On Tuesday, 26 October 2021, learners from Hoerikwaggo Kids and their parents were treated to a day of exploring the fynbos ecosystem and its ants.

The workshop, a collaborative event between the Iimbovane Project and Nature Connect, took place at the Zeekoeivlei Island campsite and was attended by 33 learners and parents.

The day was jam-packed with fun activities and included a nature walk through the Zeekoeivlei Nature Reserve, presentations, and the identification of ant species.

Starting with a nature walk, the participants were exposed to various types of plants, insects and animals found in fynbos. The unexpected discovery of an angulate tortoise surprised the learners, causing lots of excitement.

Tammy-Lee Appolis and Justine Swartz from Nature Connect, who led the walk, also helped the learners to identify ant nests and to collect some ants along the way.

Following the walk, the Iimbovane team showed the learners how to use a microscope and introduced them to the different body parts of an ant. With each learner having his own microscope, it was time to put their knowledge and skills to the test.

Having three ant species in front of them, learners were expected to follow a scientific key to identify these ants. After a few attempts, and a termite thrown in the mix to trick them, the learners got the hang of it and successfully identified a Crematogaster peringueyi (the Cocktail ant), Tetramorium quadrispinosum and the Harverster ant (Messor capensis).

At the end of the day there was something new to take home for every participant at the workshop:

“I learned that only ants have petioles – that is how you see it is an ant.”

“I learned how to use a microscope.”

“I learned about ants who would look cool in horror movies and who are cute.”

The workshop was supported by the Rand Merchant Bank Fund.