Capetonians, it’s that time of year again, the City Nature Challenge is just a few days away. The City of Cape Town is calling on its residents to register, get those comfy walking shoes out and explore the Mother City’s natural beauty between 28 April and 1 May while taking part in the challenge.
The annual Global City Nature Challenge sees cities across the globe compete to record the most observations of local fauna and flora over four days by uploading their findings onto the free iNaturalist app.
Experts will then help to identify the wildlife species ranging anywhere from reptiles to birds and fynbos to marine life.
Last year, Cape Town participants were able to record 66 144 observations and 4 388 species across the city.
Also read: Cape Town nabs second place in global City Nature Challenge!
This year, City is targeting 3 000 participants and has arranged various events at City nature reserves and other conservation areas across Cape Town to make it easier and more fun for everyone to participate.
From guided walking tours to coastal marine bioblitz events, Capetonians are spoilt for choice with the array of nature reserves and conservation areas on our doorstep.
The list of planned activities and events can be found on the City Nature Challenge Cape Town Facebook Page where you’ll be able to RSVP for events that appeal most to you. iNaturalist will be updated as the challenge approaches, so be sure to keep checking in.
‘You do not need to join an event to participate. Those who want to do this in their own time can make observations of anything and everything around them in their own neighbourhoods and surrounds. The most important thing is to join the effort, regardless of how, says City’s Executive Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.
Additionally, participants who make the most observations or capture the most species will win some epic prizes, which include nature reserve accommodation from CapeNature and the City.
A note about conservation areas around Cape Town:
- City reserves will be open to the public free of charge from 27 April until 1 May 2023. For a list of all of the City’s reserves and details about their location, facilities and attractions, please check here.
- Cape Point will be open free of charge to registered participants of City Nature Challenge events only
Also read:
City supports Friends of the Liesbeek to deliver ecological restoration work
Picture: Unsplash