Reptiles and Amphibians of Ecuador: Ecology and Conservation of the Most Biodiverse Country on Earth  

Guest Speaker:  Paul Hamilton, PhD Executive Director of the Reptile and Amphibian Ecology International

Ecuador boasts the greatest diversity of life on Earth, including one out of every six known species of bird and nearly 500 species of amphibian. Nearly every habitat type on Earth is found there, from harshly dry deserts to frozen tundra to the Amazon rainforest. However, much of this incredible diversity is in peril, from everything from cattle grazing to oil exploitation and climate change. This presentation will focus on the lizards, snakes, frogs and their kin of Ecuador, their amazing diversity and adaptations, what's happening to them, and what we can do to help save them.

Paul S. Hamilton is Executive Director, Biologist and Photographer for Reptile and Amphibian Ecology International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to discovering, documenting, and saving the rich diversity of living reptiles and amphibians. You can find out more about Paul and RAEI at www.ReptilesAndAmphibians.org

The Conservation Speaker Series takes place at the Oakland Zoo's Marian Zimmer Auditorium, located in the Wayne and Gladys Valley Children's Zoo. The Reception begins at 6:30pm and is followed by the Presentation at 7:00pm. Suggested donation of $10.00 - $20.00 for adults, $5.00 for high school students.

You may email Amy Gotliffe, Conservation Manager, for more information at amy@oaklandzoo.org