Many of the world’s most evolutionarily distinct species are on the edge of extinction,
yet they receive little or no conservation attention. For example, China’s Yangtze river dolphin and the solenodons of Hispaniola and Cuba, are the last surviving representatives of entire families of mammals, yet are unfamiliar to both conservationists and the public, and are frequently overlooked by current conservation initiatives.
If such evolutionarily distinct species are not highlighted and conserved, then we will not only lose many of the world’s most interesting species, but also greatly reduce the potential for future evolution. The concept of using phylogeny as a tool for setting conservation priorities is presented, with reference to an innovative approach to species conservation currently being developed by ZSL scientists.
The importance of prioritising evolutionarily distinct species and safeguarding global biodiversity, and some practical implications of this approach for mammalian conservation will be discussed.
Introduction by: Barry Gardiner MP, Parliamentary Secretary (Commons), (Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs)
Speakers:
Dr Nick Isaac, Research Fellow, Institute of Zoology, ZSL, London
Dr Arne Mooers, Institute for Advanced Study, Berlin, Germany
Dr Jonathan Baillie, Research Fellow, Institute of Zoology, ZSL, London
Guest Chair:
Dr Andy J. Purvis, Department of Biological Sciences, Imperial College London
SAVING SPECIES ON THE EDGE: FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE
13 March 2007 at 6.00pm in the Meeting Rooms, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park (Outer Circle), London NW1 4RY. For more information, contact Joy Miller: Tel: 020 7449 6227 Email joy.miller@zsl.org
3-COURSE DINNER WITH THE SPEAKERS
A dinner will follow this Scientific Meeting and everyone is welcome. Tickets cost £34 per person including two glasses of wine and need to be booked in advance. To reserve a place please complete and return the booking form by 5pm on Wednesday 7 March.
More information about ZSL Scientific Meetings
The information above is also available in PDF format here.