Waterberg Academy iNaturalist project: Update after week 1

Seven days into the project, and I can report the following:
237 Observations of 68 species within the school grounds, with 36 people posting observations, most of whom are learners.

The five most active observers (within the school grounds) are:
• David2748 (22 observations; Davis Rorich)
• Wbakobus (21 observations)
• Catypid_WA_Gr_7 (21 observations)
• Daniel_Eagar_WA_Gr6 (20 observations)
• Mauriza_Kruger_wa_Gr8 (15 observations)
I cannot tell from their user names what grade the top 2 observers are in but it looks like the more active participants are in the lower grades! The most active observers in the school area are also very active in their own time when not at school and are posting observations from their home and elsewhere.

The project Waterberg Academy iNaturalist project now has 52 followers – mostly learners and staff but some other regular iNaturalist supporter from the Waterberg and Gauteng area.

Plants are the most commonly photographed organisms (46 species) followed by insects (12 species).
Photos of the week (based on my judgment alone):

Insects: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/99438354 Petovia marginata By Mariza Kruger. A beautifully clear set of pictures.

For its cuteness value: https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/165583951 Galago moholi by Gemma Leonard. What is the story behind this picture? Was it alive? Normally these are very shy and are unlikely to sit in someone’s hand.

Best plant picture: lyandi_vdm_wa_gr9 https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/164881531 While the picture could be improved by cropping and or zooming in more, this little legume (probably of the genus Lotononis) is an interesting find.

Keep it up, and start looking for the smaller things too – and if and when it rains then a lot more life will start to appear.
Prof. Nigel Barker

Posted on 28 October, 2021 12:08 by nigel_barker