ANBG Theatrette,
Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601
Canberra, 2601 Australia
Canberra, 2601 Australia
Gavin brings together his research in sociology, ecology and conservation with his expertise in handling snakes.
Abstract
Gavin will reflect on a decade of conservation work with eastern brown snakes (and other reptile species) in the Bush Capital and surrounding region. This work has taken the form of snake rescue, removal, relocation, care, research, education and advocacy. Collectively, it has enabled me to build a detailed perspective on the human—snake and pet—snake conflict, urban encroachment and habitat fragmentation, eastern brown snake biology and behavioural ecology. There is a great complexity and variability within this species even in a relatively small geographical area. I will share some insights on one of Australia’s most misunderstood and feared snakes, and outline some of the conservation challenges it and other species confront.
Biography
Dr Gavin Smith is an Associate Professor at the ANU and the Head of Sociology. His academic work spans the fields of sociology, ecology and conservation. He is also a licensed snake handler in the ACT and NSW. Each year, he fields thousands of calls for assistance from members of the public, and his ACT Snake Removals team work with between 300-400 individual snakes over the course of a season, many of these injured and some requiring veterinary treatment. Smith is the Principal Investigator on the Canberra Snake Tracking Project, an ANU study exploring the spatial and behavioural ecology and population dynamics of urban adapted eastern brown snakes in Canberra and the conservational challenges confronted by this species.
Booking
One-hour talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations to support Gardens’ programs and development and thank all those who have donated.
Please note: unless otherwise indicated, talks are in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; several talks are booked out very quickly. The booking link for each talk is on the www.friendsanbg.org.au/calendar entry for the talk. Bookings can be made about 30 days in advance until Wednesday night before the talk.
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Some summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG Library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au