Biogeographer to deliver talk
The global distribution of ancient plant and animal lineages will be discussed.
SERBAN Proches, renowned UKZN professor of biogeography will talk on “Mapping the Earliest Living Branches of the Reptilian Tree” at Crocworld Conservation Centre on Saturday, October 12.
The global distribution of ancient plant and animal lineages will be discussed.
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Based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville campus, Prof Proches has been completing his field work across the globe – in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia and southern Africa, with the focus on the mapping of plant and animal lineages worldwide.
His talk will include how molecular phylogenetics helps researchers understand the relationships between reptile groups and estimate their age, even in the absence of fossils.
“This work highlights how some less-than-expected groups are particularly distinctive, and, as such, have exceptional conservation value,” explained Prof Proches.
“These include many groups of geckos, legless lizards, blind and thread snakes. Some of these groups have limited global distributions, and are potentially at risk.” To book a spot for the talk or for more information, contact 039-9761103.
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