Nick Helme

Nick Helme is a biologist and the founder of Nick Helme Botanical Surveys, a consultancy specializing in botanical and ecological assessments throughout South Africa's Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) and beyond. As the lead author for the SANBI Red List of South African Plants, he has contributed significantly to the understanding of the region’s flora. Nick has made notable discoveries, including over 100 previously undescribed plant species, and has a deep passion for documenting rare and threatened species, having posted more than 1,800 such species on platforms like iNaturalist. Based in Cape Town, Nick dedicates his work to exploring and conserving the GCFR, particularly focusing on the 1,800 or so threatened or localized plant species within the region. His expertise is invaluable in conservation planning, particularly for species with very few observations or collections. In addition to his work in southern Africa, Nick has explored plant hotspots in places like South America, Nepal, and Madagascar. An avid plant observer, Nick has posted over 10,600 species on iNaturalist, making him a top contributor for both Southern Africa and Africa. Outside of his botanical pursuits, he is also a keen birder.