Science Public Lecture - Napier

Date: 19 August 2015 Time: 5.30 pm

Victoria University of Wellington invites you to a free public lecture to be presented by Dr Nicky Nelson and Professor Phil Lester from the School of Biological Sciences.

Extinction vortex or successful re-establishment for tuatara?

Understanding the mechanisms underlying population growth or decline is critical for preventing the extinction of endangered populations. Dr Nelson will present a case study of a male-biased sex ratio in a natural population of tuatara, contrasting it with the re-establishment of tuatara locally. She will also discuss the potential effects of climate change and conservation action on tuatara populations.

What can we do about wasps? A national science challenge

Social wasps are one of our most widespread, abundant and damaging pests. It has been estimated that wasp numbers need to be reduced by 80–90 percent to effect an increase in the survival probability of our native animals. Professor Lester will discuss novel pest control projects underway with the National Science Challenge for this cause, including using mites, gene silencing and artificial pheromones.

If you would like to attend, please email rsvp@vuw.ac.nz with ‘Napier lecture’ in the subject line or phone 04-463 5791 by Friday 14 August.