Otari-Wilton’s Bush Reserve was 100 years old in August 2006

What is Bioblitz 2007?

After setting up a base-camp with technical equipment at the reserve – microscopes, computers, databases – a team of scientists and volunteers located, identified and recorded all the species of plants, birds, insects, fish, creepy things, slimy things, mammals, trees … they could track down. They looked for as many species as possible. Most Bioblitzes find something completely unknown, this one turned up several surprises including a new cave weta, and a recently discovered Amanita fungus that was quite unexpected at Otari.

Bioblitz 2007 started on Friday 23 March 2007 with a session for schools (organised by the Royal Society with the Regional Council) and then it was open to the public from 3pm on Friday 23 March. Overnight the experts were still out hunting night creatures.  

Then, early Saturday morning with the help of the birds, we welcomed a second perfect day with a Dawn Ceremony.

After a jubilee breakfast and with the clock still ticking, Bioblitz continued its exploration of biodiversity. Throughout the day, there were displays, talks and walks.  At 3pm the 24 hour period ended with 1347different species identified, and many more collected but not yet identified.

Contact us at admin@otari100.org.nz .

About Bioblitzes
Several Bioblitzes have so far been run in New Zealand – the most recent in Hamilton in November 2006. See the Landcare Research website for some more details: www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/biosystematics/bioblitz/

Bioblitz is a concept developed in the USA for promoting urban biodiversity and public awareness. There are protocols covering such issues as protection of the environment, handling and return of specimens, and recording data.Google “bioblitz” and you’ll find lots of interesting information and records of what’s been found.

This Bioblitz was brought to you by the Otari-Wilton’s Bush Trust and the Wellington City Council, with the essential scientific expertise of the School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, the Royal Society of New Zealand, and the Greater Wellington Regional Council.