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RALEIGH, N.C. (March 24, 2005) – While they’re not as cuddly as kittens or as playful as puppies, reptiles and amphibians certainly have their fair share of fans — as evidenced by the thousands of folks who turned out for the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences’ 12th Annual Reptile and Amphibian Day on March 12. The free event, which drew a record 15,141 people, featured more than 50 exhibits, displays, presentations and activities highlighting reptiles and amphibians from around the world, including many native to North Carolina. For the second year in a row, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission set up a large display booth on the first floor to promote its reptile and amphibian conservation message and to encourage the public to embrace these often-maligned critters. Well, not literally embrace . . . “We want people to see reptiles and amphibians in a new light,” said Sarah Cross, herpetologist for the Wildlife Commission. “While they’re not necessarily warm and cuddly, they’re an important part of our state’s biodiversity and cultural heritage, so protecting their populations is critical.” Cross, along with staff from the Wildlife Commission, worked throughout the day, addressing questions from the public, stamping little hands with frog images and handing out a variety of cool products, such as turtle rulers, buttons and copies of Wildlife in North Carolina — all designed to educate and entertain. Scattered among the give-aways were several turtle, salamander and snake models, so realistic that they attracted (and fooled) many people — and not just kids either. One parent was overheard asking if the box turtle would bite. And more than one child, after seeing the redbelly watersnake model, approached the booth with trepidation only to leave a few moments later with a frog stamp on one hand, a snake sticker on the other and a take-home message that reptiles and amphibians need our protection if they’re to survive. “Over 140 species of salamanders, frogs, toads, snakes, turtles and lizards as well as the American alligator call North Carolina home,” Cross said. “While some people may not find them appealing, everyone should respect the ecological importance of these animals. In addition to controlling populations of insects and rodents, amphibians and reptiles serve a vital role in the food web and are important environmental indicators of overall habitat health.” For more information
on reptiles and amphibians, visit the Wildlife
Species and Conservation section. |
