Released 18/01/2016
Reptiles are now included in the ACT’s nature database of plants, fungi, frogs and butterflies, EPD’s Executive Director, Environment, Annie Lane announced today.
"The Canberra Nature Map database allows anyone with a computer or smart phone to find out what plants and animals are nearby and adds significantly to our knowledge of where our wildlife is distributed across the ACT," said Dr Lane.
"The site now includes photos of every reptile and frog found in the ACT region, including the ACT Government’s reptile and frog data, enabling people to download herpetological lists from their favourite places of interest," Dr Lane said.
The new Canberra region reptile component of the website was unveiled today at the Australian National Botanic Gardens together with two apps that make uploading photos to the site easier.
Started in 2014, the Canberra Nature Map initially aimed to identify populations of rare plants in the Canberra region but it grew quickly.
It now includes records of fungi and all native plants and most weeds found in Canberra nature parks and reserves, suburbs, and locations in New South Wales up to 300 km from the GPO.
The website is supported by local conservation organisations, ACT Government and individuals and who can identify and provide more information on rare and unusual plants and animals.
"If you are into reptiles, you can see some great photos of Shinglebacks, Southern Marbled Geckos and Pink-tailed Worm-lizards uploaded over the Christmas break, or add your own,"
Dr Lane said.
Along with the photographs, a description and the recorded locations via an interactive map are provided for each animal and plant species. The site now contains 28,011 sightings of 2549 species across 514 locations.
"Understanding more about our not-so-common flora and fauna is valuable in protecting them and for implementing management strategies that can increase populations," Dr Lane said.
Visit CanberraNatureMap.org and start exploring what’s growing and slithering near you.
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