Tuatara dynamics will be discussed in a public lecture.
Tuatara dynamics will be discussed in a public lecture.
Did you know wasps could have a serious effect on plant pollination?
In a region known as the fruit bowl of New Zealand, it's a concerning thought - one that will be addressed as part of a discussion run by ecology experts from Wellington's Victoria University.
Dr Nicky Nelson andProfessor Phil Lester from the School of Biological Sciences will discuss population dynamics of tuatara and wasps in a public lecture next Wednesday from 5.30pm at EIT.
Mr Lester will cover measures being taken to remove the sting from wasps - one of the country's most abundant and damaging pests. They kill baby native birds as they hatch and attack bee hives for both the honey and larvae. They are attracted to willow aphids, which are prevalent in Hawke's Bay.
"It has been suggested that they are going to affect pollination - they are killing off lots of native insects, they raid bee hives," Mr Lester said.
Numbers would need to be reduced by up to 90 per cent to increase the survival probability rates of their protected prey.
Mr Lester was heading some novel pest control projects as part of a National Science Challenge - using mites, gene silencing and artificial pheromones.
Ms Nelson will speak about the possible extinction of tuatara as a result of climate change, with rising temperatures affecting the species sex ratio. She will present a case study considering environmental impacts, the role of reintroduced populations, and what conservation could do to save tuatara.
- The talk will be held in Lecture Theatre 1 at EIT in Taradale. To book your spot email: rsvp@vuw.ac.nz with 'Napier lecture' in the subject line or call (04) 463 5791 to book by Friday.
