Joan Procter: Dragon Doctor - The Extraordinary Life of a Pioneering Herpetologist

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

by Patricia Valdez

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	50746 KB
Print length	:	41 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Joan Procter was one of the most remarkable and influential herpetologists of the 20th century. Her groundbreaking work on the behavior, ecology, and conservation of reptiles and amphibians revolutionized the field and earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and students.

Procter was born in England in 1897. Her fascination with animals began at an early age, and she spent much of her childhood exploring the countryside, collecting insects, and observing wildlife. She attended the University of Bristol, where she studied zoology and botany. After graduating, she worked as a junior assistant at the British Museum (Natural History).

In 1926, Procter was appointed as the curator of reptiles and amphibians at the London Zoo. This was a prestigious position, and Procter quickly became known for her innovative approaches to animal care and research. She established a breeding program for endangered species, and she developed new methods for studying the behavior and physiology of reptiles and amphibians.

Procter's work at the London Zoo wasinterrupted by the outbreak of World War II. She volunteered for the Women's Voluntary Service, and she spent the war years working in a hospital, driving an ambulance, and caring for evacuees.

After the war, Procter returned to the London Zoo and resumed her work with reptiles and amphibians. She also became increasingly involved in conservation efforts. She was one of the founders of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN),and she served as the organization's president from 1960 to 1963.

Procter retired from the London Zoo in 1962, but she continued to work as a consultant and advisor to conservation organizations around the world. She also wrote several books and articles about reptiles and amphibians, and she gave lectures and workshops throughout the world.

Procter died in 1984, but her legacy lives on. She was a pioneer in the field of herpetology, and her work helped to shape our understanding of reptiles and amphibians. She was also a passionate conservationist, and she dedicated her life to protecting endangered species.

Procter's Work on Reptile and Amphibian Behavior

Procter was a pioneer in the study of reptile and amphibian behavior. She was one of the first scientists to use naturalistic observations to understand the behavior of these animals. She spent hours observing reptiles and amphibians in the wild, and she was able to make many important discoveries about their social interactions, mating behaviors, and communication systems.

Procter was particularly interested in the behavior of venomous snakes. She conducted a series of experiments to study the venom of the Indian cobra, and she was able to show that the venom is not only deadly but also has a number of other effects on its victims. Procter's work on venomous snakes helped to improve our understanding of these animals and their venom, and it also led to the development of new antivenoms.

Procter was also interested in the behavior of amphibians, and she conducted a number of studies on the mating behavior of frogs and toads. She was able to show that the mating behavior of these animals is not as simple as it appears, and that there is a lot of variation between different species. Procter's work on amphibians helped to improve our understanding of these animals and their reproduction.

Procter's Work on Reptile and Amphibian Ecology

Procter was not only interested in the behavior of reptiles and amphibians, but also in their ecology. She was one of the first scientists to study the ecology of these animals in their natural habitats. She conducted a number of studies on the distribution, abundance, and population dynamics of reptiles and amphibians.

Procter's work on reptile and amphibian ecology helped to improve our understanding of these animals and their role in their ecosystems. She was able to show that reptiles and amphibians are important predators, prey, and competitors in their communities. She also showed that reptiles and amphibians are sensitive to environmental changes, and that their populations can decline as a result of habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.

Procter's Work on Reptile and Amphibian Conservation

Procter was a passionate conservationist, and she dedicated her life to protecting endangered species. She was one of the founders of the IUCN, and she served as the organization's president from 1960 to 1963. Procter was involved in a number of conservation projects, including the re of the Galapagos tortoise to its native islands, the establishment of a breeding program for the Komodo dragon, and the protection of the rainforests of Central and South America.

Procter's work on reptile and amphibian conservation made a significant impact on the conservation of these animals around the world. She helped to raise awareness of the importance of reptiles and amphibians, and she helped to develop strategies for their protection.

Procter's Legacy

Procter was a pioneer in the field of herpetology, and her work helped to shape our understanding of reptiles and amphibians. She was also a passionate conservationist, and she dedicated her life to protecting endangered species. Procter's legacy lives on in her books and articles, in the conservation organizations she helped to found, and in the work of her students and colleagues.

Procter was a remarkable woman who made a significant contribution to the field of herpetology. She was a brilliant scientist, a passionate conservationist, and an inspiring teacher. She will be remembered as one of the most influential herpetologists of the 20th century.

Additional Resources

* The Joan Procter Trust: https://www.joanproctertrust.org/ * The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): https://www.iucn.org/ * The Zoological Society of London: https://www.zsl.org/

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

by Patricia Valdez

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	50746 KB
Print length	:	41 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE