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Who We Are

Welcome to the Australasian Wildlife Management Society (AWMS), a professional society dedicated to the study and application of scientific wildlife management in the Australasian region. With a diverse membership of wildlife research scientists, managers, practitioners, policy developers, educators, and students, AWMS is at the forefront of promoting applied scientific research and providing pragmatic advice on wildlife management and associated risks.

Our History

In May 1988, in response to the growing need for a committed body focused on wildlife management in Australia and New Zealand, AWMS was established. Our inaugural conference was held in Canberra, setting the stage for decades of impactful wildlife management discussions and initiatives. Since then, AWMS has organised conferences annually, alternating between Australia and New Zealand, culminating in the memorable 30th conference in Katoomba in December 2017.

A Society Driven by Science

At AWMS, we actively encourage the development, dissemination, and adoption of applied scientific research in wildlife management. Through various platforms such as conferences, meetings, workshops, symposia, publications, and online communications, we provide a forum for discussions, knowledge sharing, and professional growth.Our aim is to influence policy and management decisions by offering clear, explicit, and practical advice on wildlife management options.

Key Focus Areas

AWMS addresses a range of critical topics in wildlife management, including vertebrate biological control, research and development advancements, scientific engagement, and the contributions of scientists to society. We tackle challenges such as controlling native herbivory, conserving endangered species, managing exotic predators, and mitigating agricultural damage. Additionally, we explore emerging areas like recovery programs, predictive modelling, and the integration of new technologies such as camera trapping.

Our People

At the heart of AWMS are the dedicated individuals who contribute their expertise and passion to advance wildlife management.
Our people include:

Office Bearers

Jordan Hampton

President

Murdoch University, Perth, Australia

Stuart Dawson

Vice President

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Perth, Australia

Sebastien Comte

Treasurer

Primary Industries NSW, Orange, Australia

Shannon Dundas

Secretary

Primary Industries NSW, Orange, Australia

General Committee Members

Vishnu Ramachandran Menon

Environment NSW, Dubbo, Australia

Susan Campbell

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Albany, Australia

Peter Adams

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Perth, Australia

Sze-Wing Yiu

Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Licoln, New Zealand

Maartin Strauss

University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand

Julia Ryeland

Symbolix Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia

Sonja Elwood

Northern Beaches Council, Sydney, Australia

Tarnya Cox

Primary Industries NSW, Orange, Australia

Committee Positions

Konnie Gebauer

Conference Liaison Officer

University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

Narelle Dybing

Communications Coordinator

National Feral Pig Program, Perth, Australia

Nikki Van de Weyer

Media Coordinator

CSIRO, Canberra, Australia

Wendy Ruscoe

CSIRO, Canberra, Australia

Niraj Meisuria

Student Representative

University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

Patrick Finnerty

Early Career Coordinator

University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

Mandi D’Ombrain

Student Representative

La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

Ex-Officio Positions

Tom Newsome

Immediate Past-President

University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

Life Members

Mike Braysher

Terry Korn

Doreen Culliver

Jim Hone

Peter Fleming