Join us for the next event in: Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University Excellence Series. This series has been designed to showcase leadership in various disciplines including the opportunity to promote the University’s distinctive and impactful applied research. This series celebrates research excellence and promotes a public forum to a broader community, highlighting Lincoln University’s specialist land-based contribution to driving New Zealand’s prosperity and intergenerational wellbeing.

Since the Predator Free 2050 goal was announced in 2016, over 5000 groups and iwi have registered to conduct predator control in their communities, supported in their actions by the Predator Free New Zealand Trust. Conservation has increased immensely, with 18 landscape-scale projects funded by the government through Predator Free 2050 Ltd.

Clearing the NZ mainland of possums, rats, and mustelids is indeed an ambitious goal. These landscape-scale projects, covering over 750,000 hectares, are a testament to the monumental effort and progress made thus far. However, with only 55,000 hectares currently declared pest-free, some have questioned the feasibility of this goal. Opponents suggest that other pest species are being overlooked and stress the crucial need for more scientific expertise in conservation management decision-making.

Join us as Professor James Ross discusses the highs and lows of the Predator Free 2050 goal over the past decade. He will also discuss recent research work with Pest Free Banks Peninsula and highlight what he believes needs to happen in the next decade.

Tuesday 10th September 2024

4.00pm - 5.30pm

R2, Ross Building

Timings

4.00 pm - Networking and drinks

4.15 pm  - Welcome & introduction from LU Vice-Chancellor

4.20 pm - Presentation from Speaker

4.50 pm - Summary

5.00 pm - Networking and questions over drinks and nibbles

5.30pm - Event Ends

About Our Speaker

Professor James Ross

My research (over the past 20 years) has focused on the sustained control of introduced mammalian pests in New Zealand. At Lincoln University, I am currently a Professor of Wildlife Management and a Co-Director of the Centre of Wildlife Management and Conservation. I am also the coordinator for the Masters of Pest Management (Vertebrate stream) and Masters In Nature Conservation programmes. Outside Lincoln University, I am the “Improved Toxins and New Devices” champion in the National Science Challenge (Biological Heritage). I am also on the Taranaki Mounga, Zero Invasive Predators, and Pest Free Banks Peninsula Technical Advisory Groups.

Research profile James Ross

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