SDHS Monthly Meeting - November 2025

November SDHS Monthly Member Meeting

Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Casa Del Prado, Room 104 — Balboa Park (1650 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101)

This Month’s Topic:

“Review of the Biology, History, and Some Next Steps for Fijian Iguana Conservation”

Guest Speaker:

Dr. Robert N. Fisher, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

Join us for a fascinating evening as we welcome Dr. Robert Fisher, renowned herpetologist and conservation scientist, for a presentation on the Fijian iguanas — their natural and historical diversity, major conservation challenges, and the ongoing efforts to protect them within their native range.

Dr. Fisher has been working in Fiji since 1984, combining fieldwork, conservation science, and biosecurity expertise to help shape strategies for species protection and ecosystem resilience. His talk will also touch on the complexities of captive populations, both legal and illegal, and the implications for global conservation.

About Dr. Robert Fisher

Over the past 30 years, Dr. Fisher’s research has focused on understanding the Anthropocene and applying that knowledge to conservation planning and species recovery across southern California and the Pacific Island Nations. His team integrates modern tools like genomics, satellite telemetry, and movement modeling to study species ranging from sea snakes and golden eagles to invertebrates, parasites, and pathogens.

Dr. Fisher has contributed to major advances in reserve design, biosecurity, and wildlife trafficking prevention, and has worked with partners such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to close legal gaps that threaten endangered species. With over 300 peer-reviewed publications, he continues to bridge science, policy, and real-world conservation outcomes.

Learn more about his work through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS):

• USGS Profile: Robert N. Fisher – Western Ecological Research Center

• USGS Feature: USGS and San Diego Zoo Scientists Studying Fijian Iguana

• Research Paper: Molecular and Morphological Analysis of the Critically Endangered Fijian Iguanas (PMC, 2008)

What to Expect

Connect with fellow reptile and amphibian enthusiasts for an evening of science, community, and conservation insight! Meetings include:
Engaging talks from experts
Live reptile and amphibian encounters
☕ Light refreshments and networking
Community updates and event announcements

Mark your calendars!
Our regular meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM.
Free and open to the public — all are welcome!

Please register here! 

For updates and membership info, visit sdherpsociety.org or follow @sdherpsociety on social media.