­IN recent years, digital tools, such as smart phone apps, have helped shape nature conservation and have mapped out a myriad of issues, be it invasive species or biodiversity awareness.

For Melisa Nonjiko, an Inanda resident, one of those apps that has helped with her work in nature conservation, a field in which she studies, is iNaturalist.

The 26-year-old is a member of the Youth of Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) KZN and the Amanzi Ethu Nobuntu programme, which specialises in citizen science to gather information on the health of rivers.

Also Read: VIDEO: Conservancy tackle invasive trees on Umgeni River bank

“I first learned about the app last year while recording species for the Great Southern Bioblitz. The Bioblitz is a platform of various associations and individuals recording data on the biodiversity across South Africa, while also pinpointing alien invasive species which threaten our indigenous species. I was recently part of a group of volunteers that removed about 2000 Litsea glutinosa trees from the north bank of the Umgeni River.

“We used the app to identify areas where the highly invasive tree, which is common throughout Durban North, grew and removed them from the creek of the river. For me, iNaturalist is invaluable to my work in nature conservation. It is also a great tool that helps me learn more about a species of tree, plant, insect or bird, simply by taking a photo of it,” she explained.

Nonjiko added that the app is connected to scientists and environmentalists. The recorded observations in photo and geotagging form help them with data collection which, in turn, helps out nature.

“The app is free to download on either iStore or Google Play. It really makes exploring spaces, such as your garden and places you visit, exciting. All you need to do is take photos of organisms and the app will suggest possible identifications as to what species the plant, insect or bird may be. It’s very addictive once you start, and is quite user friendly. The best thing about it all is that through citizen science, you contribute to the greater good in terms of biodiversity.

“As someone who finds themselves in the natural field quite often, this app has helped me with research and to gain a better understanding of the threats facing the environment. I would urge young people, who have a passion for nature, to download the app and try it out,” she said.