Good Things · 59 days ago

Rare Dragonfly Species Spotted on the South Coast

Imagine stumbling upon a rare gem in your backyard-a discovery that not only excites, but opens the door to unraveling nature's mysteries. That's exactly what happened at Reinshaw Hills on South Africa's stunning KwaZulu-Natal coast, when Tim McClurg's keen eye caught sight of a Sable Cruiser dragonfly, a creature so rare it's been spotted only about 20 times in the country. This fluttering wonder brought a surge of excitement to local citizen scientists who couldn't wait to unravel its secrets: "Has it always occurred here and simply been overlooked? Was it blown down by a storm?" McClurg mused. This discovery wasn't just about the dragonfly itself; it was a testament to the power of citizen science. With the help of platforms like iNaturalist, people like you and me are stepping up as everyday heroes, helping track the pulse of our planet's biodiversity. "Citizen Science opens the door to a hugely advanced system whereby biodiversity observations may be made constantly across the globe," McClurg explains. At Reinshaw Hills, 44 local citizen scientists have made over 13,000 observations, each one a thread in the tapestry of Earth's ecological narrative. It's a reminder that every small observation counts and that the world is full of hidden heroes armed not with capes, but with curiosity and a smartphone.

Recent Headlines