The University of Queensland is a leader in wildlife science with the best specialist animal research and veterinary facilities in the southern hemisphere, including a $3.5 million captive breeding facility which is part of a new conservation project in south-east Queensland.
The facility currently houses species such as Mahogany gliders and Bridled Nail-tail wallabies.
The University hosts world-class research and teaching expertise in wildlife science, through its Schools of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Biological Sciences, Veterinary Science and Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Associate Professor Peter Murray of The University of Queensland’s School of Agriculture and Food Sciences said UQ was conducting wildlife research in species as diverse as koalas, tree kangaroos, dugongs, saltwater crocodiles, prawns and other crustacea, wombats, and bilbies.
He said managing wildlife as an important resource was one strategy among many that together could achieve important conservation goals.
“UQ’s teaching programs include a three-year Bachelor of Wildlife Science, with honours study available from 2017, leading to potential higher degree study options, or careers in a variety of government and private organisations from wildlife sanctuaries and zoos to land management and conservation and marine resource organisations,” he said.
Associate Professor Murray said wildlife science equipped graduates to implement and evaluate policy aspects of wildlife conservation management programs.
“Scientists in this field study the biology, management, ecology, conservation management and human-wildlife interactions associated with ‘wild animals’ such as native and exotic mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds in natural or created environments,” he said.
“Students learn wildlife trapping, identification and handling skills and develop strong scientific knowledge of wildlife anatomy and physiology, breeding, reproduction, nutrition, health, husbandry, ecology, welfare and behaviour.
“Our undergraduate students also have the opportunity to undertake a three-week international experience elective in Southern Africa, and to complete a Certificate IV in Captive Animals as part of their studies.”
UQ hosted the original “Conservation through Sustainable Use of Wildlife conference” in 1994, which brought together landholders, scientists, industry and non-Government organisation representatives to discuss this important topic. The 2016 conference will review progress made since that time.
This year’s Conservation through Sustainable Use of Wildlife Conference will be held from 30 August - 1 September 2016 at the Pullman Brisbane King George Square, in Brisbane.
Media: Associate Professor Peter Murray, peter.murray@uq.edu.au, +61 7 54601256.
