Citizen science at its best!
In 2019, we joined forces with Guardians of Earth to provide students with more opportunities to engage in real-world science and discover the magic of nature. Participate in the April Global BioQuest while having fun playing Spirits of the Realms, a mobile augmented reality game that explores nature.
Your insects, animals, fungi, weeds and disease sightings will be identified by experts and shared with CSIRO's Atlas of Living Australia and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (the world's premier collection of biodiversity records). Your involvement will also help researchers understand how we can better manage and protect biodiversity in a changing world.
Participating in real-world science has never been this fun!
How to enter
As you play Spirits of the Realms, you'll encounter nature spirits who will join your adventure if you can complete their quests.
They'll want to see you get outdoors to capture (with photos) as many diverse species as you can, including:
- insects
- animals
- fungi
- weeds
- plant diseases.
Help map the species within your school's 'realm' (the school grounds). Add to your own score, or your team's score, by playing the game anywhere and everywhere.
Life is full of hidden treasures, but our native environment and agricultural industries are under threat from organisms that attack our plants—now is your chance to save them!
Awards
The winning Australian school at the end of the April BioQuest will receive an amazing prize valued at $1,000.
Contact us
Email HermitageCompetition@dpi.qld.gov.au
Call 13 25 23
Join our Facebook group for competition updates.
Last updated: 16 Jan 2026