From the 5th to the 10th of January, I attended the 9th World Congress of Herpetology in Dunedin, New Zealand. The conference draws the best herpetologists in the world, and as a young and upcoming scientist, it was a massive honour and a privilege. South Africa was well represented at the conference, with Mike Bates, Warren Schmidt, Gary Kyle Nicolau, Emily Jackson, Alan Channing, Shelley Edwards and Werner Conradie in attendance.

At the conference I presented my research on the Psammophylax genus, to an international audience, something that proved to be a new and exciting experience.

Whilst in New Zealand, I took the opportunity to see the limited herpetofauna at a local reserve. Although behind glass, I managed to see the fabled tuatara, something that many herpetologists only dream of. I also saw a handful of other reptilian species, but no amphibians, sadly. All in all, the conference was a great experience. I made loads of new friends, and expanded my horizons as a scientist. I look forward to the next conference with bated breath. Borneo, here I come.