Cape Town residents are invited to photograph local wildlife and contribute biodiversity data as the City Nature Challenge returns, promoting conservation awareness and citizen science participation.
The annual City Nature Challenge 2026 will take place from Friday, 24 April to Monday, 27 April 2026, encouraging residents across Cape Town to capture images of local plant and animal species and upload their findings using the iNaturalist app.
The initiative forms part of an international citizen science project where cities compete to record the highest number of wildlife observations, helping scientists and conservationists better understand biodiversity patterns in urban environments.
Participants can photograph a wide range of species including birds, insects, plants, reptiles and marine life. Even indirect signs of wildlife such as feathers, shells or tracks can contribute valuable data to the global biodiversity database.
According to the City of Cape Town’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, residents are encouraged to explore the natural spaces around them and participate in the challenge.
Free entry to City nature reserves will be available during the challenge period, providing opportunities for residents to explore protected areas, local parks and coastal environments while contributing to conservation knowledge.
Cape Town’s diverse ecosystems, including fynbos vegetation, wetlands and marine habitats, make the city an important contributor to global biodiversity research initiatives.
Citizen science initiatives such as the City Nature Challenge support environmental awareness, strengthen conservation efforts and help researchers monitor ecosystem health in rapidly urbanising environments.
Residents can prepare by downloading the iNaturalist app, reviewing species already recorded in Cape Town and planning visits to nature reserves or local green spaces.
The City Nature Challenge highlights the role communities can play in protecting biodiversity while promoting environmental education and appreciation for local ecosystems.
