Amphibian expert to attend ScienceTeller Festival

MEDIA RELEASE – Wednesday 4 September 2013

Amphibian expert to attend ScienceTeller Festival

He’s travelled the globe rediscovering lost frog species and now one of the world’s top amphibian experts – Robin Moore – will attend this year’s popular ScienceTeller Festival in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Moore, Conservation Officer of the Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA), will deliver a compelling presentation and host his intriguing exhibition ‘Metamorphosis‘ at ScienceTeller – the biennial international festival celebrating science in Dunedin from 25-27 October.

Moore, who recently co-founded Frame of Mind to empower youth around the globe to connect with their natural and cultural worlds through photography and visual storytelling, says engaging an apathetic public in the conservation of less ‘charismatic’ creatures can be a tricky business. His presentation will cover his involvement in the ‘Search for Lost Frogs’ campaign which saw 33 teams across 20 countries search for species last seen between 15 and 170 years ago. 

Moore discovered his fascination for frogs and newts while roaming the Scottish moors as a young child. His award-winning photographic exhibition Metamorphosis, a unique visual campaign blending science and art to explore our connection with amphibians will be on show at the Otago Museum for public viewing. 

“I am truly excited about this exhibition as it is the first time that some of these images will have ever been displayed in an exhibit. As a photographer, there is something immensely satisfying about seeing the images in print, and especially gracing the walls of a venue like the Otago Museum. I hope that some people come away from my presentation and seeing my exhibit thinking about amphibians in a new light, and maybe even inspired to join the cause to save them.”

Festival Director Phil Bishop says having a guest of Robin Moore’s calibre at ScienceTeller is a real coup.

“He is one of the world’s leading authorities on amphibian survival and we are extremely proud to have Robin Moore here in Dunedin as part of our ScienceTeller Festival. It’s Robin’s first visit to Dunedin and in fact New Zealand - he’s keen to see some of our unique wildlife after the festival.”

Moore, originally from Scotland, moved to Washington, DC eight years ago because of the opportunities to work in International Conservation. He now works with the Amphibian Survival Alliance to develop and support the protection of amphibians and their habitats around the world.

Featuring a programme of internationally renowned and high profile guests, the second festival, hosted by the Centre for Science Communication at the University of Otago, combines science and storytelling during three days of inspiring and engaging events. Some workshops are exclusively open to delegates only.

The biennial festival is generously supported by a number of sponsors – including founding sponsor, the University of Otago, in partnership with NHNZ and Otago Museum, and a number of other sponsors, funding partners and volunteers. Without their support this festival would not be possible. 

Robin Moore’s presentation ‘Search for Lost Frogs: Changing perceptions one frog at a time’ will be held on Saturday 26 October 1-1.50pm at the Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum.

Delegate registrations are now available at www.scienceteller.com with a full programme online to be announced shortly, including details regarding availability and entry costs for members of the public.

ENDS

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