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© Kirkmaiden Natural History Group 2010

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Notes of the March 2010 meeting.

March saw the welcome return of Mark Pollitt from Dumfries and Galloway Environmental Resources Centre. As a special request he gave us a very informative presentation on amphibians. These are very unusual creatures, cold blooded with the ability to metamorphose from life in water to life breathing air. Worldwide there are 6000 species but only 7 are native to Britain. Dumfries and Galloway is the only region boasting 6 species with one, the natterjack toad* only to be found in D&G so it is highly protected. Through photos, videos and chat, Mark gave us a wonderful insight into the life cycle of frogs, toads, newts and lizards (for comparison and recognition). For sake of brevity, I’ll try to summarise what we learned.

*Here is a bit more about ‘our’ special amphibian, the Natterjack toad as Mark is keen to hear of any sightings. It is found along the coast as it can tolerate salinity. Though fast moving it is easy to spot because of the yellow stripe along its back. Its croak is so loud it can be heard several kilometres away. Please look out for it!

Our next meeting is on Monday 12th April in Clashwhannon at 2pm. Our speaker will be Gaby Reynolds, Head Gardener at Dunskey Gardens on the subject of 'Trees'. If you have an unidentified tree in your garden Gaby will be pleased to help. Bring a twig with hopefully a leaf attached.

Agenda.
Chairman's welcome, updates and reports
Future events
Presentation by Gaby Reynolds
Info on next meeting at Paul and Lorna Hocken's
Members' finds and discussions

I hope the bad weather didn't stop you getting out and about.

Happy foraging,
Rena

Mark Pollitt gives his illustrated talk on amphibians.

Natterjack toad Bufo calamita

Image © Christian Fischer 1983