This year the competition dates are from 27-30 April, and the city with the highest number of different species of plants and animals identified is going to be named the winner. By participating in this RGS special event, you get to join “Team Hong Kong” and try out being a nature scientist.
This experiential citizen-science event is for all ages along a route from the western section of the Bowen Road walking trail towards Hong Kong Park in Admiralty. All fitness abilities are welcome as the route is mostly flat, with some slight downhill sections.
Though the route is short, the opportunities are many, as the group is going to use the biodiversity app called 'iNaturalist' to observe and record the various wild species seen along the path. This app is being used to support the field of biodiversity science research on all continents, including Antarctica, with more than 8 million observations to date. To help guide participants in this process is Dr Caroline Dingle from the Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Hong Kong.
Dr Caroline Dingle is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at HKU. She has been studying birds for more than 20 years, using a combination of field studies and genetic analysis to understand better singing behaviour and evolution of different species. She has conducted field studies in South America, Australia, and throughout SE Asia, and is currently conducting research on Hong Kong's urban birds, including the critically endangered Yellow-crested Cockatoos which are commonly found in Central Hong Kong.
Dr Dingle is accompanied by other members from her department together with whom she is going to provide insight into the biodiversity of Hong Kong's urban landscape and discuss some current conservation issues that affect the territory.
Please note: Participants need to download the app 'iNaturalist' on their phones before arriving at the morning meeting point at Bowen Road park, and will receive some practice instruction on how to use the app functions, before setting out to make official observations. If you don't have a smartphone with you, then you can simply use the web-based version of iNaturalist and download photos from your camera to record your observations.
Members of the RGS, their guests and others are most welcome to attend this event, which is HK$150 for RGS Members and HK$250 for their guests. Free admission for Associate Members.