A recent survey of Griffith’s Brisbane South (Nathan) campus in Toohey Forest achieved more than 4000 individual observations of more than 500 different species, underscoring a strong community passion for the forest and an improved understanding of its rich biodiversity.
The Griffith University Toohey Forest BioBlitz was created by Dr Wade Hadwen, from Griffith’s School of Environment and Science and the EcoCentre, as a proof-of-concept event to create new biodiversity records, better engage the community, and inform improved management of the area.
Across two days – 5-6 September – 82 citizen scientist participants (who were largely new to events such as this) took to the forest to contribute species observations.
Using the iNaturalist app, participants uploaded photos and sounds of species they encountered in the forest during the event.
At the end of the two-day BioBlitz, 4166 unique observations were made, identifying 516 different species of plants, animals and fungi.
Sightings included the powerful owl (listed as ‘vulnerable’), koalas (‘endangered’) and a large number of previously undocumented species of invertebrates and fungi.
The survey data also revealed:
- 54 per cent of participants had previously participated in some form of citizen science event
- 71 per cent of participants were female, 29 per cent male
- 100 per cent of participants believed citizen science contributed to meaningful scientific outcomes
“Our BioBlitz has generated significant new knowledge of the inhabitants of Toohey Forest, with a substantial increase in species records across most taxonomic groups – we have almost doubled the species list for this site for plants and insects and have even larger increases in knowledge for spiders and fungi.”
Dr Wade Hadwen
“As stewards of the land on which Griffith’s Brisbane South (Nathan) campus is situated, these observations provide critical information that will inform management, including controlled burning practices and management of endangered and vulnerable species on our campus.
“We attracted a large number of new citizen scientists for this event, including our students and staff and members of the local community.
“Many participants were amazed by the diversity of life and the ease of uploading observations, making the experience fun and rewarding.”
With the event proving a success, Dr Hadwen hoped the data collected in the 2025 BioBlitz can act as a baseline for future surveys, while continuing to grow the community engagement and awareness of Toohey Forest’s unique biodiversity.
All images below taken within Toohey Forest by Dr Wade Hadwen
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Wade Hadwen
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