COLCHESTER Zoo staff and volunteers are gearing up to take part in this year's BIAZA Bioblitz, a national census of native species on zoological sites in a 24-hour period.

The survey will include sightings of amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, insects and plants in its nature area.

The zoo took part in its first BioBlitz in 2012 and a total of 225 species were recorded.

Last year it recorded 299 species.

The BioBlitz will be taking place from 6pm on Friday September 5 to 6pm the following day.