TAMS are putting out the call for someone to do a PhD on European Wasps:
Rangers from Parks and Conservation Services are working with researchers at the University of Canberra to investigate the biological impacts of European wasps. To do this, the university has established a PhD scholarship, for which they are seeking applications from prospective candidates.
“European wasps are no strangers to Australians, particularly during the warmer months when they make their presence known,” said Brett McNamara, Manager Regional Operations, ACT Parks & Conservation Service.
European wasps are one of the most invasive insect pests globally. They are a social wasp that thrive in suburbia as well as wilderness areas.
“A huge increase in the number of European wasps in recent years has sparked the question into the impacts on their environment.
“Despite the increase, there is limited information on their biological impacts, as the major focus has been on control methods to lessen their impacts on humans, before now.
“We think that European wasps have a significantly negative impact on our native environment as predators to native invertebrates, in competing for food with native wildlife and by disrupting plant pollination.
“We will work with the PhD candidate to provide insight and guidance into this important research. The findings from the research will help to inform how European wasp control is managed in the future,” Mr McNamara said.
[Photo Courtesy TAMS]
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