A leading ecologist and conservation biologist will examine the challenges facing the preservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecosystem functioning during a public lecture next week.
In an address entitled “The preservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecosystems in a changing world”, Professor Sue Carthew will examine one of the major threats to biodiversity, habitat fragmentation.
Professor Carthew is Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Engineering, Health, Science and the Environment at Charles Darwin University. The lecture will be CDU’s final professorial lecture for 2012.
Using research conducted in southern temperate and semi-arid systems, Professor Carthew will discuss how habitat fragmentation can influence small mammal community composition and affect population connectivity and persistence.
“We’re battling everything from climate change to the rapid expansion of mining activities, as well as pressures from the need to feed the world to the continuing drive for economic growth,” Professor Carthew said.
Her research combines interests in mammal ecology, conservation biology and threatened species conservation and plant-pollinator interactions. She has authored a number of books and journals that reflect her research role in conservation biology, ecological management and breeding systems.
The lecture will be held at the Nitmiluk Lounge, Level 4 Parliament House, on 15 November 2012 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
RSVP by 12 November 2012 to rsvp@cdu.edu.au or (08) 8946 6554.