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Reptiles and Amphibians

There is a close familial bond between reptiles and amphibians. The oldest amphibian fossils date back to around 370 million years ago, while reptiles ‘only’ originated some 320 million years ago.

It is believed that dramatic evolutionary pressures sparked changes that led to amphibians becoming more land based. The main evolutionary changes that led to the origins of reptiles as a distinct but related species were the development of lungs and legs, as well as the laying of hard-shelled external eggs; amphibians, of course, lay softer eggs in water. That there are still many living forms of both groups around today is testimony to their resilience. They have survived major extinction events that killed many other animal forms, and adapted to dramatic changes in their environments – feats that countless other species could not manage.


The Iziko Collections
The Reptile and Amphibian collections are made up of two distinct collections.


Reptile and Amphibian Wet Collection
The wet collection includes many southern African forms. The national and fynbos species are well represented – 80–100% of those known – in these collections. Fynbos cannot support large numbers of reptiles and amphibians, but many of the species are unique (endemic) and, also, under threat. Of particular interest is the collection of Cape material donated by Cape Nature, a provincial conservation agency previously called Cape Nature Conservation. The Iziko South African Museum and its natural history collections continue to receive valuable donations of specimens from this source.


Reptile and Amphibian Osteology Collection
A small number of comparative skeletons are primarily used for identification purposes by archaeologists and palaeontologists. The dry tortoise collection consists of the carapaces (shells) of local species, some with associated skeletons as well.


Keywords

  • Amphibian: A cold-blooded vertebrate animal, distinguished by its aquatic (water-living) gill-breathing larval (early) stages, followed by a terrestrial lung-breathing stage; the group includes frogs and toads.  
  • Fynbos: A distinctive type of vegetation – made up of an astounding 7 700 plant species – found only on the southern tip of Africa. 
  • Reptiles: A cold-blooded vertebrate group that includes snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and tortoises. They are distinguished by their dry, scaly skin, and typically lay soft-shelled eggs on land.
  • Wet collection: Or wet specimens, aka specimens preserved in liquid chemicals.
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Exhibitions & Events

Inside Iziko

Iziko Museums

About

Dear Visitors,

Please note that the Iziko South African Museum will close to the public at 14:00 on Thursday, 13 March 2025, in preparation for the The bicentenary of the South African Museum – a reflection on 200 years of ISAM’s existence.

Thank you for your consideration.

Looking forward to your future visits.

Iziko Management

Dear Visitors,

Please be advised that all Iziko Museums of South Africa sites will close at 13:00 on Monday, 10 March 2025, for a staff activation for the The bicentenary of the South African Museum – a reflection on 200 years of ISAM’s existence.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Iziko Management

Iziko South African National Gallery

Dear Visitor

Please be advised that the Iziko South African National Gallery, will open at 12:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2025.

We look forward to welcoming you to experience the exhibition:
Sue Williamson: There’s something I must tell you, a retrospective.

Regards
Iziko Museums of South Africa

Dear Visitors,

 

Please note that all Iziko Museums will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, 25 December 2024 and

will reopen to the public on Thursday, 26 December 2024.

 

Additionally,  Iziko Bertram House and Iziko Koopmans De Wet will remain closed on Thursday,   

26 December 2024.

 

Wishing you peace and joy over the festive season.

 

Thank you

Iziko Management 

Dear Visitor

Please be advised that the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum will be closed on Thursday, 01 August 2024 due to a power maintenance affecting the entire area.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Iziko Management

Dear Visitor 

 

Iziko Museums’ Winter Operating Hours Update. 

 

Please be advised that the weekend(SAT and SUN) operating hours have been adjusted. 

The museums will open operate from 08h30 to 16h00 on weekends during winter.

 

Saturdays from 08h30 to 16h00

Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium, Iziko South African National Gallery, 

Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum and Iziko Slave Lodge. 

 

Sundays from 08h30 to 16h00

Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium and Iziko South African National Gallery. 

 

By order 

Iziko Management. 

 
Iziko South African National Gallery

Dear Visitor

Please be advised that the Iziko South African National Gallery, will open at 12:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2025.

We look forward to welcoming you to experience the exhibition:
Sue Williamson: There’s something I must tell you, a retrospective.

Regards
Iziko Museums of South Africa