What stories are behind the iconic, extinct and historically important specimens that we have as a country?

These specimens record the natural history of animals and plants, both existing and extinct. This record contributes to our understanding of the natural world and evolution, especially in cases where specimens cannot be collected again.

It is important to our historical and cultural identity, as well as instilling a sense of national cohesion, inspiration and belonging.

Join us on 8 October 2021, 11h00 for the webinar where 11 guests will narrate the stories behind 11 of our most special specimens.

Presentations by our very own:

  1. Bernhard Zipfel, Wits Evolutionary Studies Institute: Dinosaur eggs with embryos
  2. David Allan, Durban Natural Science Museum: Iconic Dodo Skeleton
  3. Louanne Kirton, East London Museum: Old Fourlegs, the Coelacanth
  4. Fred Kigozi, Amathole Museum: Huberta the wandering Hippo
  5. Simon van Noort, Iziko Museums of South Africa: Mbashe River Buff, extinction is forever!
  6. Beth Grobbelaar, Agricultural Research Council: African arrow-poison beetles
  7. Tanya Mathe, Bews Herbarium: Custodian of one of the oldest ethnobotanical plant collections
  8. Mashiane Mothogoane, SANBI National Herbarium: Pioneer specimens gathered at Meintjies Kop
  9. Greg Hofmeyr, Bayworld Museum: Southern Right Whale Skeleton
  10. Siphamandla Mceleli, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity: A Fish of a Lifetime
  11. Lemmy Mashinini, Ditsong National Museum of Natural History: Extinct Eastwood’s Long-tailed Seps

Webinar Details
Date: Friday, 8 October 2021
Time: 11h00
Platform: Zoom
Webinar ID: 813 6495 2957
Registration link: here
#thevalueofthedead