INVITATION

INVITATION TO ATTEND 3rd ICRBM

Dear colleagues:

Since the first International Conference on Rodent Biology and Management (ICRBM) was successfully launched in October 1998, in Beijing, China, the ICRBM has attracted much attention from worldwide experts in many fields of rodent studies. The 2^nd ICRBM held in February 2003, in Canberra, Australia, built on the tremendous foundation of the inaugural meeting. More than 145 people from 35 countries attended the 2^nd ICRBM. Now the ICRBM has become a very important platform for academic exchanges and collaboration among scientists internationally.

Rodents are the most important group of mammals in terms of species number, abundance, scope of distribution and their impact on the livelihoods of people. Due to increasing human disturbances and climate anomalies in the new century, we are now facing more challenges in dealing with the impacts and conservation of rodent species in agricultural, forested, peri-urban, urban and natural landscapes. A strong understanding of the ecology and social behavior of rodents has proven to be essential in the management of rodent problems. Since the 2^nd ICRBM, there have been many exciting developments in the study of rodent biology and management, and in our understanding of rodent systematics. And there has been a noticeable increase in studies of rodent-disease interactions, including rodent zoonoses.

We are very pleased to announce that the 3^rd ICRBM will be held from August 28 to September 1, 2006, in Hanoi, Vietnam. A highlight of the conference will be the plenary program that will consist of eight invited presentations. The conference will end on a high note with an overview of the week's presentations by Professor Charles Krebs. Of course, the conference will also have stimulating symposia, posters and workshops. The conference will provide a unique opportunity to further develop the synergy between rodent biology and management. Plus there is the bonus of meeting in a magnificent setting: the beautiful city of Hanoi with its long and colorful history.

On behalf of the organizing committee, we invite all of our friends and colleagues from across the scientific disciplines and around the globe, to come and participate in this important conference.

Sincerely

Professor Zhibin Zhang, Co-chair

Professor Nguyen Van Tuat, Co-chair

December 2005