Communicating Science: ‘Re-wilding' Europe and the return of predators

‘Re-wilding' Europe and the return of predators - a ZSL Science and Conservation Event.

Over the last decade Europe has witnessed the comeback of native large predators, with species such as lynx, wolverines or wolves exhibiting increasing distribution and population numbers across Western Europe.

This recent comeback has proven to be extremely beneficial for ecosystems, helping to control over-abundant prey species and maintain plant and habitat diversity. However, the presence of these predators has also meant increased wildlife/human conflicts, such as livestock predation and competition with hunters.

What are the ecological, economical and cultural implications of ‘re-wilding’ and should it be supported by reintroductions?

Talks and speakers:

Thorsten Wiegand, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Germany;
Modelling tools to better understand the dynamics of large carnivore reintroductions (1.2 MB)

Restoring and managing wolves in Sweden
Guillaume Chapron, Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Swedish University of
Agricultural Sciences;

Does the lynx have a cat's chance in modern Britain?
David Hetherington, Cairngorms National Park Authority; and

Rewilding the UK: reintroduction for restoration
David Macdonald, WildCRU, Zoology Department, University of Oxford

Organised by Nathalie Pettorelli, Rosie Woodroffe and Sarah Durant.

'Re-wilding' Europe and the return of predators Communicating Science event abstracts (103 KB)

Please note that this event has already taken place.

This event in the 'Communicating Science' series will begin at 6.00pm (doors from 5.00pm) and talks are scheduled to finish at 7.30pm; admission is free and open to everyone (no advance booking or registration required). This event will be held in the ZSL Meeting Rooms and seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

A dinner with the speakers will follow this event and places must be booked in advance. Please see above dinner booking form for further information.

ZSL Science and Conservation Events: An essential part of ZSL's work is to communicate relevant, high-quality zoological and conservation science. The integrated ZSL Science and Conservation Events programme includes Symposia, and the new 'Wildlife Conservation' and 'Communicating Science' series. Topics cover a wide variety of zoological and conservation themes, and international experts present and discuss their research.

Further Information: please contact Joy Hayward, Scientific Meetings Coordinator, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY.
Tel:+44 (0)20 7449 6227. Fax: +44 (0)20 7449 6411. E-mail: joy.hayward@zsl.org.

Related links
ZSL Science and Conservation Events
Map showing ZSL Meeting Rooms
Directions to ZSL London Zoo
UN International Year of Biodiversity