A new temporary frog exhibition went on display at the National Museum in July 2025. Visitors could find out more about the 12 species of frogs found in the Bloemfontein area and listen to audio of each species calls. The exhibition was curated by Dr Cora Stobie (Herpetologist) and designed by Ms Carien van Eck (Graphic Designer).
It is often assumed that taxonomy, the science of naming and classifying organisms into organised groups, is relatively static, and that we already know how many species are expected to occur in every area of the world. However, for many groups of animals and plants, scientists are still uncovering and describing new species, particularly ‘cryptic species’ which are only subtly different from similar, related species. Although there are currently 136 species of frogs (68 endemics) in South Africa, this number has fluctuated, with 12 additions in just the last ten years as shown in the table below.
The dwarf burrowing skinks comprise a genus of about 22 species of small, attenuate, fossorial lizards found mainly in Southern Africa. As a group, this genus is particularly interesting because of the degree of limb reduction found amongst its members. Some species have fore- and hindlimbs, with three, four or five digits or toes on each foot, depending on the species. Then there are a few species with hindlimbs but no forelimbs, and among these some have tiny limbs with two or only one digit on each foot. Finally, a few species are completely limbless.
The Common Girdled Lizard (Cordylus vittifer) is a rock-dwelling reptile found in the South African provinces of Free State, North West, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as in Eswatini and peripherally in Botswana and Mozambique. These lizards are characterised by a ‘girdle’ of thick protective scales, and the first row of scales behind the head forms a distinctive collar.
Imagine a living work of art, a miniature tree that evokes a sense of tranquillity and harmony with nature. Such is the allure of the bonsai tree, an enchanting creation that captures the hearts of nature enthusiasts and artists alike. Bonsai, derived from the Japanese words bon, meaning tray or pot, and sai, meaning planting, or to plant, is a centuries-old practice of growing and nurturing trees in shallow containers, transforming them into exquisite living sculptures.