A day of gentle fossicking in nature yielded the identification of 163 species at the Canaan Bioblitz last month.
More than 140 people attended the event on Sunday, 19 October, logging 688 observations between them into the iNaturalist project page.
Project Janszoon’s Rick Field says each observation contributes to creating a valuable snapshot of biodiversity, offering crucial baseline data.
The results, now recorded on the iNaturalist project page, showcase the area’s unique ecological mix – from marble outcrops and open clearings to stands of beech forest teeming with life. Participants spotted colourful fungi, tiny invertebrates, and native bird species, building a valuable snapshot of biodiversity in the Pikikirunga Range.
Rick says say the findings will help guide future conservation efforts, particularly for rare and threatened species such as the Powelliphanta land snail and the Pikikirunga leaf vein slug, which both rely on the area’s distinctive habitats.
The event strengthened citizen science skills, as well as sharing the story of Canaan’s unique ecosystem.
The project was led by Project Janszoon and the Abel Tasman youth ambassadors. Rick is also grateful for the support of Enviroschools, Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust, Tasman District Council, Nelson Tasman Cliate Forum, and Department of Conservation, as well as “all the experts and scientist who shared their enthusiasm and expertise identifying species and guiding participants”.
