FRIENDS FREE FLOOR TALK
Eagle CSI: Investigating causes of death in Tasmania’s threatened birds of prey
Birds of prey play an essential role as both predators and scavengers within Tasmanian ecosystems. However, throughout their range, raptors face various threats that can lead to injury or death, potentially impacting the future success and survival of wild populations. In 2021 a partnership between TMAG and TasNetworks was established to provide fresh insights into circumstances leading to death and therefore develop strategies to avert those dangers.
In this talk we will hear from TMAG’s technical officer, Dr Judy Clarke, who uses forensic and veterinary tools to investigate mortality in wild Tasmanian raptors, particularly Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagles, white-bellied sea-eagles and grey goshawks. We will learn about some of the techniques used to help determine causes of death, and gain insights into factors that could be contributing to fatalities in these charismatic species.
We will also see how the samples and specimens collected are used at the museum for cutting-edge research and learn about how this information is used to help guide the mitigation measures being implemented by TasNetworks and windfarm operators to reduce the likelihood of harmful interactions of raptors with human infrastructure.
This is a FREE EVENT and you are welcome to bring non-member friends.
