The Koala: Future of An Icon

Please download the Powerpoint Presentation from this forum here (PPT 5.35MB)

WHEN
6.00pm, Tuesday 23 September

WHERE
Harold Lobb Concert Hall, The Conservatorium of Music
Corner Auckland and Laman Streets, Newcastle

COST
$10 (inc GST)

This Forum is based on Dr Stephen Jackson's newly released book "The Koala: Origin of an Icon". Koalas are Australia's favourite cuddly animal, and it is universally recognised they are a great Australian icon, but how much do we really know about these fascinating marsupials?

Respected biologist and author Stephen Jackson will examine not only the ecology, behaviour and history of this extraordinary animal, but also ongoing threats such as disease and habitat loss, and the controversial debate about how to best manage the remaining populations of Australia' favourite marsupial.

Keynote Speaker - Dr. Stephen Jackson

Stephen Jackson has worked in the zoo and wildlife fields over the past 18 years and during this time he has undertaken research on various areas of Australian mammalogy. These include his PhD studies on the ecology of the highly endangered mahogany glider Petaurus gracilis in the forests of north Queensland, for which he is the most published author on the species.

He has also published research on the captive breeding of Tasmanian devils and platypus and published a book titled Australian Mammals: Biology and Captive Management, which is considered the authoritative text book on the subject and for which he received the Whitley Medal for the best natural history book from the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales.

Dr Jackson recently published a book titled Koala: Origins of an Icon in which he critically the species examines its ecology, behaviour and the issues surrounding its conservation and management. One of the key aspects that this book explores is the human element which includes the iconic status of koalas to humans throughout the world and the fierce battles that have been undertaken to protect it.

Current areas of research interest include writing books on Gliding Mammals of the World, Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Mammals and Kangaroos. Dr Jackson is currently a research scientist with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries.