Past Events
Which Species Are On The ‘Ark’? | Ocean Matters August Lecture
Event Date: 28th August, 2018
About the Event
The Devastating Decline in Amphibian Numbers and What Zoos & Aquariums are Doing
Amphibians, such as frogs and salamanders, face serious threats including habitat loss, pollution, and disease. The threats are so extreme that at least one third of amphibians are threatened with extinction. In 2007, the Amphibian Ark organization was formed to coordinate efforts to save amphibian species with a low chance of surviving in the wild.
The last chance for some species is the establishment of captive populations in zoos and aquariums. But what amphibian species are in these institutions and are they the ones with the greatest conservation need? In this talk, Alannah Biega examined the role that zoos and aquariums were playing in the conservation of this important group of animals. From researching the efforts of institutions worldwide (including a salamander breeding program run by a Mexican nunnery) to presenting her work at one of the oldest zoos in the world, Alannah shared her insight into the novel efforts to save species at the brink of extinction.
About the speaker
Alannah is a graduate of Simon Fraser University, where she pursued a Masters of Science exploring the role that zoos and aquaria play in species conservation. Her interest in this area inspired her to pursue a career at Ocean Wise and she has worked with the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup since Fall 2017. Alannah uses her background in data analysis and public engagement to inspire citizens to make a positive difference in their communities by leading a cleanup at their local shoreline.
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