Crocworld Conservation Centre will kick off its wildlife activities with an evening of education and entertainment.
Forming part of this exciting programme is the monthly frogging evening on Friday, 6 December, which will be hosted in collaboration with Nick Evans of KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
Nick Evans has spent his life working with reptiles, first as a herpetologist for Dangerous Creatures at Ushaka Marine World, followed by the role as field officer for the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Threatened Amphibian Programme.
He has also led numerous expeditions around KwaZulu-Natal, showcasing ways to identify reptiles. He now runs the KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, a chapter of The Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization.
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Nick and the Crocworld team will start the Frogging Evening with a presentation on the various regional frogs with frog calls played to introduce participants to the sounds. There will then be a walk around Crocworld Conservation Centre and a viewing of the crocodile feeding before heading to the frogging site.
Centre manager of Crocworld, Martin Rodrigues said, “We have identified a nearby marshland which is home to several interesting frog species as well as a variety of bird and wildlife. We are extremely excited about the new activities being launched by Crocworld Conservation Centre and encourage all those interested in nature and wildlife to join us for these monthly frogging evenings.”
Participants of the first frogging evening will get the chance to identify the bubbling kassina, water lilly frog, greater leaf folding frogs, tinker reed frogs, painted reed frog and guttural toad, among others. Some of the evening’s adventures could also include sightings of the spotted eagle owls, night jars and even nocturnal mammals such as small spotted genet.
The Crocworld Conservation Centre Frogging Evening will cost R80 per adult and R50 per child under 12 years, limited to 50 people. Payment can be made on the day or via EFT. Banking details are available on request. Anyone wanting to participate must meet at Crocworld Conservation Centre on Friday, 6 December at 5.30pm to leave for the site at 6.15pm. Participants will need transport to the site, and will need to wear old clothes and gum boots, with headlamps and torches. The Curio Shop will be open to purchase snacks and refreshments before heading out. The frogging evening is expected to end at 9pm.
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To secure your booking contact, call the Crocworld Conservation Centre on 039-976-1103. There are limited places available, a confirmed booking will secure your place.
Alternatively, contact Martin Rodrigues via email mrodrigues@cbl.co.za or call 078-484-1859 or Reptile Curator, James Wittstock on jwittstock@cbl.co.za or call 066-292-0880.
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