Help defend Cape Town’s City Nature Challenge title

The City Nature Challenge is less than three weeks away and the City of Cape Town is calling on all Capetonians to register on the iNaturalist app and to participate in the challenge over the long weekend between 30 April 2022 and 2 May 2022. In the spirit of embracing the last of Cape Town’s good weather, residents are encouraged to gather their friends and family to explore Cape Town’s natural beauty while participating in the challenge.

Alderman Eddie Andrews, the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, recently visited the Tygerberg Nature Reserve, one of the City’s managed reserves, to explore the plant and animal life in this region of Cape Town.

‘I went out to our Tygerberg Nature Reserve recently and was once again reminded of just how privileged we are to be surrounded by natural beauty across our city. Each region has its own nature reserves and conservation areas that are so beautifully looked after for us to enjoy. I want residents to use this upcoming City Nature Challenge as an opportunity to get out to one of the reserves, or even just to take a walk in their neighbourhood. There is so much life to capture, plants and animals we would not have noticed otherwise, and the best part is, we get to make some memories while exploring new places,’ said Alderman Andrews.

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.

Cape Town is competing with various international cities to record the most observations of local plant and animal species.

‘Capetonians contributed over 71 000 observations during the 2021 challenge, achieving the most observations internationally. Cape Town participants were able to record an impressive 4 779 species last year. The Mother City has been the winner of at least two categories for the past few years, a title we are extremely keen to defend,’ said Alderman Andrews.

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 in Cape Town are spoilt for choice with an array of nature reserves and conservation areas right on their doorstep. Guided tours at coastal and inland protected areas across the city have been arranged. Here participants will have the opportunity to capture an array of species ranging from reptiles to birds and Fynbos to marine life.

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

Below is a list of planned walks that will take place during the challenge at various conservation areas across Cape Town:

Tokai Park Night Walk: 29 April

Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area Bioblitz: 29 and 30 April

Penhill Conservation Area: 29 April

Majik Forest conservation Area: 30 April

Jack Muller Park: 30 April

Die Oog Conservation Area: 1 May

Meadowridge Conservation Area: 1 May

Hout Bay River – Lower: 2 May

Merpeople bioblitz: 30 April to 2 May

The Beach Co-op New Moon Cleanup and Bioblitz: 30 April

Smitswinkel Bay marine life: 1 May

Smitswinkel Bay marine life: 2 May

Table Mountain National Park guided walks: 29 April and 30 April

Vesuvius Way Conservation Area: 29 April

Macassar East Conservation Area: 29 April

Wolfgat Nature Reserve: 29 April

Tygerberg Nature Reserve City Nature Challenge Night Walk: 29 April

Bothasig Bioblitz: 30 April

Van Schoorsdrif Night Walk: 1 May

Arriesfontein Night walk: 2 May

Table Bay Nature Reserve Public bioblitz: 30 April

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve Public bioblitz: 30 April

Bracken Nature Reserve Bioblitz: 30 April

Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve: 30 April

Residents can access a complete list of walks open to the public at Planned Events for 2022 • iNaturalist and are advised to confirm event details closer to the time.

Schools, universities and social groups are encouraged to use this as an opportunity to facilitate, manage and support student outdoor learning and exploration in schoolyards, nearby parks or other green spaces.

Source: City Of Cape Town

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