Presentation by Dr Andrew Osborn
QVMAG – Inveresk
Sunday, 6th May 2012 Commencing 2.30 pm until 4.30 pm
About the Speaker
Dr Osborn gained his PhD at the UNSW in zoology and entomology. He worked for CSR, and later became head of Biology and Chairman of the School of Science at Capricornia CAE. He was Science Liaison Officer in the Research Department of the Reserve Bank. He came to Tasmania to become Head of School of Applied Science in the TCAE/TSIT where he later also became Head of Department of Aquaculture, the establishment of which led to very important developments in aquaculture in this State. Dr Osborn is currently Emeritus Professor, University of Tasmania and Honorary Research Associate, QVMAG.
Brief Abstract of the Talk
The talk will describe research initiatives to date on Lake Pedder by Prof. Nigel Forteath and Dr Osborn in conjunction with several other researchers. These studies span more than twenty years. Two genera and seven species of invertebrates will be discussed, all of which are new to science. The crucial importance of maintaining relatively stable water levels in the lake on populations of many invertebrate species will be discussed. The biology of a lacewing, Sisyra pedderensis, with aquatic larvae is to be elaborated upon. In addition the talk will focus on the fates of a number of invertebrates that have not been seen since the expansion of Lake Pedder in the 1970s or have been seen only once. A preliminary long-term ecological study will demonstrate how essential it is for a regular sampling programme to be undertaken as opposed to infrequent snapshots for a species.
