Conference program
The full conference program is now available. Explore the exciting lineup of speakers!
Symposia
Desperate measures: new approaches to conservation and control
The advance of the Anthropocene is forcing wildlife managers to get bold and adventurous when developing ways of navigating uncharted waters. At the same time, technology is making ideas once considered radical increasingly feasible for wildlife management. But new approaches invariably face scientific uncertainty and ethical discussion. This session covers recently conceived or applied solutions to vexing problems in conservation and wildlife-human conflict: the ‘desperate measures’. This symposium welcomes talks on topics spanning new methods for capturing, tracking and controlling wild animals, to assisted migration and rewilding, and all the way to genetic rescue, de-domestication, and de-extinction.
Plenary Speaker
Andrew Pask
Andrew Pask’s Biography
Andrew Pask heads the Evo-Devo-Repro group at the University of Melbourne. His research uses comparative mammalian genetics to identify critical and conserved networks driving key processes in development. His comparative genetics work has led to the sequencing of several marsupial genomes, including that of the extinct Tasmanian Tiger. He uses genome wide, cross species comparisons to define regions of the genome targeted by evolution to drive diversity and adaptation. Andrew established the Thylacine integrated genetic restoration research lab (TIGRR lab) to examine the possibility of de-extinction for this species as well as develop next-generation tools to help preserve and conserve current threatened and endangered marsupial species. Together this work is focused on providing an integrated framework to preserve, conserve and even restore Australia’s unique biodiversity.
Read more about Andrew here.
Cause and effect: reducing what we don’t know
Managers take actions that cost money and then outcomes occur. But how do we assess whether the efforts caused the outcomes, and not some other unrelated events? We must understand this to plan new actions that are more effective. With stronger demonstration of cause and effect, we reduce what we don’t know. We invite speakers to propose talks discussing such topics as causal criteria, strength of causal inference, and demonstrating causality in managing dynamics, in both experimental and observational studies.
Plenary Speaker
Christl Donnelly
Christl Donnelly's Biography
Professor Christl Donnelly CBE FMedSci FRS is the Head of the Department of Statistics at the University of Oxford (United Kingdom), and Professor of Applied Statistics. Christl brings together and develops statistical and biomathematical methods to analysis of epidemiological patterns of infectious diseases, as well as ecology, conservation and animal welfare. Christl was involved in one of the largest wildlife control experiments in the world, the randomised badger control trial conducted in the UK from 1998–2005.
Read more about Christl here.
Traditional owner and land manager symposium
Wildlife management brings together a rich web of contemporary ecological science, social and cultural values, and traditional ecological knowledge. Wildlife management in Australasia must be built on a firm foundation of right-way science, combining both Indigenous and Western knowledge for mutual benefit. This session will be an enlightening symposium where the voices of Traditional Owners and other land managers converge to share wisdom, knowledge, and experiences, in which participants can explore ecological insights, traditional techniques and innovative practices that sustainably manage and conserve our precious landscapes.
Registration
AWMS members enjoy discounted registration fees, so be sure to renew or join as an AWMS member to take advantage of this and other benefits.
Early Bird prices are valid until 15 October, after that Standard registration costs apply. All prices are in AUD$.
Full Conference registrations include:
- access to all presentations over 3 days
- access to the trade exhibitions
- catering for 3 days: morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea
- conference program and abstract book
- 1 ticket for the conference dinner Wednesday 4 Dec 2024
Day Conference registrations include:
- access to all presentations on the chosen day(s)
- access to the trade exhibitions
- catering on the chosen day(s) (morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea)
- conference program and abstract book
Field trips and workshops
Registration for field trips and workshops is opening soon!
Every year the AWMS conference provides a number of pre- and post-conference field trips and workshops. Typically, places are limited, so book early to not miss out. If you are interested in a fully booked field trip or workshop, please put your name on the waitlist in case we receive a cancellation, or can increase the number of places, depending on demand.
AWMS2024 Field trips and workshops:
- 25–29 November 2024. Five-day workshop: SECR – Spatially explicit capture-recapture analysis (PDF)
- Monday, 2 December 2024. One-day workshop: Understanding and using genetics for conservation actions (PDF)
- Monday, 2 December 2024. Field trip: Perth Zoo Captive Breeding
- Thursday, 5 December 2024. Field trip: Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary night tour
- Friday, 6 December 2024. Field trip: Wildlife management on Rottnest Island
- 9–12 December 2024. Five-day worskhop: CTMM – Continuous time movement modelling workshop (PDF)
Sponsors and Trade exhibitors
Sponsor and Trade Exhibitor registration is now open!
For detailed information on sponsorship opportunities and trade stall exhibits at the conference, please contact us at conference@awms.org.au, or download our AWMS2024 Sponsorship Brochure (PDF download) HERE.
We invite your company, organisation or institution to partner with us in delivering this important conference. Your support will help us improve the quality and breadth of the scientific program, facilitate the participation of students, and enhance conference amenities for the benefit of all participants.
We are pleased to offer a broad range of sponsorship and trade exhibit opportunities allowing companies and organisations of virtually any size to engage in the conference. By becoming a sponsor or trade exhibitor, you will effectively elevate your brand among leaders in the field of wildlife management, increase the visibility of your products and services, and provide your staff access to the latest information about best management practices. As a company committed to this field, there is no better place to promote your work than this conference with delegates coming from all levels of government, industry, consulting and academia from Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
