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What does it take to recover endangered species and where does science fit in?

Speaker:
Dr. Kathleen S. Gobush
Institution:
Vulcan Inc.
Seminar date:
Monday, December 5, 2016 - 12:00
Location:
HCK 132

Loss of biodiversity is one of the most significant environmental challenges of our generation. The current rate of species extinction is estimated at more than one thousand times background levels, and wildlife population abundance has declined by more than 50% since 1970 on the basis of data collected from over 14,000 populations of more than 3700 vertebrate species.  How do we begin to improve the situation for these struggling species?  The decision, strategy and execution of a plan to recover an endangered species starts with sound science and importantly requires political buy-in, coalition-building and innovative-thinking.  This talk will focus on my research and experiences over the last 9 years as a wildlife biologist working in a variety of sectors: government, foreign NGO and now corporate, to improve the status of endangered species.  I will illustrate these points by comparing and contrasting two case studies and sharing our latest results on a keystone species with a continent-wide range and an apex predator endemic to a single Pacific archipelago.

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