The Greenridge Flora & Fauna Finders are continously identifying and mapping the plant species found on our Estate in order to keep an updated biodiversity record. A first comprehensive biodiversity survey done in August 2023 by Dr. Patricia Holmes lay the foundation for this effort; it already listed more than 350 species. Meanwhile, this list has been extended to some 417 species by September 2024 and is still growing.
Plant identification and geo-located mapping is done with the free smart-phone app iNaturalist, a citizen science tool where experts verify the suggested identifications. Take a look at our The Bracken Ridge-Project on iNaturalist – it’s really a marvelous tool and easy to use!
In addition, we have also started to identify the indigenous trees that are found on Brackenridge Estate. To date some 33 species have been identified with the help of a tree specialist. You can find out more about our trees here.
How to use the iNat-App
When using iNat a few points should be observed:
- try and take more than one photo if possible
- try to capture the overall appearance of the plant
- photograph the leafs upside and underside and also any seeds or flowers if present
- take a photo of any other interesting feature
Once your photos have been uploaded take a look at the suggestions coming up in the app. Do you recognize a specific one? Choose one and wait a couple of days for suggestions by the other users to be added: now you can see what the common opinion is.
A recent example: a snake found in a garden was put in as “rhombic nightadder” – but within a couple of hours seven other usyers had already commented and pointed out that it was in fact a puff adder!! Good to know…
The app is not only for our personal interest but also helps researchers to find areas of interest for their specific research projects – may that be insects, reptiles or fynbos.
If you want to join this fun group, please contact Angela, the group convenor.
Group convenor: Angela Meister
Contact details: 082 82 55 7373 / angela@zenshiatsu.co.za