I am one of the observers (and novice identifiers) that thoroughly enjoy the Challenge every year. I am dismayed by the trends and the direction this is taking, and although the Challenge and the Southern Bioblitz are highlights for me, I also think this needs rethinking. It is just such a huge thing - keeping the fun aspect alive to keep luring people into observing and appreciating nature, while also keeping it ‘serious’ - not just another game with misleading results. Somehow the organisers (sorry to say THEY - I always feel like an armchair commenter) needs to reavaluate the goals. The numbers are there, wonderful, but so much so that it has become meaningless.
As much as I hope the challenges will continue, I hope this year’s frustration will lead to changes. Becoming a lot more strict may feel like going a step backwards, but it is needed.