Overstrand Municipality is calling on all residents in the region to participate in the annual City Nature Challenge (CNC). After a successful Great Southern Bioblitz last year we came second in the southern hemisphere.
The challenge takes place in two parts: from 29 April to 2 May participants can take pictures of plants, animals, marine life, fungi, and so on within the Overstrand. Then, from 29 April to 8 May uploading and identification of these photos will take place.
All you need do is register on the iNaturalist app (download from iNaturalist.org), grab your cellphone or camera and begin taking photos of birds, insects, plants and other life (other than humans or pets) in your neighbourhood, on the beach and in mountains and upload them on the database.
There is also a category for marine life, and deep sea divers especially are requested to assist with photographs. The Cape Whale Coast Hope Spot (CWCHS) is willing to take divers to good diving spots to take photographs.
Life in rock pools and estuaries can also be photographed during the challenge (above and below the water). CWCHS members will be available to assist the CNC to identify marine/estuarine species. Contact Tarron Dry on 028 316 3724 or tdry@overstrand.gov.za for additional information.