CITIZEN SCIENCE
DISCOVER • RECORD • CONTRIBUTE
A community-driven Citizen Science initiative that inspires people to observe, record and learn about nature at Rietvlei Nature Reserve, fostering connection, knowledge-sharing, and a shared passion for conservation.
JOIN ECO EXPLORERSSome Interesting sightings
African Wattled Lapwing
Photo: Werner Herselman
A great predator-prey photograph. Images such as these deepen our understanding of the Circle of Life and the delicate balance that exists within nature.
Habenaria kraenzliniana (Wisp Ghost Orchid)
Photo: Natalie Vos
A Rietvlei plant species listed as Near Threatened on the South African Red List. This photo was posted on iNaturalist by Natalie in 2021.
Black Shouldered Kite
Photo: Michael Somers
This photo, posted on the Rietvlei Nature Reserve Facebook site, shows one of our resident raptors having made a successful hunt, probably a Vlei Rat.
Our Vlei Focus Series
In the Vlei Focus Series, we share bite-sized facts and fascinating insights that deepen your understanding of the natural world at Rietvlei.
Ram or Bull? – Blesbok
Photo: Peter Ruddle
How do you know which term to use?
You need to identify the sex, not just the species. Each species has an established male term used in South African wildlife and conservation practice; either bull or ram (with exceptions such as zebra, where the male is called a stallion), based on long-standing zoological and hunting conventions.
Rietvlei Examples
Bull = the male of large mammals, especially hoofed animals with horns. Rietvlei examples are Eland, Hartebeest and Wildebeest.
Ram = the male of sheep-size antelope, typically lighter-built species with curled or ridged horns. Rietvlei examples are Blesbok, Reedbuck and Duiker.
Willow Warbler
Photos and Field Notes by Hugh Chittenden
A summer visitor to Rietvlei. This minute, 10 - 12g long-distant migrant has already begun their northbound migration. They fly mainly at night, achieving 200 - 300 kms, then feed and rest during the day. The majority return to northern Europe 7 000 - 10 000 kms, but some breed in Siberia! - 15 000 kms away! Despite their size, they are quite capable of crossing the formidable Sahara!
Fastest Recorded Speed: A Willow Warbler ringed in Finland on August 14 was found in South Africa 47 days later, averaging 218 km/day.
European Bee-eater
European Bee-eater Photo: Lizchen L Welthagen.
Field Notes by Hugh Chittenden.
A European Bee-eater’s daily intake of aerial insects would be about 250 bees per day! 80 Bee-eaters aerial intake of bees, wasps, dragonflies, etc in that vicinity will be approximately the equivalent of 20 000 bees!!!
How to Get Involved
- Take Photos
- Ask Questions
- Share Sightings
- Learn Something New
Photo: Thys Mulder
- A community-driven Citizen Science initiative that inspires people to observe, record and learn about nature at Rietvlei Nature Reserve, fostering connection, knowledge-sharing, and a shared passion for conservation.
Join the Community
This page is for anyone curious about the natural world at Rietvlei – from birds and butterflies to plants, seasons and animal behaviour. This group is managed under the umbrella of Friends of Rietvlei and supports conservation, research and environmental awareness at Rietvlei Nature Reserve.You don’t need to be an expert. If you can observe, you can contribute.
JOIN THE ECO EXPLORERS FACEBOOK GROUP