DURBAN – The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) has called on people to mark International Day of the Seal by reminding themselves to “cut the loop” before disposing of items that may entrap an animal.
Saambr’s Ann Kunz said the Cape fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus) was the only seal that bred in southern Africa.
“In South Africa, our resident seal populations are classified as abundant in numbers and are therefore neither vulnerable or endangered,” Kunz said.
“Although they are protected under the Seabirds and Seals Protection Act, they sometimes become entangled in discarded nets, fishing line and plastic strapping.
“Perhaps we can mark this day by reminding ourselves to ‘cut the loop’ before disposing of items that may entrap an animal,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sunday was Frog Awareness Day and Saambr said that over the past 50 years, scientists had recorded a major decline in frog populations around the world.
Kunz said a world without frogs and its effects on people, plants and animals was something we did not want ourselves or our children to experience.
“Frogs are an essential part of many ecosystems and are considered bio-indicators of the health of the area – so if you go to sleep to the sound of frogs, you can rest assured knowing that your garden is healthy,” Kunz said.
“Frogs are amazing at keeping the population of insects in your garden under control. A single frog can eat more than 100 insects, such as mosquitoes, flies, caterpillars and snails. With frogs around, you won’t need to use harmful pesticides.”
According to Kunz, frogs cannot survive climate change of any kind. Their eggs have no shells and are extremely vulnerable to changes in climate. They have highly permeable skin which they also use for breathing. This can easily absorb bacteria, chemicals and other toxins in the environment.
Daily News