A group of passionate Citizen Scientists on the KZN Mid-South Coast have just made a discovery that has the entomology world buzzing: a dragonfly so rare, only about 20 have ever been recorded in South Africa… until now.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (22 April 2025) – It all started with a photograph near the Renishaw Hills Community Centre. What looked like just another insect on a summer’s day turned out to be one of the rarest dragonflies ever seen in South Africa – a Sable Cruiser (Phyllomacromia monoceros), and it was spotted 800 kilometres further south than it’s ever been recorded.
This discovery wasn’t made by a travelling team of biologists or a film crew deep in the bush. It came from a community of around 44 passionate locals, many of whom are residents of Renishaw Hills, who’ve been documenting the return of plant and animal life to the area through the iNaturalist platform for the last three years. And their latest finding? A true showstopper.
Tim McClurg, one of the local nature lovers behind the project, explained just how special the platform is, “Citizen Science opens the door to a hugely advanced system whereby biodiversity observations may be made constantly across the globe and shared instantly via a vast network.”
The group has logged nearly 14,000 observations across 1,796 species. But this one dragonfly caught the eye of experts almost immediately.
“The response was immediate and enthusiastic,” said McClurg, referring to confirmation from dragonfly expert Peter Small and others in the group.
“It was a Sable Cruiser, incredibly rare, localised and vulnerable.”
The first recorded sighting of this species was over a century ago in Barberton, Mpumalanga. To have one now, near Scottburgh, is a massive shift in what we know… and raises some fascinating ecological questions. Has the dragonfly always been here, hiding in plain sight? Was it carried south by changing weather patterns? Or could this be an early sign of climate change’s subtle impact on biodiversity?
Peter Small, part of the local expert network, called it a “phenomenal sighting” and highlighted just how rich the Renishaw Hills area is for dragonfly lovers:
“We’ve recorded 75 of the 165 species of southern African dragonflies and damselflies in our area. It’s fast becoming one of the top dragonfly hunting spots in the country.”
Beyond the thrill of the sighting lies something even more powerful: the value of Citizen Science. Everyday people, with a smartphone and curiosity, are helping map and protect biodiversity. Through platforms like iNaturalist, anyone can contribute data that helps scientists understand our changing natural world and maybe even make a groundbreaking discovery.
McClurg encourages others to give it a go, “By joining and contributing, you may open a path that will enrich your knowledge of wildlife and give you the satisfaction of contributing to an important cause.”
You can find out more, join for free, and start submitting your own sightings at www.inaturalist.org.
This isn’t just a story about a dragonfly, it’s a reminder of what can happen when curiosity meets community. It’s about rediscovering the wild right on our doorsteps and realising that you don’t need a lab coat or a degree to make a real difference… just a sharp eye, a bit of patience and a willingness to share what you see.
Renishaw Hills isn’t just the backdrop to this rare sighting either. It’s a thriving community where purpose and passion meet. Home to over 20 active clubs, scenic forest trails, Blue Flag beaches and a lifestyle that champions connection with nature. From bowls greens to biodiversity, they’re creating something truly special.
And the Sable Cruiser? Elusive for more than a century, now soaring through the lens of everyday South Africans, reminding us that even the rarest things can find their way home.
by 