WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao has once again participated in the City Nature Challenge, one of the world’s largest citizen science events, with participants documenting more than 1,000 different species across the island despite ongoing drought conditions.
From April 24 through April 27, a total of 154 participants recorded more than 9,300 nature observations using the free iNaturalist app.
The results nearly matched last year’s totals, even though Curaçao’s ecosystems have been under additional pressure from prolonged dry weather.
Of all observations submitted during the challenge, 83 percent achieved “research grade” status, meaning they were verified by the international scientific community and are considered usable for scientific research.
That percentage is significantly above the global average of approximately 40 percent and places Curaçao within the top 11 percent of participating cities and regions worldwide.
According to co-organizer Nadina Galle, the observations contribute directly to a global biodiversity database used by scientists, conservationists and policymakers.
“All these observations end up in a worldwide biodiversity database that scientists, conservationists and policymakers actually use,” Galle said. “For an island our size to finish in the top 11 percent of participating cities worldwide means something — even after the event itself is over.”
The collected data may also help local authorities such as the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature monitor biodiversity, detect invasive species earlier and support environmental policy development on Curaçao.
The challenge has already contributed to scientific discoveries on the island.
During last year’s edition, participants Linda van der Jagt and Sjors Verhagen photographed an unusual-looking globular cactus during a hike. While identifying the plant, researchers discovered it represented a previously undocumented species.
Earlier this month, a scientific paper on the discovery was officially published. The new cactus species has not yet received an official name because researchers are still waiting to document its first bloom.
This year’s challenge also produced several remarkable wildlife observations.
Participants recorded four deer sightings compared to only one last year, while two tokay geckos were documented for the first time.
Among birds, the prikichi overtook the trupial as the island’s most observed species during the challenge.
Both the invasive beyísima plant and the divi-divi, Curaçao’s national tree, also appeared in the top ten most observed species.
“We documented more than a thousand species — nearly as many as last year, despite the drought putting extra pressure on nature,” said co-organizer Cindy Eman. “People are also getting better at this. You can clearly see the impact of the masterclasses and bioblitzes in the quality of the photographs.”
This year, a larger portion of Curaçao was mapped than ever before, including previously unexplored areas and increased observations from Klein Curaçao.
Organizers announced that additional free masterclasses and bioblitz events will be organized ahead of the 2027 challenge, including activities at Hòfi Cas Cora.
“You don’t need to be a biologist to participate,” said Femi Meaux. “Just turn on your smartphone camera, go outside and see what you encounter.”
Worldwide, more than 750 cities participated in the 2026 City Nature Challenge, collectively registering around 3 million observations covering more than 76,000 species with over 106,000 participants.
The next edition of the City Nature Challenge will take place from April 30 through May 3, 2027.