University of Adelaide researchers are playing a key role in the conservation of Australia’s unique mammals – 87% of which are found nowhere else in the world.
They will share their research progress at a Research Tuesdays seminar – Mission Mammal – at the University of Adelaide next week, Tuesday 13 August.
The researchers are applying advanced techniques to:
track species’ distribution through ancient fossil and DNA records
fight diseases, such as koala retrovirus and devil facial tumour disease
understand urban adaptations, such as in Adelaide’s grey-headed flying foxes.
Professor Kris Helgen is Professor of Biological Sciences and Deputy Director of the University of Adelaide’s Centre for Applied Conservation Science. He’s worked professionally in over 50 countries, and documented and named dozens of previously overlooked living mammal species. His research focuses especially on fieldwork and research in museum collections to document the richness of life and explore global change.
Dr Liz Reed is a Research Fellow in the University of Adelaide’s School of Physical Sciences, a member of the University’s Environment Institute, and an Honorary Research Associate with the South Australian Museum. Her research centres on the rich deposits of fossils in the Naracoorte caves, and how these findings can help us conserve our animals for the future.
Dr Wayne Boardman was a zoo veterinarian and is now a dedicated wildlife veterinarian and passionate conservationist. He is Senior Lecturer in Wildlife and Conservation Medicine and Veterinary Biosecurity in the University of Adelaide’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. His current research includes the diseases of koalas, and the ecology and epidemiology of viral infections in Australian flying foxes.
Chelsea Graham is a PhD candidate in the University’s School of Animal and Veterinary Science. Her research is an interdisciplinary project conducted in collaboration with the Adelaide Medical School, focusing on conserving the Tasmanian Devil.
WHAT: Research Tuesdays seminar: Mission Mammal
WHERE: The Braggs lecture theatre, University of Adelaide, North Terrace campus
WHEN: 5.30 – 6.30 pm, Tuesday 13 August 2019
COST: Free — registration required at www.adelaide.edu.au/researchtuesdays/
Robyn Mills, Media Officer, University of Adelaide. Phone: +61 (0)8 8313 6341, Mobile: +61 (0)410 689 084, robyn[email protected]