FBIS Mobile App

The FBIS platform in a nutshell

The Freshwater Biodiversity Information System (FBIS) is a powerful platform for hosting and accessing freshwater biodiversity data in South Africa. Registered users can upload and download biodiversity data, which can then be used in applications ranging from research to decision-making.

Uploading your freshwater biodiversity records has never been easier  

Ever found yourself wishing there was a quick and easy way to upload data directly from your sampling site to the FBIS platform? Well wait no longer – the new FBIS Mobile App allows just that, eliminating the need for cumbersome datasheets and spreadsheets, and saving you time.

User-friendly map interface 

With its map interface, the app makes it quick and easy to add new sampling sites, or add data to existing FBIS sites. Biodiversity records for fish, invertebrates, algae, frogs and plants can then be added for both rivers and wetlands. Details about sampling effort, method and habitat can be included, as can photographs of specimens recorded in the sample. Physico-chemical data collected alongside the biodiversity records can also be included.

SASS from your smartphone

SASS assessments can also be recorded directly via the app, which mimics the familiar SASS form. Details about sampling site, method, effort, species abundance, environmental data, photographs, notes and more can easily be recorded alongside your biodiversity data.

Enter data offline

Sampling data can then be synchronized with FBIS platform when back at the office via a WIFI connection, or directly from the field using mobile data if you have cell reception.

Mobile app tutorials

We have created a series of short “how to” videos to help get you started with using the app. You can also contact the FBIS team directly (email: fbis@frcsa.org.za) with any questions or suggestions that may pop up when using the app.

Download the app

The FBIS App can be downloaded for free for both Apple and Android devices.  The FBIS app is a complementary tool to iNaturalist, and we encourage basic species occurrence observations to be submitted via the iNaturalist app.

EFT Account Details

Account Name:               Freshwater Research Centre NPC 
Bank:                                 Nedbank Limited
Account No:                     102 680 5341    
Branch Code:                   104 309
Swift Code:                       NEDSZAJJ

Please use your Name and the project you would like to donate to as as reference e.g. Jane_Saving Sandfish. If you would also be so kind as to email us with your details once you have made the payment. Please also let us know if you would like to receive a Section 18a Certificate. You can send that email to info@frcsa.org.za.
 
We would like to thank you for your contribution, it means a lot to us!