The discovery of an endangered Pickersgill’s reed frog during a conservation event has highlighted the importance of protecting KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal wetlands, according to IOL.
A close-up of a Pickersgill’s reed frog. This critically endangered frog that is about 2-2.5 cm big is only found around Kwazulu Natal in South Africa/By: Nigel Jared/Getty Images
The frog was spotted during the return of Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre’s Conservation Talks and Walks programme, which combined an educational talk with a guided frog-searching outing in the wetlands of Renishaw Hills.
The event was led by Dr Jeanne Tarrant, a renowned amphibian conservationist known as South Africa’s “Frog Lady”, from Anura Africa NPC. Participants also encountered a brown water snake, painted reed frogs, Tinker reed frogs and other wetland wildlife.
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Citizen science supports conservation
The confirmed sighting of the Pickersgill’s reed frog, an endangered species threatened by the loss of coastal wetland habitat, provided an opportunity to contribute to conservation through citizen science.
“It was wonderful to be able to combine an outreach event with a meaningful conservation contribution from Citizen Science with the confirmation of Pickersgill’s Reed Frog at the Renishaw Hills wetland,” Tarrant said.
“This record will be important for bringing attention back to these wetlands and the special species that the KZN coast is home to.”
The discovery highlights the biodiversity supported by the region’s wetlands and the need to conserve these habitats, which provide important environments for indigenous plants and animals.
Susan Badat, manager of Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre, said the centre’s wetlands and surrounding natural areas played an important role in the local ecosystem.
“Crocworld’s wetlands and surrounding natural areas are an important part of the local ecosystem, supporting indigenous flora and fauna and providing opportunities to connect people with the biodiversity right on their doorstep,” she said.
The Conservation Talks and Walks programme aims to help visitors learn more about local wildlife while encouraging a closer connection with the natural environment.
Upcoming conservation event
Crocworld’s next conservation event will focus on marine turtles. A Turtle Talk with Natalie Dos Santos is scheduled for Saturday, 31 October, at 11am at the Fish Eagle Café at Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre.
The session will explore Dos Santos’s research on green turtles and hawksbill turtles at the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area. Visitors can contact Crocworld for booking details and further information.
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