Our numbers continue to climb, biodiversity is being discovered, photographed, and shared across the Southern Hemisphere at an incredible pace! 🌿📸 And we’re only halfway through the weekend — with South America and Africa barely underway, there’s still so much more to come! 🌍
📊 Current Stats (Day 2)
🔹 56,193 Observations
🔹 11,685 Species
🔹 1,451 Identifiers
🔹 4,331 Observers
We’re thrilled to announce that the very first observation for this year’s #GreatSouthernBioBlitz comes from Mangawhai, New Zealand, featuring the spectacular Pūriri Moth (Aenetus virescens), beautifully photographed by young naturalist Joseph Knight 📸
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/322558414
The pūriri moth, also known as the ghost moth or pepetuna, is New Zealand’s largest moth, with a wingspan reaching up to 150 mm. Endemic to the North Island, this remarkable species spends five to six years as a caterpillar living inside tree trunks, commonly in pūriri (Vitex lucens), putaputāwētā (Carpodetus serratus), or even Eucalyptus — before emerging for just two days as an adult to complete its life cycle.
🌿 A true symbol of transformation and patience, the pūriri moth reminds us of nature’s hidden wonders that thrive all around us.
Joseph shared:
We’re almost there! From 24–27 October, join thousands of people across the Southern Hemisphere discovering and documenting biodiversity on iNaturalist.
💡 Did you know?
Your #GSB2025 observations don’t just sit on iNat, they power real conservation!
✔ Shared globally with GBIF for science✔ Used by conservation agencies & Red List teams✔ Help map species, range extensions & unusual habitats✔ Guide hikers, students & planners too
📸 Every photo = data for nature. Be part of the movement- your observations matter! 🌍✨ https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/great-southern-bioblitz-2025-umbrella
Get ready to explore and celebrate local biodiversity from 24–27 October 2025 as Gert Sibande District (Mpumalanga) takes part in this international citizen science event alongside cities across the Southern Hemisphere! 🌏✨
📸 How to take part:✅ Between 24–27 October, snap photos of any plants, animals, or fungi you find within the district.✅ Upload your observations to iNaturalist by 27 October — the app makes it easy to log date and location automatically.✅ Can’t make it outdoors? You can still contribute by helping with identifications — from 24 October to 10 November! 🔍
🌿 Looking for adventure ideas that weekend?
Explore some of Gert Sibande’s hidden natural treasures while you Bioblitz!