'Termites, Fire and Cane Toads' draws a crowd

Natural and Applied Sciences Prof. Bob Howe presented “Termites, Fire and Cane Toads: Ecology in Australia’s Northern Territory,” Friday, Oct. 14, as part of the NAS Seminar Series. Nearly 50 faculty, staff, students, community members and and faculty emeriti jammed in Room ES 317 for the presentation about Australia’s “Top End.”

“Between Darwin and the inland deserts supports a landscape of monsoon woodlands, drought-tolerant grasslands, rich Aboriginal heritage, and one of the most unusual and interesting ecosystems on earth.” Howe, the Barbara Hauxhurst Cofrin Professor of Natural Sciences described the profound effects of termites, Aboriginal humans, and more recent settlers on the plants and animals of this region. Howe conducted his dissertation research on birds in eastern Australia more than 30 years ago.

Prof. Howe and his wife, NAS Associate Prof. Amy Wolf, have traveled widely in Australia, and this seminar included a description of their recent (August 2011) trip to the “Top End.” The event is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Office of Grants and Research.

Mark your calendars for Oct. 28 when Prof. John Katers presents “Life Cycle Inventory for Wood Pellet Manufacturing in Wisconsin.”

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