What is the Great Southern Bioblitz?

The Great Southern Bioblitz (GSB) event was an idea created back in 2020 right here in Australia to encourage countries in the southern hemisphere to showcase their amazing biodiversity. It is essentially a giant biological survey that documents the flora and fauna within a set location. The species documented can range from small plants and fungi even viruses you can’t see to large mammals and fish. Evidence of a species is also accepted like seashells, bones, feathers, animal tracks etc. The GSB events tend to be held during the springtime when species are most active. The event involves a collaborative effort done by volunteers, scientists, schools, and organisations that is facilitated by the non-profit, social network iNaturalist. Millions of people around the globe have already donated their time to record photo, video or audio observations that they then have uploaded to the iNaturalist app or webpage.

This year’s GSB event is running between the 24^th to the 27^th of October and participants will have 14 days after the last day of the event to upload their observations. Uploads then can be identified by amateur or expert naturalists and once identified the observation will automatically be added to the locations total for that species.

iNaturalist have seen a considerable increase in the amount observations being uploaded during the GSB events that have significantly contributed to the biodiversity database. Although the GSB events are only held for a limited time it doesn’t mean you are limited to when and where you can participate. iNaturalist allows uploads of observations all year round so if you are unable to participate in October you can always make your own contributions whenever you see any biodiversity!

Why do we participate in the GSB?

It is important as members of the community to participate in the GSB events held in your local area as there are ecological benefits as well as social benefits in participating. The GSB events can raise awareness about the amount of diversity in an area, which can help local, state, and federal governments with future policy making, planning and assist with better land management of an area. The increase in biodiversity data also benefits our scientists by providing them with baseline data that can later help scientists make more informed conservation and invasive species management decisions.

Not all species you’ll capture will be native to your country and/or region. These are known as invasive species, and they can have a huge impact on your country’s delicate ecosystems. The GSB events can inform our scientists of any new introduced species, provide migratory patterns of invasive species and support them with the monitoring of invasive species. 

How can you get involved?

It’s super easy all you have to do is download the iNaturalist Classic app on your Apple or Android device, join the project and start taking photos! If you are unsure of how to download and use the app, we have a quick 2-minute video to guide you. There is also a free PDF you can download that provides an in-depth guide to using iNaturalist by Atlas of Living Australia.

You can take part from anywhere — whether it’s your own backyard or your local bushland reserve!

There will also be a range of events happening across Perth that you can join including those listed below.

Oct 21st (Tuesday)

• 7:00 PM – iNaturalist & Bioblitz online talk
  Registration: https://www.ccwa.org.au/great_southern_bioblitz_2025

Oct 24th (Friday Evening)

• Sunset (6:30 PM) – Moth Trapping and Bat Walk, Rocky Pool
  Registration: https://www.ccwa.org.au/gsb_moths_bats_rockypool

Oct 25th (Saturday)

• 8:00 AM – Bushwalk from Schipp Road to Rocky Pool
  Info: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BJhTqUPwf/

• 12:30 – 2:00 PM – Neerabup NP – Native bees
  Info: https://www.ccwa.org.au/gsb_native_bees_at_neerabup_np

• 6:00 – 8:30 PM – Yanchep NP – Spotlighting, moth trapping and bat surveys - FULL
  
  

Oct 26th (Sunday Morning)

• 8:00 AM – Port Kennedy Scientific Park and Beach Walk
  Info: https://www.facebook.com/share/1aJmdi5aPR/

• 10:00AM – Jirdarup Bushland – Walk with Friends

  Always wanted to explore Australian bushland but not sure where to begin? Join the Friends of Jirdarup Bushland for a stroll in this rare slice of remnant Jarrah Banksia woodland, just 15mins drive from the Perth CBD.

  Information – www.friendsofjirdarupbushland.org.au/posts/news-and-events/events/walk-with-friends/

  Bookings - www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1478434

• Morning – Gumblossom Hall, Quinns Rocks - watch this space! 

• 12:30 – 2:00 PM – Julimar State Forest – Native bees 
  Info: https://www.ccwa.org.au/great_southern_bioblitz_native_bees_at_julimar_state_forest

Oct 26th (Sunday Afternoon & Evening)

• 1:00 PM – Baldivis Waterbird Reserve Walk
  Info: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZYdDB2PE6/  

• 6:00 – 8:30 PM – Neerabup NP – Spotlighting, moth trapping and bat surveys - FULL
  
  

Want to see what’s happening across the Southern Hemisphere, or even add your own event?

🔗 GSB 2025 Events Map

Watch this space as more event are added to the list.

What to take on the day

• Mobile phone with the iNaturalist Classic app installed
• Hat and Sunscreen
• Bottle of water
• A snack in case you get hungry
• And good vibes

Let’s get snapping WA!

Today, citizen science has grown increasingly popular for those interested in conserving and collecting data for various species, especially those endangered or with limited habitats. The contributions of citizen scientists are invaluable, as they can make a significant difference in safeguarding and monitoring their whereabouts. They also enable conservationists to advocate for the protection of at-risk habitats.

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