Dr Peter Caley - ‘So, how many foxes were there in Tasmania?’

Was there a widespread breeding population or not? Peter, a CSIRO research scientist, will discuss some of the challenges involved in inferring the presence of foxes in Tasmania.

Abstract

Reports of deliberate fox introductions in 1999 and sightings of foxes leaving a ship at Burnie docks in 1998 sparked concerns about the potential impact on native wildlife.

Some claimed there was a widespread breeding population of foxes in Tasmania and were concerned about their effect on wildlife. Others reckoned the eradication program a waste of money and seemed vindicated when a fox population failed to materialise. Peter, a CSIRO research scientist, will discuss some of the challenges involved in inferring the presence of foxes in Tasmania.

Biography

Peter is a research scientist with the CSIRO who applies quantitative methods to address problems in the environmental, agricultural and health sciences. The dynamics of animal populations as applied to the invasion of pests and pathogens particularly interest him.

Bookings open on 23 May at https://www.trybooking.com/DALFR