Do you know what pollinates baobab flowers? Bet you thought it was bats..

Do you know what pollinates baobab flowers? Bet you thought it was bats..

• vhembebiosphere.org/news/baobab-blitz-18-19-november-2016

Do you know what pollinates baobab flowers? Bet you thought it was bats, but scientists have never seen bats visiting baobab flowers in Southern Africa. We have a theory that both hawk moths and bats play a role in pollination. But we need to find out if this is true.

Scientists from the University of Venda and Texas Tech University (USA), hosted by the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, will be trying to solve this mystery in November 2016 They will be using Citizen Science methods to collect data on flower visitation rates. This means that members of the public, are being asked to help collect this critical data.

Get your friends and family involved! Have a special evening under a baobab tree and help us collect the information we need to answer: “What is pollinating baobab flowers?”

How can you participate:

When: 18 and 19 November 2016 (do one or both nights)

Where: Any baobab tree in Limpopo (Alldays, Vivo, Waterpoort, Mopani, Musina, Tshipise, Pafuri)

How: Sit under one baobab tree from 6pm to 12pm and record what is coming to the flowers. We will send you a form for you to complete which will allow you to record bat, hawk moth and other possible visitors to the flowers.

Register: Send us an email, whats app, facebook message or sms so that we can register you and send you information on how to collect the information.

To register, download the Baobab Blitz Registration Form and send the completed form to Cathy Vise at cath@vhembebiosphere.org

Download the flyer Baobab_Blitz_low_res_flyer

Contact: Cathy Vise cath@vhembebiosphere.org or sms/whatsapp 071 116 6967

Facebook: Baobab Blitz

For more information see the project page