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Exotic reptiles seminar, Wellington


Aquila

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Hi guys, one of my friends is giving a talk about exotic reptiles in NZ and I thought some of you may be interested so Ive included the email below.

Cheers!

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Dear Colleagues,

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand is pleased to invite you to Octobers' seminar, part of our 2009 Science Seminar Series.

Heidy Kikillus, PhD student at Victoria University of Wellington, will give a seminar entitled:

Great pets or potential pests? Exotic reptiles in New Zealand

Exotic reptiles are popular pets in New Zealand and several species are legally kept in captivity, however the establishment potential and associated impacts for these animals are unknown. Worldwide, reptiles are successful invaders, often implicated in serious ecological and economic disruption. One exotic species has already established in New Zealand (the Australian rainbow skink, Lampropholis delicata). The potential for further establishments is ever present as several species of exotic reptile are legally traded in New Zealand and escapes and intentional releases are commonly reported. This research aims to identify species of exotic reptile that may have the ability to establish in New Zealand, areas of New Zealand that may be susceptible to invasion, and potential impacts associated with their establishment. Methods include bioclimatic and physiological models, as well as disease screening of captive pets and specimens intercepted at the borders.

Heidy Kikillus is a PhD student at Victoria University of Wellington researching exotic reptiles in New Zealand. A trip to the Galapagos Islands in 2001 sparked an interest in invasive species, which led Heidy to New Zealand to complete a Master of Conservation Biology. She is currently in her final year of her PhD.

Date: Tuesday 27th October, 10 am - 11.30 am

Venue: Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace, Level 3, Room 3

Note that the venue is limited to approximately 100 seats, which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested in attending please reserve a seat by replying to this email.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Kind regards

Strategic Science Team

Angela Spackman | Science Adviser | Strategic Science Team

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand | Policy & Risk Directorate

Level 12 | Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace | Wellington 6011

[email protected]

( + 64 (4) 894 0147 | + PO Box 2526, Wellington 6011

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Thanks, Milena. I was going to post this myself, but it looks like you beat me to it.

I just want to reiterate that I am not affiliated with MAF. I was contacted by them and asked to give a talk. It'd be great to see some of you there; I think you'll be pleased with my findings so far.

For those of you who are interested, but don't find the idea of hanging out with MAF folk that appealing, I'd be glad to meet up somewhere else over a beer sometime.

Cheers,

Heidy.

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No problem, Alan.

Additionally, everything is being prepared for publication (including the Salmonella swab summary report that many people on this forum participated in-thanks again). I'll be sure to let you guys know when they come out.

Mystic, there were some positive responses to your last post regarding a reptile club. Maybe the easiest would be to just set a time and place to meet with other local forum members? It'd be nice to put faces with names and could take it from there perhaps?

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