The 2025 Bioblitz at Peak 5040 environs, sponsored with a grant from the ACC Environment Fund, was our second annual version of this event. Based at Hišimy̓awiƛ for two nights, our group of thirteen brought a wide range of expertise and even more enthusiasm to the project to identify and record as many species as possible. And record we did! - as you can see from the link below.
For three days we spread out in small groups over the area, between us covering 5040 Peak and neighbouring ridges, the limestone plateau to the east, alpine tarns, the meadows to the south of Nahmint’s west ridge and the main trail up from Marion Main with altitude zonation of 900 metres including old growth forest and Cobalt Lake. As dusk became night, we observed roosting bird behaviour from the summit and used UV lights to study moths on Hišimy̓awiƛ’s deck.
Our results are complied on iNaturalist and can be viewed here:https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/2025-acc-vancouver-island-5040-peak-bioblitz
(Note this is work in progress as identifications, comments and analysis continue to be added from this large citizen science commmunity.)
These data form a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity and will make for interesting comparisons over time. For example, one not-so-fun fact – Paul was noting how the avalanche lillies seem to have aborted seed setting after flowering this year, likely stressed by the prolonged seasonal drought. Observations like this may help to support research projects such as climate impacts on species health and distribution, the identification of endemic species, and the impact of increased human traffic.
Needless to say, amidst the ‘work’ there was plenty of time for shared meals, spirited conversations and good stories. And lots of plans for continuing collaborative projects of this nature. Watch this space!
With many thanks to all who took part, and especially to my co-lead Mary - who sadly had to drop out of the trip because of an injury, but has worked tirelessly as our pixel queen collating photos and administering the iNat data.
2025 Bioblitzers: Chad, Paul, Simon, Simone, Joel, Maddy, Dave, Aeltie, Rick and Phee Hudson, Alcina, Martin (custodian), Catrin
all photos by Catrin Brown