Casuarina Coastal Reserve to host inaugural bioblitz
Territorians are being urged to channel their inner-scientist and make their way down to a Top End beach this weekend. Find out why.
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Territorians are being urged to channel their inner-scientist and make their way down to the Casuarina Coastal Reserve this weekend to take part in an inaugural bioblitz event.
A bioblitz is an event in which citizen scientists set out to document as many different species as they can across a defined time period and geographical location.
Held from March 28-30, those interested will have the opportunity to join at least 18 scientists, researchers and wildlife officers based in the Northern Territory to lend a hand in citizen science efforts.
A handful of groups rotating throughout the day and night will have the opportunity to search for microbats, plants, birds, possums, ants, frogs lizards, snakes and more.
While most surveys may be conducted on established tracks, some off-track and night-time walks will be on offer for those seeking a challenge.
The Casuarina Coastal Reserve was officially recognised as a national park in August 2024 after its boundaries were expanded by the former NT government.
With more than 1.4 million visits each year, according to the Friends of Casuarina Coastal Reserve, the reserve has quickly become one of the most popular national parks in the Top End.
Behind the scenes, event organisers Friends of Casuarina Coastal Reserve have been working tirelessly to bring the event to fruition.
“We want to make sure that the natural values of the Reserve are recognised, protected and cared for,” Deb Hall, the convener of the friends group, said.
“This bioblitz is a very special chance to learn about the amazing wildlife and plants ‘on our doorsteps.’”
Dr Chris Jolly, a herpetologist at Macquarie University, said he hoped the upcoming bioblitz would inspire people to pay attention to the plants and animals living in their backyards.
“While I do a lot of surveys of reptiles and amphibians across the NT, this bioblitz is an exciting opportunity to share my knowledge with the public and learn from them”, he said.
Registration is essential to get involved, and everyone above the age of five are invited to attend.
To purchase tickets ($10), visit this link: https://events.humanitix.com/casuarina-coastal-reserve-bioblitz
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Originally published as Casuarina Coastal Reserve to host inaugural bioblitz
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