POLOKWANE – WildThingz at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World, in collaboration with Pets & Hobbies, hosted a book sale and meet-the-author event last Saturday, featuring renowned herpetologist Ruan Stander.

Originally from Polokwane, Stander brings 15 years’ experience working with wild reptiles and has conducted herpetological surveys across Tanzania, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and South Africa since 2014.

Now based in KwaZulu-Natal as a field officer for The Endangered Wildlife Trust, he presented on reptile diversity in the Limpopo region and Kruger National Park.

During the event, Stander shared his expert knowledge and offered guests special discounts on signed copies of his book. Described as an essential guide for African herpetologists, ecologists, nature guides, game rangers, and hunters, the book also aims to spark interest among enthusiasts, young naturalists, and curious readers.

“I’ve been fascinated by nature since childhood and serve on the expert identification panel of the biodiversity sector,” Stander said. He explained that his book captures years of research on reptiles in Limpopo and Kruger National Park, making it a valuable resource for readers.

A word of thanks was extended to Marie Fraser, Andrew Fraser, Lydia Maree, Lizzy Meyer, Collin Zihwa and Sarel Maphuti for helping make the event a success.