We are excited to share our collaboration with the Hermanus Botanical Society and the Grootbos Foundation on the Bioblitz project! This ambitious initiative aims to document as many species as possible within a specific area over a short period.

To date, we’ve recorded an impressive 260 observations and identified 107 species using the iNaturalist app. This is just the beginning of an 18-month journey, during which different groups will conduct Bioblitzes throughout the seasons.

In particular, the Grootbos Foundation will spearhead a comprehensive Bioblitz involving a team of dedicated conservationists, scientists and researchers. They aim to create a comprehensive record of plant species, insects, fungi, birds and all other organisms contributing to our region’s unique biodiversity.

Creation Bioblitz Highlights

• Endangered Elim ferricrete fynbos
• Cape lowland freshwater wetland with threatened and rare endemic species
• Sensitive ecosystem with threatened plant and amphibian species
• Important corridor for faunal movements including various mammals
• Amphibians: Drewes’ moss frog (near threatened), Raucous toad, clicking stream frog, Cape river frog, De Villiers’ moss frog
• Reptiles: Berg adder, rinkhals, boomslang, (likely) puff adder, Cape skink, red-sided skink, Cape girdled lizard, southern rock agama, ocellated thick-toed gecko, angulate tortoise, common slug eater

We are fortunate to be working alongside a team of exceptional individuals from Grootbos:

• Sean Privett – Conservation Director; a botanist and fynbos ecologist.
• Rebecca Dames – Conservation and Research Manager; as a botanist, landscaper and conservation planner, she is a driving force in developing and supporting protected conservation areas.
• Mike Fabricius – Reserve Manager; a wildlife ecologist bringing invaluable wildlife ecology expertise and leading the collaborative ‘Conservation at Work’ initiative.
• Thilivhali Murivhami – Alien Vegetation and Community Engagement Manager; dedicated to combating alien vegetation and fostering community involvement.
• Paula Strauss – Research Coordinator; a specialist in entomology, reptiles and amphibians, contributing significantly to our research efforts.
• Carly Vlotman – Entomologist and Curator; a passionate entomologist curating the foundation’s impressive insect collection.

We are excited to be part of this project, contributing to the conservation of our unique region. By participating in these Bioblitzes, we’re expanding our knowledge and contributing to protecting the Cape Floral Region, a global biodiversity hotspot.