Latest news with #TimMcClurg
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists stunned after stumbling upon creature rarely seen in over a century: 'This raises a few questions'
Citizen scientists have made a rare and exciting discovery in Renishaw Hills, South Africa, according to the South Coast Herald. The group of locals identified a rare sable cruiser dragonfly. The phrase "citizen scientists" is used to describe community members who gather information on the local environment. In Renishaw Hills, 44 locals make up the group. Together, they created a project on the global iNaturalist platform, and for the past three years, they've been studying the wildlife and biodiversity in the Renishaw Coastal Precinct. "Citizen science opens the door to an advanced system where biodiversity observations may be made constantly across the globe and shared instantly via a vast network," citizen scientist Tim McClurg told the Herald. What makes the sighting of the sable cruiser dragonfly so impressive is the species' rarity. According to IOL, since its discovery in 1920, there have only been about 20 recorded sightings. By recording the sighting, the citizen scientists are documenting the species' geographic range. "The response was immediate and enthusiastic from our local group of experts, among them Peter Small, who confirmed it was a sable cruiser, which is incredibly rare, localised and vulnerable," McClurg added. The group has gathered a significant amount of data, making 13,863 observations spread across 1,796 species. With each new observation and recording, the group adds to its understanding of the region's biodiversity. The use of tools such as trail cameras can help document biodiversity and protect species. By learning more about the natural world through initiatives including citizen scientist projects, residents can better preserve the landscapes and wildlife of their areas. The sighting of the sable cruiser dragonfly sparked curiosity among fellow scientists and experts since it marked the southernmost location of the dragonfly. "This raises a few questions," McClurg said. "Has it always occurred here and simply been overlooked? Was it blown down in a storm? Is there a link with global warming? These are the questions that we may be able to answer with a vastly increased iNaturalist database." Moving forward, the citizen scientists are eager to learn more about the environment and contribute vital data that aids biologists across the globe. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Citizen
23-04-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
Rare dragonfly spotted at Renishaw
Citizen scientists at Renishaw Hills have identified the rare sable cruiser dragonfly among many other unique species. The group (consisting of about 44 citizen scientists – many of whom are Renishaw Hills residents) set up a project on the global iNaturalist platform three years ago to record and study wildlife within the Renishaw Coastal Precinct. This is to document the return of animal and plant species to the region. Tim McClurg, one of the citizen scientists of the project, explained that iNaturalist – which is supported by the National Geographic Society, among others – is the most prominent platform of natural sciences. 'Citizen science opens the door to an advanced system where biodiversity observations may be made constantly across the globe and shared instantly via a vast network,' he said. To date, the group has made 13 863 observations spread across 1 796 species, with McClurg noting one dragonfly sighting as one of the rarest in recent history. Recalling the event last December, he said he photographed a dragonfly near the Renishaw Hills Community Centre, which he then posted on iNaturalist. 'The response was immediate and enthusiastic from our local group of experts, among them, Peter Small, who confirmed it was a sable cruiser [Phyllomacromia monoceros], which is incredibly rare, localised and vulnerable,' he added. 'The total number of specimens ever seen in South Africa is probably around 20, with the first recorded sighting in Barberton, Mpumalanga around 1920.' He stated that the most recent Renishaw Hills sighting is the furthest south that the sable cruiser dragonfly has been spotted – almost 800km. 'This raises a few questions. Has it always occurred here and simply been overlooked? Was it blown down in a storm? Is there a link with global warming? These are the questions that we may be able to answer with a vastly increased iNaturalist database,' said McClurg. According to Small, they have recorded 75 of the 165 species of southern African dragonflies and damselflies in the area, with a few being unusual distribution records. The area is rated as one of the top dragonfly hunting spots in the country. People are encouraged to join as citizen scientists to enrich one's knowledge of wildlife and gain the satisfaction of contributing to an important cause. To find out more, visit It is free of charge, and images can be taken and submitted directly from a cellphone. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
