Spotlight on Sperrgebiet endemics
Dr Antje Burke hosts a talk on The plight of Sperrgebiet endemics – Do they have a chance in the face of multiple threats? at the Scientific Society on Tuesday (11 July) at the Namibia Scientific Society.One of the many exceptional things about the new Tsau ǁKhaeb (Sperrgebiet) National Park is its plant diversity. Many of the plants found there are endemic – they occur nowhere else on earth!
The Sperrgebiet endemics have been reasonably well protected for over 100 years due to its status as a highly restricted area, but change is on the horizon. Once the new park is open to the public, more people will have a chance to see these plants while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Sperrgebiet. The influx of visitors and the development of tourism and industrial infrastructure may, threaten this botanical treasure chest if it is not planned with the plants in mind.
Dr Burke has had a passion for plants since her early childhood in Germany’s forests. She has since acquired a sound knowledge of the floras in her home country, the Mediterranean, the Negev Desert and southern Africa. She came to Namibia in 1988 and has, as a researcher, lecturer and environmental consultant continued to feed her passion and knows the Namibian flora extremely well.
She has worked in the Sperrgebiet for nearly 30 years, advising Namdeb, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and other players in the area on matters relating to biodiversity and conservation planning and environmental management.
The talk starts at 19:00. Info: [email protected] or 061 225 372.