Savannah RiverEcology LaboratoryPartners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Press Release
For immediate release
Scientists gather to raise awareness of reptiles as environmental indicators
NASHVILLE -- Scientists from across North America will gather in Nashville this week for the first national toxicological forum that specifically addresses reptiles, the least considered class of vertebrates with regard to environmental contaminants. The session will bring together experts in reptile conservation, population biology, and toxicology to discuss the current state of reptile toxicology and the challenges that lay ahead in this young discipline. The scientists will present broad concepts and case studies to create a foundation for future research and regulatory activities.
Citing global declines of certain reptiles and the lack of study on these animals, the organizers of the session say the meeting will be particularly important in defining the role of scientists, risk assessors, and the regulatory community in studying this increasingly important environmental issue.
Dr. Whit Gibbons, a professor of ecology at the University of Georgia and a leading herpetologist, says, "Reptiles are not only a major part of the environment, but also they are good indicators of problems related to environmental contaminants. Because they are long-lived and tend to stay in the same area for long periods, compared with better-studied animals, they may provide insight into how environmental contaminants may affect humans." Gibbons will give the opening address to the scientists at the session.
Organizer Bill Hopkins says greater study of reptiles is needed. He says, " If the scientific community's goal is to fully understand the impact of pollutants on the environment, I don't see how we can omit such an important component of the ecosystem."
The meeting, hosted by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, will be held at the Nashville Convention Center on Thursday, November 16.
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CONTACTS:Rosemary Forrest803-725-2473[email protected] PARC PR
Bill Hopkins803-952-7427University of Georgia
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory
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