🌏 Great Southern BioBlitz 2025 — Frequently Asked Questions

The Great Southern BioBlitz (GSB) is back! This year, over 200 regions across the Southern Hemisphere will join together to record and celebrate our incredible biodiversity. The GSB is a global citizen-science event where communities, naturalists, and scientists work together to document as many species as possible within a four-day window — all using the power of iNaturalist.

As always, everyone is welcome to get involved — whether you’re exploring your backyard, heading out with friends, or joining an organised event in your local area.

❓ What is the Great Southern BioBlitz?

The Great Southern BioBlitz (GSB) is an international citizen-science initiative that aims to record the biodiversity of the Southern Hemisphere during spring. For 96 hours, participants upload photographs of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms to iNaturalist, helping create a snapshot of life across our planet.

🗓️ When does it take place?

From Friday 24th to Monday 27th October 2025 (local time). Observations made during this period can be uploaded until 10th November 2025.

🌿 Who can take part?

Everyone! No special knowledge or equipment is required — just curiosity and enthusiasm. It’s perfect for families, schools, community groups, or individuals who enjoy exploring nature.

📱 How do I get started?

1. Download the iNaturalist app (or use the website inaturalist.org).

2. Create a free account.

3. Join your local project (search “Great Southern BioBlitz 2025” + your region).

4. During the event, photograph living things you encounter and upload your observations to iNaturalist.

Each observation automatically contributes to your local project — and to the overall global totals!

📸 Can I use a camera instead of my phone?

Absolutely! You can upload photos taken with a camera to iNaturalist later, as long as they include the date and location.

🦋 What can I photograph?

Anything that’s alive — or shows evidence of life!✅ Plants, animals, fungi, fish, birds, insects, mosses, and lichens✅ Evidence such as feathers, tracks, shells, bones, or scats

📍 Where can I participate?

Anywhere within your local project area. Each region has its own project boundary — check your local GSB project page or explore the GSB 2025 map of participating regions.

🔎 Where are the best places to look?

Start close to home! Great places include:🏡 your backyard or local park🌊 beaches, rockpools, and estuaries🌳 forests, reserves, and trails💡 around porch lights at night (for moths and insects)💧 creeks, wetlands, and other freshwater habitats

📷 How many photos should I take?

As many as you like! Every observation helps build our collective understanding of biodiversity. Some people make a few observations, others upload hundreds — every record counts.

🧬 What is a Bioblitz?

A Bioblitz is an event where people work together to find and identify as many species as possible in a specific area over a short time. The goal is to create a rapid biodiversity inventory and connect people with the nature around them.

🌎 Why is the GSB important?

The Great Southern BioBlitz helps scientists, conservationists, and communities document and understand the distribution of species across the Southern Hemisphere. It also raises awareness, builds community engagement, and celebrates the diversity of life that makes our planet unique.

💬 Need help or want to know more?

Ask questions in your local project’s discussion thread or visit the Great Southern BioBlitz 2025 Umbrella Project on iNaturalist for updates, global stats, and participating regions.