Latest news with #DylanLeonard
Mail & Guardian
3 days ago
- Science
- Mail & Guardian
New species of rain frog discovered in SA
Breviceps batrachophiliorum. In the damp, grassy slopes of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, an unassuming amphibian has leapt into the scientific spotlight. Named Breviceps batrachophiliorum – Latin for 'frog-loving people' – this newly described species of rain frog is a triumph of taxonomy and a compelling example of the intersection of citizen science and academic rigour. Professor Louis du Preez of the North-West University (NWU) led the discovery, drawing on his long and distinguished career as a herpetologist. The breakthrough came thanks to three passionate frog enthusiasts: Nick Evans, Dylan Leonard and Cormack Price. They set out on a mission to spot and document every frog in Prof du Preez's field guide. One night, after some heavy rain, they set out to find the elusive Bilbo's rain frog (Breviceps bagginsi), named after Bilbo Baggins, from The Lord of the Rings, who also lived in a hole in the ground. When they found what they believed to be a Bilbo's rain frog, they sent a photograph and an accompanying call recording to Prof du Preez. 'There was something curious,' recalls Prof du Preez. 'I thought they had mixed up the images and the sounds. But when I pointed this out, they sent a video, and that's when I realised that we were looking at a new species.' What followed was a meticulous analysis process, detailed in the African Journal of Herpetology. The team employed an integrative approach, blending morphology, genetics and, crucially, bioacoustics. The frog's call, a vital identifier in such a visually cryptic genus, diverged sharply from those of its closest relatives. Genetically, it showed a 7.5% difference in mitochondrial 16S rRNA compared to Breviceps verrucosus. This clear signal indicated that this frog was not only new to science, but also worthy of its own species status. Though short-limbed, round-bodied and earth-toned, B. batrachophiliorum is far from plain. Its eardrum is unusually visible, a rare feature among its kin, and the position of its mouth sets it apart from B. verrucosus. In acoustic terms, its calls are shorter, faster and more frequent than those of similar species. Such subtleties are crucial in frog courtship and therefore in species recognition. Prof du Preez and his co-authors, EC Netherlands and LR Minter, also stress the importance of this discovery for conservation. With an occupancy area of just 1 108 km², this frog's habitat is largely restricted to three types of mistbelt grassland in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Although some populations occur within protected areas such as the Clairmont Nature Reserve, the species' limited range raises concerns about its vulnerability to habitat destruction and climate change. This tale is about more than just taxonomy. It is also a cautionary tale about the fragility of ecological knowledge. The new frog was once misidentified as Bilbo's rain frog (Breviceps bagginsi), a mistake with far-reaching consequences. The description of the new species means that Bilbo's rain frog is now only known to exist in one population in a highly transformed area, and as a result, its conservation status jumped to critically endangered. With the correction in place, the true distribution range of both species can be assessed more accurately. This is a small but vital victory for conservation science. Importantly, the discovery highlights a broader trend. Since 2000, over a third of Breviceps species have been described, a surge largely driven by advances in molecular biology and acoustic analysis. South Africa, with its rich and still unfolding biodiversity, is at the heart of this amphibian renaissance. Ultimately, Breviceps batrachophiliorum is more than just another new name in a long list. It serves as a reminder that discovery still hides in plain sight, and that with enough passion, patience and a bit of rain, even the quietest calls can be heard. • Follow the link to the article here:
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Western United players finally paid overdue wages ahead of semi-final
Western United players have received a boost ahead of their tough task in Saturday night's A-League semi-final second-leg battle against Melbourne City, having been paid their overdue wages. United was slapped with breach notices by Professional Footballers Australia on Tuesday from players who were owed wages and superannuation. The PFA confirmed on Friday that monthly salaries had since been paid, although superannuation fees were still owed. United coach John Aloisi said his players hadn't let the turmoil affect them, and that there would be no excuses if his team failed to overturn City's 3-0 first-leg lead at AAMI Park. 'It (late pay) has happened more than once, so we've been able to deal with it in the past,' Aloisi said. 'The players won't use it as an excuse. I'm sure they'll be ready for (Saturday) night no matter what the news was during the week, because it's news that got out but something that we've been dealing with internally for a period of time. 'My job, the whole year, even when we've gone through some difficult circumstances which have been there for a period of time, is to keep the boys focused on playing well and preparing well, and it's been the same this week. 'We know it's an uphill battle in terms of turning around three goals but the focus is just on winning the football game and seeing where that takes us.' Teenage United defender Dylan Leonard said he 'couldn't care less' about being paid late. 'I'm getting to play in a semi-final against Melbourne City with an opportunity to go to play in a grand final in my first year of professional football, so I'm going to go out there, enjoy it and try to make the most of it,' Leonard said. 'The experienced boys in our team have made it clear that you don't get to play in a semi-final very often.' In a boost for United, star striker Noah Botic has fully recovered from a quad injury and is set to start after being restricted to a late cameo last Friday night. 'He's ready to go. He's better for that 20 minutes had last week,' Aloisi said of Botic. 'It's a big plus to have Noah feeling physically fit and mentally right. He's feeling good about himself, he's feeling sharp, and when a striker's feeling sharp, you just want to get out on the pitch every time you can.' City coach Aurelio Vidmar was expecting an onslaught from United. 'They're going to throw everything at us, and you'd expect them to do that,' Vidmar said. 'We have to be ready mentally. Physically, we're in a really good spot at the moment.' 'It's going to be a fight. It always is.'
Perth Now
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
The 17-year-old who swapped school for A-League finals
Dylan Leonard is getting a different education this year. While his mates are preparing for exams, the 17-year-old Western United sensation is studying up on strikers under the tutelage of one of Australia's greatest ever marksmen. United coach John Aloisi can't stop praising the talented young centre-back who has looked mature beyond his years at the heart of defence. And Leonard is soaking up every bit of Aloisi's advice. "He says to play with confidence, especially when you make mistakes - don't change, don't do anything different, like you're there for a reason," Leonard told AAP ahead of his finals debut. "Play the way you play." Last year, Leonard was juggling studies and football. But battling with fatigue, he dropped out earlier this year. Leonard started believing he could belong at A-League level when he went toe-to-toe with Melbourne City stars Marco Tilio and Andrew Nabbout in a pre-season friendly. After a calf injury to James Donachie created a starting opportunity, Leonard hasn't looked back. Leonard could have gone with the Young Socceroos to the U20 Asian Cup - where they won silverware and U20 World Cup qualification - but chose to stay behind to cement his spot at United. He has no regrets. "As much as an honour it is to play for your country, for me, I felt like the right footballing decision was to stay," Leonard said. "We had a few tough games coming up, and I wasn't too happy with the way I was playing, and really wanted to get back onto the next game and get better. "I felt if I'd gone away, it wasn't the right thing for me or for the team. "I'm happy they won it. It brings a lot of confidence and shows the level of Australian football." Leonard, whose family is Scottish, dreams of one day playing for Celtic, while he'd love to emulate former Sydney FC young gun Hayden Matthews in cracking the Socceroos. "It shows that the coaches are willing to put trust in young players," he said. "That's something the A-League's starting to do as well, not just the national team, and it's paying off. "There's a lot more players going overseas, and then because of that, we're building a better national team." After beating Auckland last Saturday to seal third place, Western will host Adelaide United in their elimination final at Ironbark Fields on Friday night. Although golden boot winner Archie Goodwin (hamstring) won't feature, Leonard is wary of Adelaide's attack. "I wouldn't be surprised if they threw something different at us this week," Leonard said.
West Australian
07-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
The 17-year-old who swapped school for A-League finals
Dylan Leonard is getting a different education this year. While his mates are preparing for exams, the 17-year-old Western United sensation is studying up on strikers under the tutelage of one of Australia's greatest ever marksmen. United coach John Aloisi can't stop praising the talented young centre-back who has looked mature beyond his years at the heart of defence. And Leonard is soaking up every bit of Aloisi's advice. "He says to play with confidence, especially when you make mistakes - don't change, don't do anything different, like you're there for a reason," Leonard told AAP ahead of his finals debut. "Play the way you play." Last year, Leonard was juggling studies and football. But battling with fatigue, he dropped out earlier this year. Leonard started believing he could belong at A-League level when he went toe-to-toe with Melbourne City stars Marco Tilio and Andrew Nabbout in a pre-season friendly. After a calf injury to James Donachie created a starting opportunity, Leonard hasn't looked back. Leonard could have gone with the Young Socceroos to the U20 Asian Cup - where they won silverware and U20 World Cup qualification - but chose to stay behind to cement his spot at United. He has no regrets. "As much as an honour it is to play for your country, for me, I felt like the right footballing decision was to stay," Leonard said. "We had a few tough games coming up, and I wasn't too happy with the way I was playing, and really wanted to get back onto the next game and get better. "I felt if I'd gone away, it wasn't the right thing for me or for the team. "I'm happy they won it. It brings a lot of confidence and shows the level of Australian football." Leonard, whose family is Scottish, dreams of one day playing for Celtic, while he'd love to emulate former Sydney FC young gun Hayden Matthews in cracking the Socceroos. "It shows that the coaches are willing to put trust in young players," he said. "That's something the A-League's starting to do as well, not just the national team, and it's paying off. "There's a lot more players going overseas, and then because of that, we're building a better national team." After beating Auckland last Saturday to seal third place, Western will host Adelaide United in their elimination final at Ironbark Fields on Friday night. Although golden boot winner Archie Goodwin (hamstring) won't feature, Leonard is wary of Adelaide's attack. "I wouldn't be surprised if they threw something different at us this week," Leonard said.
