Learn more about plant and bird symbiosis at lecture
FOLLOWING on from last month’s hugely popular lecture on the butterflies of the East Coast, Crocworld Conservation Centre is continuing its monthly nature talks with a guest appearance by ecology expert David Johnson. Mr Johnson’s talk will focus on the fascinating symbiosis often seen in nature between plant and bird species, and promises to offer an intriguing insight into such relationships. This event is the latest in a series of similarly themed mornings, which were initiated by the Centre last year in the interest of educating and inspiring visitors about the flora and fauna of Southern Africa, encouraging public involvement in the Centre’s long-term nature preservation and conservation goals.
Mr Johnson’s talk, which will be hosted within Centre’s delightful grounds on March 8, will offer an intimate look at the mutually beneficial relationship between plants and birds. According to Mr Johnson, these relationships have existed since the time the earliest birds used plants to aid them in gliding trials- these days, the symbiosis between the two is responsible
for much of the natural beauty we see around us every day. Plants provide birds with safe roosting and nesting sites, whilst many plants rely on birds for survival in terms of reproduction and seed dispersal. This talk will change your perception of the way the inhabitants of your own garden conduct their lives, and is a must for any ornithology or gardening enthusiasts.
David Johnson will be speaking as an authority on the subject, the result of more than twenty years working for the Natal Parks Board as a freelance ecologist. Before joining the Parks Board, Mr Johnson has experience working in the Niger Delta rainforest, and is an expert in the fields of botany and ornithology. He was a contributor to the Atlas of Southern African Birds, and to Roberts 7, as well as writing keys to tree identification and co-authoring several books on indigenous gardening. Mr Johnson has a particular interest in evolution and natural history; interests that are tailor-made to interpret the nuances and fascination of bird-plant relationships.
The talk will begin at 9am, although guests should arrive a half hour before for registration and a welcome by the Centre. Mr Johnson will talk for approximately an hour, after which tea and coffee will be served and a question and answer session will commence. Ticket prices include admission into the Centre’s exhibits, which include a snake tunnel with its walk-through displays of venomous and non-venomous snakes, outside aviaries and captive bred bird species, and of course, the Centre’s famous crocodiles.
Guests are invited to spend the day taking in the venue’s stunning indigenous gardens and lush grounds, and can purchase refreshments at the onsite restaurant Le Rendez-Vous while enjoying its expansive view across the Indian Ocean. Tickets will be priced at R70, with a concession price of R30 for pensioners, scholars and students. This is expected to be a popular event with limited availability, to which payment secures a place.
Make your reservation by contacting Nolean Allun at 039 9761103, 083 6549651 or e-mail crocworld@cbl.co.za. Send proof of payment, or arrange in advance to pay on the day.
Account Details: Crocworld (Crookes Brothers Limited) Banking Details: FNB, Branch: Scottburgh, Branch Code: 220227, Account Number: 53640119111. Fax the proof of payment to (039) 978 3279.
