More than 80 researchers, professionals and students gathered in Roca, Argentina, on 9 October to discuss protecting amphibians and reptiles alongside mining and oil development. The symposium examined environmental assessments, biodiversity studies and conservation measures through experiences from Salta and Neuquén. It formed part of the Argentine Herpetology Congress, which brought around 250 researchers, professionals and students to the city for the first time.
More than 80 researchers, professionals and students gathered in Roca, in Argentina’s Río Negro province, on 9 October. Their symposium examined how biodiversity conservation can be included in mining and oil development. It formed part of the Argentine Herpetology Congress, devoted to the study of amphibians and reptiles.[1], [2]
The Patagonian Museum of Natural Sciences organized the session on protecting amphibians and reptiles as extractive activities expand. Experiences from the Argentine provinces of Salta and Neuquén covered biodiversity studies, environmental controls and conservation measures for mining and hydrocarbon projects. Participants also discussed the work of professionals who carry out environmental assessments. The symposium took place in the Diario Río Negro auditorium.[1]
The congress runs from 8 to 10 October, with around 250 researchers, professionals and students from Argentina, Chile, Peru, Brazil and the United States. Roca is hosting it for the first time. Activities are spread across the museum, the Spanish Association and the newspaper’s auditorium. The wider programme includes palaeontology, climate change and new technologies for studying amphibians and reptiles.[1]
The museum is presenting eight investigations. Research on the Valcheta frog, native to Río Negro’s Somuncura plateau, is included in the 10 October programme. A workshop on herpetological collections is planned for Sunday.[1]
