Dr Karl’s random facts a highlight
Ibis’ have learnt how to eat cane toads safely
I love Cairns. I’ve spent a lot of time in Far North Queensland as I used to test drive 4WDs around Cape York
DR KARL KRUSZELNICKI
AUTHOR, scientist and TV personality Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has revealed Queensland’s iconic ibis’ have developed a way to eat cane toads without getting poisoned.
Dr Karl will host two presentations at the Cairns Tropical Writers Festival (CTWF) in February.
“The ibis’ have learnt to flip cane toads on their back eat their abdomen out because toxin comes from primary glands on its back near its ears,” Dr Karl said.
He will speak on a range of issues including future career paths for high school students and climate change on Friday February 24.
Dr Karl’s first presentation, aimed at high school students, will focus on careers in computing, artificial intelligence, basic science, genetics and climate change.
His second presentation, which will be open to an audience of all ages, will be on Friday night, with Dr Karl promising light, witty and entertaining.
“I haven’t written it yet. I like to get the vibe of the local area and the audience but I might talk about why it’s safer to fall from 23 storeys than seven storeys.
“I’m always writing new material,” Dr Karl said.
The presentation will be his first at the Cairns Tropical Writers Festival.
“It’s the first time they’ve asked me to present and I’m very happy to do it.
“I love Cairns. “I’ve spent a lot of time in Far North Queensland as I used to test drive 4WDs around Cape York,” Dr Karl said.
The
Cairns Tropical Writers Festival
(CTWF) is a biennial event that has not been held since 2018 due to Covid restrictions in 2020 and 2022.
CTWF president Jules Steer is confident this year’s festival will be a resounding success.
Dr Karl is known for his quirky science facts which he speaks about on radio stations across Australia. He has also written almost 50 books since 1984.