Big Cats and Other Beasts: the use of assisted reproductive technologies for the conservation of endangered carnivores

Dr Chris Andrews

Lecture 7.30 pm Palmerston North Central Library, George Street,

Chris is a Lecturer in Animal Genetics and Breeding in the Animal Science Group at Massey University. His expertise and research interests are in the fields of animal reproductive physiology, stress physiology and the effects of stress on the reproductive performance of animals, and the use assisted reproductive technologies in a conservation setting. Chris has a particular passion for enhancing the conservation value of captive carnivore populations through the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). This presentation will discuss the value, current challenges, and future directions of ART for both the conservation of endangered carnivores. An emphasis will be placed on endangered felids (cat species), as this is where the majority of Chris’s research has focused to date. 

ADVANCE NOTICE: 2022 AGM

The 2022 AGM of the Manawatū Branch of the Royal Society Te Apārangi will be held on 15 November at 6.30 pm, in advance of the November lecture which will be given by Dr Trisia Farrelly on her work on plastics and waste minimisation. (Although we held the deferred 2021 AGM earlier in 2022, we still need to hold a 2022 AGM.)

Please do consider standing for the Branch Council, and for one of the elected roles of president, treasurer, or secretary. The roles of president and secretary are currently vacant, and for the health and continuity of the branch it is vital they are filled at this AGM.  If you wish to stand for one of these positions, or for the committee, please email Margaret Tennant: matennant@xtra.co.nz. You can also be nominated on the night.

The Shear Zones that hold back the ice sheets.
David Prior, University of Otago

September Meeting (in combination with Manawatū Branch, Geoscience Society of NZ)

Dave will deliver a talk that will showcase the lateral thinking of using geophysical and geological methods to study the physics of ice, which is also highly relevant to our society as it informs ice sheet modelling and predictions for a warmer world.

This work will appeal to both professional scientists and the general public, and will include some entertaining examples of field work in Antarctica, the vital participation of students, and the need for scientific teamwork.

7.30 pm Wednesday 7 September (Note change from usual date) Palmerston North Central Library, George Street,