Reptile conservation and welfare discussed at MAHIC meeting

Reptile Conservation and Welfare Discussion at Ipswich Reptile Club

Last Tuesday at the Kingfisher pub in Ipswich the Mid Anglia Herps and Inverts Club hosted a special meeting. Two speakers were invited to give presentations on two very different topics.

First was Rowland Griffin who spoke about Project Chicchan – a research project promoting the conservation of biodiversity in Guatemala. The audience were shown pictures of some of the rare species of reptiles and amphibians which have been found during the project and Rowland recited some fascinating stories of how these creatures were found. Project Chicchan strives to encourage volunteers and provide them with an opportunity to learn about the study of herpetofauna (the reptile and amphibian population of a designated area). Details of the project and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.project-chicchan.co.uk

Next up was Catherine Thomas of Suffolk Exotic Vet Services, a Veterinary Service for exotic pets across Suffolk. Catherine spoke about some of the welfare issues seen in pet reptiles and discussed what we can do to improve the situation, particularly in light of proposed restrictions on the keeping of exotic pets. 

The meeting was attended by a range of members, all of whom enjoyed the evening, even Ace, son of Vice Chairman, Ady the youngest member at 5 days old seemed content and didn’t cry once.

MAHIC hold monthly meetings at the Kingfisher pub on various subjects about Reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. More information can be found at www.mahic.org.