Trouble in Paradise

AIB Symposium 9th Nov 2008

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The AIB will be running a one day symposium at the RMIT University on Sunday 9th November. The day will start at 12pm with the AGM and election of office bearers and the symposium proper will then start at 1pm for guests and non-members and conclude at 5pm.

Title:  Trouble in Paradise (emerging threats to Australian native animals).

Speakers confirmed to date:

• Prof Hamish McCallum – University of Tasmania - Tassie Devil Facial Tumour Disease
• Dr Alex Hyatt – Australian Animal Health Labs -  Chytrid Disease of Frogs
• Mr Ian Penrose – Yarra River Keeper
• Anne Musser – The Australian Museum – Challenges facing monotremes

Early Bird Registration (to 16 October) available
Special rates for members
Special rates for non-members joining AIB on the day!

The symposium will look at current research and recent trends in disease and other threats to native fauna and the interactions between various factors. Current media interest tends to concentrate on each threat individually. In this symposium we will take a more integrated approach to our unique Aussie wildlife.

For instance;

• Tasmanian devils are under real threat from facial tumour disease.  This relatively recent disease does not appear to be caused by an infectious organism but rather appears to be a contagious cancer spread by biting.
• The chytrid fungus cause serious infections in native amphibians and is involved in the dramatic decline in Australia’s frog numbers and speciation.
• The Yarra River, being so close to urban areas is under constant threat.  How do these threats affect the animal river dwellers and those other fauna that depend on the river for their existence?
• The Murray Darling Basin system is under direct threat from our sustained drought and other factors.  How is this affecting native animal species in the MDB?

The questions are endless and the answers are few.  At this scientific meeting we will explore these important threats to Australia’s native fauna and make recommendations for future management of our unique wildlife