Calling all nature enthusiasts and shutterbugs! Take part in South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)’s City Nature Challenge 2022, from 29 April to 2 May to see how many plant or animal species you can find in your local botanical garden.
The challenge started back in 2016 in the United States and has since grown into an international event that encourages people all around the globe to find and document wildlife in their cities. In 2021, 52 777 people participated and over 1.2 million observations were recorded, with 45 300 species found.
All you have to do is snap a picture of any plant or animal – not just in the garden, it can be anywhere in your city – and share it on the iNaturalist platform. Scientists and experts will identify what you’ve photographed and release the results on 9 May.
The following national botanical gardens are taking part in the challenge:
Western Cape
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- Harold Porter National Botanical Garden
- Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden
Northern Cape
- Hantam National Botanical Garden
Eastern Cape
- Kwelera National Botanical Garden
Gauteng
- Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
- Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Free State
- The Free State National Botanical Garden
KwaZulu Natal
- KwaZulu Natal National Botanical Garden
Mpumalanga
- Lowveld National Botanical Garden
Limpopo
- Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden
Note: Entry to the botanical gardens mentioned is not free as initially reported in the media release issued.
Picture: Getaway Gallery
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