How will CASABIO benefit conservation and research?
Surprisingly for a city which is considered to be one of three urban biodiverity hotspots worldwide, much of our knowledge of the whereabouts of plant species in Cape Town is outdated and innaccurate. Species lists for the different reserves and remnants of natural/semi-natural vegetation in the CMA are often based on herbarium records dating back to the 1900’s or earlier, and there are many species which supposedly exist in the CMA, that haven’t been seen in ages. CASABIO will give a good idea of how many species are actually to be found in these areas (although, of course, some species such as ephemerals, may not be located by CASABIO for many years, even though they do still exist). Because each plant record in the database will be attached to a GPS or grid locality, CASABIO will also provide detailed and accurate information as to where species are currently to be found. This information will be very valuable for professionals wishing to study or conserve these plants. Precise loca
