BioBlitz: Finding Nature in the City

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What is BioBlitz?

Saturday 17 April, 10am - midnight  |  Sunday 18 April, 5am - 3pm
Auckland Domain with Base Camp in the Museum's Auckland Atrium

BioBlitz is a scientific race against time. It is educational. And it is heaps of fun!  Everyone is welcome to participate.

BioBlitz 2010 was organised principally by Landcare Research and the Auckland Museum. Auckland Regional Council, DOC, other CRIs, University of Auckland and others supported and participated in the event.

The BioBlitz event 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.

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. BioBlitz is a unique opportunity for scientists, students and the public to experience the vast array of species (biodiversity) living in an urban reserve.

The Searchers

Teams of specialist biologists (botanists, mycologists, entomologists, etc) search around the clock for every possible species they can find. Nocturnal animals, such as some insects and vertebrate pests, are much easier to find during darkness. Most species can be identified in the field.

Base Camp

“Base camp” will be in the new Atrium of the Auckland Museum, with extra activities in a marquee just outside.  Base camp is where identifications and data recording takes place. There are loads of scientists to chat to, microscopes to look down, interesting finds on display, and all of the ‘field trips’ (guided walks) depart from here. On Saturday the Atrium will stay open for visitors until midnight, then re-open again at 5am on Sunday.  It is free to visit but allow plenty of time as there is so much to see and do.
All information is to be recorded on our computer databases. The total number of introduced and native species will be tallied at hourly intervals, and announcements made at regular intervals.

The Final Tally

Survey of the study area finishes at 3pm Sunday, having completed 24 hours of active searching time. The countdown to the final tally will start at midday Sunday with the official closing in the Atrium of the Auckland Museum. The final tally will be announced just after 3pm.

Valuable Data

BioBlitz will generate a list of species found in the Auckland Domain. This will benefit successful urban management by identifying pest species that should be monitored or controlled, and native species that need looking after. The survey may reveal unique aspects of the area that were not known previously. As we gain valuable information about urban environments, we can begin to understand the extent to which urban areas are sustaining the richness of Auckland’s biodiversity.

Why is Biodiversity Important?

We usually hear "biodiversity" associated with the vast number of species in tropical rainforests. Yet the diversity of life in our own backyards is phenomenal—there are hundreds of organisms. You have many more neighbours than you realise! Most of these neighbours are essential. The clean water, fertile soil, and air to breathe that we take for granted are all the result of the vast network of species performing the special tasks that are their role in life. Some people call biodiversity the “web of life” because it supports us every minute of the day. 

   
BioBlitz Activity Schedule

Behind-the-scenes tours are free, however, bookings are essential.  Please book at the info desk on the day.

Live specimens were on site in the Auckland Atrium: kakariki (native parrot), lizards and Avondale spiders.

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