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UG Scientific Officer launches amphibian text
From left: University Of Guyana Vice Chancellor Lawrence Carrington, one of the book’s co-authors, Michelle Kalamandeen, and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.
Michelle Kalamandeen, a University of Guyana and Oxford University graduate launched the text book, “ABC Taxa” that she and Belgian Herpetologist, Philippe Kok had co-written, last Thursday at the Roraima Room of the Hotel Tower.
Kalamandeen, the Scientific Officer at the Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity at the Department of Biology, University of Guyana, told her audience that the whole concept of the book came from working with amphibians in the Kaieteur National Park, in 2004 while taking part in “a training through research programme.”
The book captures several frog species found in the Kaieteur National Park, as well as caecilian species. Kalamandeen explains “(the) main objectives of the book and research was to document scientifically accurate information that will lead to better park management, planning and assist in the listing of Kaieteur National Park as a world heritage site.”
In Kalamandeen’s own words Taxonomy is that branch of science “which identifies, describes and classifies the diversity of life…..it puts forward a number of hypotheses that facilitate the establishment of intelligent scientifically informed policies in conservation efforts.”
The book, which is student friendly, contains identification keys, photographs and data on natural history, which the authors hope will interest Guyanese and foreign researchers, eco tourists and conservation agencies alike.
University Of Guyana Vice Chancellor Lawrence Carrington, who made opening remarks at the Book Launching, told the audience that we cannot truly appreciate what we as a country have, describing during his address the increased importance of taxonomy due to the concerns linked to our sustainable forests.
“Taxonomy might appear to be boring……it is one of the most important areas of biological work because it is essential to setting the baseline for documentation of floral and fauna of any environment”
Those present at the Book Launching were made to understand that amphibians are a major component of our ecosystem both as predator and prey, and that they are used in the study of cell function, genetics and development, anatomy, behaviour, ecology and evolution.
Special Guest Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in his remarks noted that “our country has lots to do and not much money to get it done with…….there’s nobody else but us to do it and it will only get done when we do it” making reference to the foreign assistance given to Guyana in various economically challenged areas. He congratulated Kalamandeen and Kok for their achievements.
The book, its full name ‘ABC Taxa: Introduction to the taxonomy of the amphibians of Kaieteur National Park, Guyana’ was handed out to all present at the launch which included representatives of the University of Guyana, Kaieteur National Park and St. Stanislaus College, along with media operatives.
The 278-page textbook is filled with over 40 species of newly discovered amphibians found in the Kaieteur National Park, describing their habits, anatomy, diets, usefulness to climate change research and various other interesting facts about the amphibians. (Andrunie Harris)
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