Frog expert to hold talk
AMPHIBIAN scientist Dr Jeanne Tarrant will be giving a fascinating talk at the Crocworld Conservation Centre on Saturday, October 12 at 8.30am.
Dr Tarrant established the Threatened Amphibian Programme within the Environmental Wildlife Trust in 2012, a programme which she hopes will bridge the existing gap between research and conservation action, while also raising awareness of the plight of threatened frogs worldwide.
Globally, the statistics for amphibians are shocking. Frogs are the most rapidly declining vertebrate group on earth, with a third of the species currently listed as threatened. This dire state of affairs has several causes, including disease and pollution.
The single most dangerous contributor to amphibian decline however is man-made. Habitat destruction is responsible for the majority of dwindling populations. Sadly, these figures are reflected in South Africa, where 30 percent of frog species are red listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable.
KZN is home to six endangered frog species, the second-highest number in the country.
Dr Tarrant will speak for an hour, after which guests are invited to ask questions and to stay for complimentary tea, coffee and muffins. The talk will be priced at R70 per adult, with concessions for pensioners and students priced at R30.
Payment secures a place for the talk, so those attending are advised to send proof of payment or arrange to pay on the day. Booking is essential as space is limited. This will be the latest in an exciting series of nature talks that have been running at the centre since the beginning of the year.
To make your reservation for the talk, please contact: Nolean Allun at Crocworld Conservation Centre at 039 976 1103 or 083 654 9651 or email crocworld@cbl.co.za.
