Fascinating biodiversity talk at SPCA AGM

GEORGE NEWS - One of the highlights of the Garden Route SPCA's AGM on Saturday 21 July will be an address by Colin Ralston, a retired geologist and renowned local amateur photographer.

"My self-appointed mission is to photograph all forms of life at the Garden Route Botanical Garden (GRBG) and other places that I get to, and make these records available to scientists," explained Colin.

"This is partially done via a website called 'iNaturalist', which is a citizen science project, an online social network of naturalists, citizen / amateur scientists, and biologists, built on the concept of mapping and sharing observations of biodiversity across the globe.

"To date, some 925 species have been recorded at the GRBG alone, including over 142 birds, 53 butterflies and 10 frogs, with the help of other scientists and photographers. One academic paper has been published in collaboration with a professor of Entomology and work on a second is in progress, again with a professional co-author."

Ralston will show and explain a selection of his most interesting and colourful images, which will include beetles, bugs, moths, butterflies, wasps, birds, reptiles, fungi, frogs, dragonflies and mammals in the GRBG. "Really a glimpse of life not usually seen by casual walkers in the GRBG and surrounds," said Colin, "just the tip of the iceberg, showcasing some of the interesting local biodiversity."

Around 20 slides will be shown, allowing a minute for description of each. The photos will be selected on interesting content, rarity and interaction of species rather than the photographic quality.

Around 20 slides will be shown, allowing a minute for description of each.

The AGM will be held at 10:00 at the George Museum hall in Caledon Street, George. Everyone is welcome to attend and entry is free. The meeting itself will be interesting and quick and will feature fascinating, short presentations by the SPCA inspectors and education unit.