The butterfly effect

University of Queensland researcher Dr Trevor Lambkin has spent decades compiling a first of its kind database of the butterfly species of the Torres Strait Islands, boosting biosecurity and conservation measures in the region. Dr Lambkin’s research collates data back to 1843 and details butterfly species from across 38 islands, islets, and cays of the Torres Strait. The database lists 227 butterfly species and will help local officials address the impacts of climate change, other human threats and weeds.

“My work has created detailed checklists and distribution maps of butterfly populations on each island for the first time, and this specific information will assist in future conservation measures. As butterflies are prone to move from place to place, they’re very good yardsticks for use in predicting invasions of pest species,” said Dr Lambkin. Read more

What keeps vets awake at night

Tasmanian veterinarian and PhD candidate Dr Edie Bishop has written about the crisis facing the Australian veterinary industry in an article for Forty South, sharing her own experiences to raise awareness of the issues veterinarians are facing.

“I do not want to face the stress of being a vet full-time anymore. A close friend and colleague recently took his own life. It shocked and saddened me, and made me realise that, no matter how much I care about being a vet, and looking after and helping animals, none of it is worth the compromise to my own health,” said Dr Bishop.

She finished with a plea for understanding: “And please, remember that vets are people too, and they are doing their very best. They are taking a lot of their work home with them at night, the good and the bad – but it is usually the bad that will keep them awake.” Read more