Feral professor wins science 'Oscar'

Claudia Doman

18 August 2010: Tony Peacock — the Feral Professor — was awarded the Australian Museum’s Eureka prize for science communication last night.

Professor Peacock, chief executive of the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, at the University of Canberra, took out the award ‘Promoting Understanding of Science’ for his efforts in communicating the devastating effect of feral animals on Australia’s environment and farmers. 

The awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of Science', were announced at last night’s ceremony in Sydney. This prize recognises and promotes the efforts of people who work to bring science to the general public in understandable, engaging ways.

“It’s nice to have recognition of the importance of making sure the community hears about feral animals and the interesting activities we are doing to hinder their impacts,” Professor Peacock said.

Professor Tony Peacock wins Eureka prize for promoting understanding of science

A report released last year by the Invasive Animals CRC reveals the economic impact of rabbits, wild dogs, mice, foxes and feral pigs and pest birds is estimated at over $740 million per year.

“The figure is just the tip of the iceberg. It doesn’t consider the environmental nor social costs of invasive animals. We haven’t attempted to estimate the costs on our fragile biodiversity by putting a dollar figure on our precious native species that are killed by animals like foxes or cats,” he said.

Using social media, as well as radio segments, he consistently discusses the issues relating to feral animal impacts and their management, generating interest and raising awareness within Australia and across the globe.

"Professor Peacock is a born communicator. He has a warm, informative and engaging style which makes him a sought-after media performer who is popular with audiences, particularly on radio," Frank Howarth, Director of the Australian Museum, said.

One of Professor Peacock’s priorities is striving to stop the next wave of invasive animals from entering Australia. He has influenced policy-making regarding the importation of potentially harmful species, and has campaigned strongly against the introduction of hybrid pets — animals with a mix of wild and domestic genes. His repeated warnings of the likely devastating impact of Savannah Cats on Australia's environment convinced the Federal Government to ban their importation in 2008.

For more information about the prize visit: http://eureka.australianmuseum.net.au/eureka-prize/promoting-understanding-of-science3