Become an invasive-species spotter

Become a nature detective and help protect Cape Town's extraordinary biodiversity. Invasive alien plants and animals threaten our indigenous ecosystems, but catching them before they spread can make an enormous difference. Through the City's Early Detection and Rapid Response programme, ordinary Capetonians can become the eyes and ears of conservation teams. Learn to recognise invasive species, keep an eye out while hiking, gardening or exploring your neighbourhood, and report suspicious sightings. You don't need to be a botanist or conservation expert — just someone with an interest in nature and a willingness to look a little closer. It's citizen science that turns an ordinary walk into an opportunity to protect the environment.

BEFORE YOU GO
Start by visiting the City's Invasive Species Programme website, where you'll find identification guides for targeted plants, insects and animals, along with a form for reporting sightings. Take clear photographs and record the location of anything you suspect might be invasive. If you're unsure what you've found, platforms such as iNaturalist can help with identification. Don't attempt to remove unfamiliar plants, insects or animals yourself — some require specialist handling. The beauty of this programme is its flexibility: you can contribute whenever you're outdoors, without committing to regular volunteer shifts.