What is BioBlitz?
BioBlitz is a scientific race against time. It is educational. And it is heaps of fun!
The goal is to count as many species as possible in a 24-hour survey of a large urban area. The emphasis is on recording the total number of species, not naming every creature that has been found.
A central location or ‘Base Camp’ is the hub of activity where identifications are made, species tallied, and public get to look down microscopes, chat with scientists, and ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ over the beautiful, the curious and the downright thrillingly ugly. Field trips (guided walks) depart from here.
BioBlitz is a unique opportunity for scientists, students and the public to experience the vast array of species (biodiversity) living in an urban reserve. It is rare for so many different types of biologists to be able to work together in the same place, at the same time and on the same project.
Organisers
Landcare Research is a Crown Research Institute (CRI). We’ve been involved in organising BioBlitz events in New Zealand since 2004 … and we partner with Auckland Council, Auckland Museum, universities, other CRIs, local government, the Department of Conservation, and people from interest groups so that we get as many biologists participating as possible.
The principal organizers of BioBlitz 2012 are Landcare Research, the Auckland Council and Botanic Gardens and the Manakau Beautification Charitiable Trust . The Auckland Museum and DOC are represented on the organizing committee. Forest and Bird Society, Ornithological Society, the Botanical Society, University of Auckland, Unitech, Oratia Native Plant Nursery, and WaiCare are also participating.
We’d love to hear from others involved in BioBlitz events in other countries!
0 Responses to “About”