|
Frogs are Dying - who cares?
Professor Michael Tyler (University
of Adelaide) and Dr Arthur White
(Biosphere Environmental Consultants) Should we let some species die out so that we can more effectively save the rest? Perhaps if we attempt to cover them all, we might be ineffective in saving any. Should we lift the ban on exporting Australian wildlife? Handled well this could lead to breaking the back of the illegal market and provide money for much needed research. Michael Tyler is a leading researcher in the Department of Zoology at the University of Adelaide. He received the 1997 Eureka ‘Promotion of Science’ prize for his achievements in bringing to public notice the results of his research. He has a talent for combining light hearted banter with serious concern in a campaign designed to promote interest in the biology, ecology and the plight of frogs. Michael Tyler, the President of the Royal Zoological Society of Australia, illustrates his passion for frogs through his 16 books on the subject. His research with frogs has led to the identification of compounds which can form the basis for a range of effective drugs. His interests also lie in the plight of our endangered species and, given that basic funds are inadequate, his talk will raise some difficult questions. Arthur White Director of Biosphere Environmental Consultants. Specialising in faunal studies of rare and threatened frogs and reptiles, Arthur has worked on frogs since 1968, including several long-term studies. Since 1990, he has conducted extensive research on the Green and Golden Bell Frog documenting its decline. Arthur also conducts research into Australian fossil turtles and has published many scientific papers. The Frogs and Tadpoles Society (FATS) Any one interested in contacting FATS, for instance to find out how to build their own garden pond and make it frog-friendly, should write to: FATS SciPub is held the last Wednesday of the month in the Duke of Edinburgh pub, 152 Harris Street, Pyrmont, 2009 from 7-9pm. Telephone (02) 9660 8146. UBD Map ref pg235 P10. Park at Star City if coming by car. For further information on `Science in the Pub' please contact Robyn Stutchbury on rstutch@ozemail.com.au of Peripatus Productions Pty Limited, 1 Carisbrook Street, Lane Cove 2066, Tel: 02 9427 6747, Fax: 02 9418 9605 Next Science in the Pub session, 24 June 1998 Science and
the Media: Friend or Foe?
|
||||||||
 Science
in the Pub™, © 2000. Stutchbury, R, Burton, M. |
|||||||||
