From kelp forests to city gardens, residents of Cape Town have wild-spotted more than 3,500 species in a fun citizen-science challenge that also helps to boost conservation.

The City Nature Challenge encourages people of all ages to document local wildlife, helping scientists gather valuable data. In Cape Town, where biodiversity is rich both on land and underwater, the event has become a key part of environmental education. During the four-day challenge, park entry is free, making it accessible to more people. Environmental officers like Myrna Scholtz say the data collected helps monitor species trends and informs conservation efforts. “It helps tremendously,” she said, “because you’re adding much more than you would on a daily basis.”

The 2025 challenge saw more than 1,000 participants in Cape Town alone, with more than 3,500 species recorded. From kelp forests teeming with marine life to city gardens buzzing with pollinators, the observations contribute to global research. Biodiversity student Rozanna Queiros highlights how the challenge makes science more inclusive, especially in marine environments that are often out of reach for the average person. Despite rough conditions, divers such as Georgina Jones continue to contribute underwater data year after year.

As Cape Town placed 12th globally, with 36,000 observations, the event proved that anyone — from schoolchildren to seasoned researchers — can play a role in protecting nature. And for kids such as Lakeisha, it’s more than just science: It’s a magical hands-on experience that could inspire a lifetime of environmental stewardship.