Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

Vertebrate pest animal control and research is a relatively small area of activity within the agricultural and environmental fields. However, it is critical for agricultural productivity and biodiversity. There is much to be gained by having vertebrate pest controllers and researchers collaborating worldwide. The critical mass achieved through collaboration will result in faster registration of new products, better implementation of new methods, and increased skills within vertebrate pest units. The plain fact is that vertebrate pest control involves the killing of animals, sometimes those with iconic status. Having the public, or even other scientists, recognize the need for animal control can be complicated because of people’s natural concern for the welfare of animals. Those involved in the sector must become better advocates for the agricultural and biodiversity benefits of animal control. Although it is very uncomfortable for many scientists, they must face up to community dialogue in all its modern forms, and not simply rely on scientific reports and published papers speaking for themselves.