Staff Reporter
eThekwini Municipality is calling on nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and citizen scientists to take part in the City Nature Challenge 2026, a global biodiversity event running from 24 to 27 April.
The annual challenge sees cities compete to document local biodiversity, with residents encouraged to help showcase the plants, animals, fungi and other wildlife found across eThekwini.
Residents can take part by joining one or more organised observation sessions at conservation sites across the municipality.
The programme begins on 24 April at KwaNyuswa, led by Bheka Memela and Nolwandle Zulu, who can be contacted on 060 308 5874 and 078 390 1692.
Upper Glenholme will also host a session on the same day, led by Greg Mullins on 073 174 8338.
Other 24 April sites include Roosefontein from 8am, led by Bheka Nxele on 062 642 3250 or 082 780 9499;
Forest Hills from 11am, led by Nokuphila Buthelezi on 031 322 7834 or 078 747 7677;
Buffelsdraai from 8am, led by Thembelihle Mokoti and Monica Ndlovu on 031 311 7382, 076 552 6621 or 078 660 7921;
and Burman Bush Nature Reserve, led by Bashesile Thusi on 083 414 2017.
On 25 April, KwaXimba will host observations led by Memela and Zulu, while New Germany Nature Reserve will host a session led by Sthembile Nsibande, who can be contacted on 068 525 6279.
The final listed session will take place at Kwa Cele on 27 April, again led by Memela and Zulu.
Participants are asked to download the iNaturalist app and create an account before taking clear photos of any living or dead organisms, including plants, animals, fungi, shells, tracks and signs, found in their gardens, neighbourhoods, parks, conservation areas or beaches.
They must then upload their observations on the iNaturalist app using the eThekwini Project Link provided for the challenge.
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