SmallTalX Lands in Gordon's Bay with Tyrone Ping on Snakes and Reptiles of the Area

On May 21, 2024, SmallTalX welcomed Tyrone Ping back to host its inaugural event at Gordon's Bay Yacht Club (GBYC), focusing on the snakes and reptiles of the Kogelberg and Helderberg.

Tyrone was greeted by an audience at GBYC eager to learn about the snakes and reptiles they might encounter in their gardens or while walking in the Fynbos behind their homes. Tyrone's talks provide insights into the world of a herpetologist, helping audiences develop an appreciation for creatures they might otherwise dislike. He also emphasizes the importance of environmental awareness and addresses the severe habitat loss and threats these animals face due to human activities. Questions about snake removals, which Tyrone conducts carefully and ethically, were raised. He explains that snakes should not be removed from their local habitats and should be released only a few hundred meters from where they are found, allowing them to return to their elusive lives, away from the dangers posed by humans and human developments.

Tyrone's presentations, tailored for specific audiences, provide insights into the reptiles and amphibians that inhabit local ecosystems, including those in our own backyards. This approach enhances awareness of the interconnected world of creatures, of which we are a part. He discusses familiar species and introduces some unusual and fascinating ones to watch for, explaining which are potentially dangerous and which are harmless. He highlights endemic species and shares stories of those that might be locally extinct, helping to clarify our understanding of the land and its diverse life forms. Additionally, his talks offer a great chance to purchase a snake and reptile field guide, compiled by Tyrone himself after decades of travelling throughout South Africa to document and photograph these creatures.

We are certain that we will invite Tyrone Ping back soon to share localised knowledge about reptiles and amphibians with more communities. This will help us become informed, curious, and compassionate while maintaining a healthy level of caution. By increasing our awareness of the role snakes play in local ecosystems and learning how to coexist with them, we can contribute to the health of the ecosystems we are part of. Stay tuned, and see you soon!