The City Nature Challenge is finally here, kicking off on Friday, 29 April 2022 until Monday, 2 May 2022. The City of Cape Town is calling on all Capetonians to register on the iNaturalist app and to participate in the challenge. Various events have been arranged across the City to create fun experiences for participants as they explore new natural environments and record their observations. Read more below:
Video available here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2xpb4vh7fd96p64/City%20Nature%20Challenge%202022.mp4?dl=0
‘Residents in Cape Town are spoilt for choice with so many nature reserves and conservation areas right on their doorstep. Guided tours at coastal and inland protected areas across the city have been arranged to make it easier for participants. Here they will be able to capture an array of species ranging from reptiles to birds and fynbos to marine life,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.
Below is a link to all the events:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2022-city-of-cape-town/journal/63702-planned-events-for-2022
The City Nature Challenge is about finding all the wildlife in a city. All that is required of residents when making an observation is to take a photo and upload it onto the iNaturalist app. Experts will then help to identify the fauna or flora.
‘Our target is to have 3 000 observers participate this year. Most of the participant cities we are competing against are currently experiencing their spring and summer seasons, so we need as much help as possible to defend our city’s winning title’, said Councillor Andrews.
Cape Town is competing with various international cities to record the most observations of local plant and animal species.Participants who make the most observations or capture the most species will win various prizes, which include accommodation from CapeNature and SANParks. Spot prizes will also be available for anyone who participates.
Residents are to note the following information about conservation areas around Cape Town:
· City of Cape Town reserves will be open to the public free of charge on the four days. For a list of all of the City’s reserves and details about their location, facilities and attractions, please visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Nature%20reserves
· Cape Point will be open free of charge to registered participants of City Nature Challenge events only
For more information, please contact Eleanor Hutchings at Eleanor.Hutchings@capetown.gov.za; Tony Rebelo at t.rebelo@sanbi.org.za or visit https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2022-city-of-cape-town
