Scientist names frogs, reptiles in SA's languages

WHILE many were baking banana bread during the Covid-19 lockdown, South African herpetologist Dr Fortunate Phaka has undertaken a groundbreaking project to ensure that South Africa’s frogs, snakes and lizards could be named in its nine official indigenous languages.

- WENDY JASSON DA COSTA

For years, these amphibians and reptiles were known by their scientific or English names which meant little to the communities where many of them were found. Now, thanks to a multilingual effort led by Phaka, an academic at North West University, that has changed. Through his research, with the support of a team, a unique name for each frog or reptile species across all our languages is now available.

"Now I use a name they recognise, which saves time, prevents confusion, and increases engagement with the animals," he said.

The results of the interdisciplinary research which spanned biology, linguistics and cultural preservation were published in the African Journal of Herpetology. Now there are 4887 indigenous names for the 543 species of amphibians and reptiles found in South Africa.

But it's about more than just names.

"When people can call these animals by a name in their own language, it raises awareness," he said.