GEORGE NEWS - Georgians are invited to help with a rescue effort of chameleons this evening, 23 May, in the piles of cut branches from storm-damaged trees in the park in Union Street near Correctional Services.
The initiative follows several similar efforts in search of chameleons across George over the past week after heavy storms and flooding uprooted and damaged trees in suburbs throughout the city.
"It is urgent that we do something before the debris is removed," says Donatella Pontesilli, organiser of tonight's event, “Search in Union”. It will take place from 17:30 to 20:00.
“We invite people of all ages to take part to locate chameleons. The whole family is welcome. Participants should please bring a charged torch, containers for safely moving chameleons if needed, and scissors or clippers for cutting small twigs,” says Pontesilli.
Cash prizes will be awarded during the search:
- R400 for the person who finds the most chameleons
- R250 for the largest group taking part
- R100 for the first group to find 20 chameleons
- R50 for the first person to find 10 chameleons
- R50 for the first chameleon found
Recent rescue drives elsewhere in George have seen dozens of chameleons recovered from piles of storm debris before municipal teams removed the branches.
“We really need public involvement to protect the little reptiles during the clean-up operations. I hope that people do the
A WhatsApp group was started for communication regarding the Union Street effort and can be joined by following this link.
CapeNature in response to chameleon rescue efforts has stressed these should prioritise the long-term wellbeing of the animals and surrounding ecosystem.
"Any small wildlife removed from fallen trees and branches should be placed back onto natural vegetation as close as possible to where they were found, preferably on the same property. Where no suitable nearby habitat is available, or where animals have been rescued from garden refuse dumping sites, they may be released in a safe and suitable nearby area," said CapeNature.
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