KWAZULU-NATAL AMPHIBIAN & REPTILE CONSERVATION

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Reptiles and amphibians may not steal the spotlight from Africa's iconic wildlife, but they are absolutely vital to the health and balance of ecosystems across the continent. Making up as much as 25-50% of the diets of animals like mongooses, birds of prey, and even leopards, the diversity of these species is often an indicator of the overall health and biodiversity of ecosystems. With over 200 species of reptiles and amphibians in KwaZulu-Natal, these cold-blooded creatures contribute to the essential foundation of the food web that sustains charismatic species like lions, elephants, and rhinos.

Nick Evans, star of the television series Snake Season and founder of KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian & Reptile Conservation, is dedicated to changing the narrative around South Africa’s most misunderstood creatures. Founded in 2015, Nick leads the organization’s mission to protect and conserve amphibians and reptiles while educating the public on their importance and contributing novel data to regional research, particularly in the world of snakes.

In urban ecosystems, reptiles and amphibians play an often-overlooked but essential role in supporting public health. Amphibians, particularly frogs, are natural pest controllers, consuming hundreds of mosquitoes, flies, and beetles each night. Snakes, meanwhile, are versatile hunters capable of consuming multiple small mammals in a week, which helps reduce rodent populations and lowers the risk of disease transmission. Since its inception, Nick's organization has safely captured and relocated over 5,000 reptiles—including crocodiles—from urban areas back into the wild, reducing conflict and fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Thanks to a partnership with Behind the Science Safaris, 10% of Nick's annual conservation budget will be funded with each safari booking, supporting his work in snake rescue, educational initiatives, and research. 

Through this support, Behind the Science Safaris contributes directly to the protection and conservation of KwaZulu-Natal’s unique reptile and amphibian species, helping Nick and his team continue their essential work.