Citizen Science BioBlitz planned for Queensland's Scenic Rim
Queensland’s Scenic Rim will hold host to the region’s first BioBlitz this October, engaging scientists, naturalists, and volunteers to conduct a 48-hour intensive field study in an attempt to record all the living species within the area. Advanced Ecotourism certified operator, Araucaria Ecotours, is playing an integral role in the organization of the upcoming event.
Situated in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in South East Queensland, several thriving rural townships and surrounding World Heritage Listed National Parks make up the Scenic Rim region. The unique subtropical climate is home to a great and diverse array of native flora and fauna, making the region a biodiversity hotspot and prime candidate for a BioBlitz event.
BioBlitzes are fun and engaging citizen science events, that deliver meaningful outcomes to individuals and organisations. They’re an intense period of biological surveying, endeavouring to record all the living species within a designated area. In late 2015, Tasmania hosted their first BioBlitz event in the Tarkine National Park, where more than 100 people surveyed moorland, rainforest, rivers, and coastline in support of the Bob Brown Foundation’s campaign to protect the natural values of the region.
The event will take place between 15-17 October and is open to individuals, families, schools, nature photographers and whoever else would like to be involved. Over the 48-hour period (day and night), participants will seek and identify as many animals, plants and fungi as possible on private and Council land, taking care to cause minimal disturbance. Experts will be on hand to guide small groups into the more sensitive areas and to identify species, and there will be demonstrations through the day. In addition to direct observation, there will be cage traps set for small mammals, pitfalls for frogs and small reptiles, light traps for night-flying insects, motion sensing cameras and Anabats to record and identify microbats.
Ronda Green, owner operator of Araucaria Ecotours, and Chair of Wildlife Tourism Australia and the Scenic Rim Branch of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland has been the driving force behind the Scenic Rim BioBlitz, exercising her passion and expertise for wildlife and environmental conservation.
“I'm hoping this Bioblitz will help to illustrate what a wonderful diversity we have right here in the Scenic Rim, and what wonderful opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages to experience our diverse array of animals, plants, and fungi,” says Ronda.
The Scenic Rim BioBlitz is a perfect opportunity for families, schools, nature lovers, amateur naturalist groups, professional biologists and other interested individuals wanting to learn and explore in the stunning Scenic Rim.
If you are interested in joining in or learning more about the event, please visit this website.
(Photos courtesy of Scenic Rim Regional Council's Facebook page)