University of Otago zoology senior lecturer Phil Bishop
examines a frog in his laboratory. Photo by Craig Baxter.
University of Otago frog researcher Dr Phil Bishop has
been named Auckland Zoo's inaugural Conservationist of the
Year.
The former co-leader of the Native Frog Recovery Group won
the award for his extensive work in frog research, and
communicating the conservation message about frogs to the
wider community.
Mad about frogs and toads since the age of 4, Dr Bishop said
New Zealand's four native frogs were the most evolutionarily
distinct and globally endangered amphibians in the world and
should be national figures like the kiwi and tuatara.
"We have the most significant frogs in the world, and several
species are in danger of becoming extinct in our lifetime.
It's morally irresponsible for us to sit back and document
their declines without working to prevent their extinction,"
he said.
Dr Bishop received $1000 towards a frog conservation project.
The award was particularly special as it was the global Year
of the Frog.
"I've pulled out all stops to ensure as many people as
possible find out about these frogs and how we can help
them."
The Young Conservationist of the Year award went to Isabella
Wilson, of Auckland, for her campaign against the use of palm
oil.
Auckland Zoo conservation officer Peter Fraser said Dr Bishop
and Isabella were shining examples of how people with passion
and drive could really make a difference.
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