Focus on kangaroos at forum

Want to know more about kangaroo behaviour, movement and physiology?

A forum will be held at Deception Bay Environmental Hub next week with an expert who will reveal what she knows.

The second in the ‘Summer Series of Environmental Sustainability Community Awareness Forums’ will be held on October 17 from 7-9pm.

The events are a collaboration between Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG), Redcliffe Environmental Forum (REF) and the University of Sunshine Coast (UniSC).

The keynote speaker will be Jasmin Annett BSc (Hons) from UniSC.

She is a PhD candidate under the doctoral supervision of Dr. Christofer Clemente, Associate Professor in Animal Ecophysiology and Group leader of the Biomechanics and Biorobotics lab.

Jasmin specialises in quantitative movement and behavioural ecology, and has published work on the behavioural differences of Mahogany Gliders and Brushtail Possums using accelerometers and AI.

She is passionate about using technology to broaden our understanding of animal movement in a bid to better conserve and protect native wildlife.

Jasmin is working on a PhD in Kangaroo movement, using hi-tech collars to derive fine-scale estimates of habitat use across Australia.

ESRAG spokesman Peter Row says the Summer Series is an opportunity for presenters to share their scientific knowledge on environmental sustainability topics.

“Then we will be encouraging the people attending to take action. That is, talk with their family and friends; talk with their government representatives at all levels to ensure that Land Use is managed with minimal impact on our native flora and fauna,” Peter explains.

“We can do more together than we can apart. Community awareness is a start. Some attendees may want to be hands-on and help with our various projects —walk the walk, having talked the talk.”

Peter says while kangaroos are not an endangered species, they do face many threats that make them vulnerable.

“Wild kangaroos hopping from bushland onto major roads place wildlife, car drivers and passengers at risk. This is a uniquely Australian problem. Understanding the movement of Kangaroos near urban areas or major highways may save lives and kangaroos,” he says.

Anyone interested in attending can register with Bob Crudgington (REF) on 0487 770 087 or via email at [email protected]