts in South Africa that were sourced from social media up to the 31st of August 2024. Both falcons were observed/posted in all nine provinces of South Africa. Peregrine Falcons were observed 1154 times (2404 images), whilst Lanner Falcons were observed 1548 times (2666 images) in all 9 provinces of South Africa. After 2017, there was a significant rise in posts/observations for both falcon species. Lanner Falcons were observed/posted more in most provinces, except Gauteng and the Western Cape, where Peregrine Falcons dominated the observations/posts. The Western Cape Province dominated image observations and posts/observations for the Peregrine Falcon, whilst the Northern Cape Province was notable for the Lanner Falcon. The differences in images and post/observation contributions between Peregrine Falcons and Lanner Falcons highlighted varying levels of visibility and engagement for reporting sightings amongst the different species, as well as behaviours of the two species. Future research can focus on optimising data collection strategies across multiple platforms to ensure citizen scientists can effectively contribute to our understanding of the dynamics of these species of falcons in South Africa.