Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura)
Identification The Pin-tailed Whydah is a small sexually dimorphic species. Males and females differ dramatically when breeding, and appear similar outside of t...
Tag: Citizen Science
The Biodiversity and Development Institute (BDI) believes that citizen science is far more than citizens collecting data for scientific purposes. The BDI grasps that participation in projects impacts the participants. The experience of interacting with biodiversity is uplifting, adding value to life. So participation in a citizen science project is a form of ecosystem service. It adds value to life. It might be a non-monetary value, but it can be life changing. The BDI believes that participation in projects can and should lead to civic awareness (“this habitat is being lost, what can I do about it”), and from there to democracy.
Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis)
Identification The Cape Weaver is a medium-sized, brightly coloured bird. Males and females look similar but are not quite alike. Males also differ slightly in ...
Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus)
Identification The Southern Masked Weaver is a medium-sized, brightly coloured bird. Males and females look similar outside of the breeding season but are easil...
Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus morio)
Cover photo: BirdPix 19074 – Gregg Darling – Red-winged Starling Identification The Red-winged Starling is a large, black bird with striking reddish...
PHunting Season has begun!
PHunting season is here. No critter is safe. Citizen scientists are out and about, armed with their cameras, ready to Photo Hunt! Well done to each and everyone...
BDInsight – July 2021
During the most recent BDI Citizen Scientist Hour, Les Underhill gave a talk on the current status of OdonataMAP, the Atlas of African Dragonflies and Damselfli...
Biodiversity enthusiast! ….The BDI interviews citizen scientist Lucky Okpanachi Atabo
Please tell us a bit about yourself, your background and what you do: My name is Lucky Okpanachi Atabo. I am a young Nigerian and an active volunteer and advoca...
The Virtual Museum
The Virtual Museum (populatrly known as the VM) provides the platform for citizen scientists to contribute to biodiversity research and mapping projects. This i...
BDInsight – May 2021
Winter is around the corner here on the southern tip of Africa, in some areas winter has already arrived with a cold bang! We have some great BDI news to warm y...
BDInsight – February 2020
First BDI Citizen Science Conference, Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve, Hanover The really important things at conferences happen outside of the formal programme. Th...