More than 50 citizen scientists are expected to arrive at Wombeyan Caves this weekend to participate in the annual 'Bioblitz' wildlife survey, a 24-hour marathon of expert-led flora and fauna surveys.
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Hosted by the Kanangra to Wyangala (K2W) Partnership together with national conservation charity the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW), the weekend is part of a growing citizen science movement where everyday Australians work alongside scientists to improve our knowledge of native plants and animals.
The data collected is added to the public record and used to plan future conservation projects and manage biodiversity in our national parks and nature reserves.
"The idea of a Bioblitz is to connect people with science and survey as much flora and fauna as possible within a set space and time," K2W coordinator Mary Bonet said.
The data collected improves the national biodiversity record and is used to help better-manage important areas of native flora and fauna.
"The work results in the creation of substantial species lists and has, in the past, facilitated the discovery of new species, rediscovery of rare species and identification of species where they are not usually found," Ms Bonet said.
The program includes dawn and dusk bird surveys, spotlighting in the evening and other surveys during the day. The event will be held at Wombeyan Caves National Park from 12 noon on Saturday, May 25 to 12 noon on Sunday, May 26.
FNPW is a not-for-profit conservation organisation on a mission to protect Australia's ecosystems and native species for generations to come.