ParkSpotter Africa, new wildlife app from MapStudio, Polymorph

It also photographs, identifies, saves and shares sightings with geo-location, date, time and categories to create a personal record of sightings - or even a life list.

This unique feature also enables other visitors to the park to view the sighting's photo first before rushing off to the scene. The sightings feature is also designed to allow the user to upload photos and sightings at a later stage to edit the information afterwards, if they do not want to upload them immediately.

Another pioneering feature of the app is that all content, including the detailed park maps, are stored on the phone itself. Therefore, one does not need costly internet access while using the app in the parks, except for sharing one's sightings, an innovative and long-awaited practical addition to wildlife apps in general.

Added to the long list of informative and interactive features are detailed maps, park-specific fauna & flora checklists, well-researched information on species and striking visual content. It promises to motivate park visitors to explore, learn and share their nature adventures in interesting, exciting and memorable way.

Currently the app comprises of five Southern Africa parks including: Kruger National Park (North), Kruger National Park (South), Etosha National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the Addo Elephant National Park, with many more parks to be released soon.

Features

• Park and accommodation: information on 67 rest camps with high quality images and up to date contact details
• Points of interest: information on 246 points of interests including historical sites, viewing sites, water holes and picnic sites
• Fauna: interesting information and facts on 223 animal species including their common and scientific names, size, habitat, appearance, interesting facts, status, spoor and photo graphs.
• Flora: interesting information and facts on 29 flower and tree species including their common and scientific names, size, habitat, appearance, interesting facts, status and photographs
• Content and maps are stored within the app, so it can be used without needing internet connectivity
• User friendly interface with easy swiping and navigation between different features and view options
• Sharing of rhino sightings prohibited with an option to donate money towards conservation organisations

The app is free to download from the iTunes App Store, which will allow users to select a demo park and view some of its content as well as upload up to 10 sightings. To gain access to all the content and maps, each park is available as separate in-app purchases at $4.99 each (Kgalagadi, Etosha and Addo) and $6.99 each (Kruger North and Kruger South).

For more information, go to www.parkspotterafrica.com.