Year kicks off with snake talk

TO celebrate the second anniversary of its first nature talk, Crocworld Conservation Centre starts the 2015 programme with a popular topic, a snake identification talk.

The varied and always interesting monthly lectures have become something of an institution for nature lovers and conservationists. The focus is always on increasing awareness of the magnificent flora and fauna of Southern Africa, and on encouraging those who attend to take a more active role in conserving them for future generations.

This year’s lectures are no different and will resume with a talk by Crocworld’s resident herpetology expert and general manager, Martin Rodrigues, on February 14.

Martin will address the important issue of snake identification as well as advise guests on snake bite first aid. The lecture promises to be hugely popular, appealing to those with an interest in snakes as well as to those who feel the need to be better informed about the beautiful, yet potentially dangerous species sharing their backyard. He will focus particularly on the snake species of the South Coast, making the talk especially relevant to all those living within a short radius of the centre.

Essentially, being able to identify one snake species from another could make all the difference in the event of a snake bite. The talk will also address the question of what to do should you encounter a snake unexpectedly- something that all those living on the South Coast should know, both for their own safety and that of those around them.

Since embarking upon his career in conservation ten years ago, Martin has become an authority on snakes and is well qualified to deliver this lecture. With diplomas in nature conservation and environmental law, he has an impressive resume, including stints at the Ezemvelo Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga, the Hartbeestport Dam Snake and Animal Park and the Johannesburg Zoo.

At the zoo he was employed as head herpetologist, and now fulfils the role of general manager at Crocworld Conservation Centre. His specialty is venomous snakes, with which he has had extensive personal experience over the years; now, he is dedicated to raising awareness about snakes in order to facilitate their co-existence with humans.

The talk on February 14th will begin at 9am, although guests should arrive half an hour earlier for registration. It will last for an hour and a half, and afterwards guests will have time to ask any questions they may have. Tea, coffee and muffins will also be served, and tickets will be priced at R70 per adult with a concession price of R30 for pensioners and students.

Ticket price includes admission into Crocworld Conservation Centre itself, where guests will be able to see first hand many of the snakes mentioned in the talk in the Centre’s walk-through snake house. Other attractions include impressive aviaries housing native and non-native birds and of course the crocodiles themselves.

To book for the talk contact Nolean Allun, at 039 976 1103 or 083 654 9651.