Communicating Science: Success and failure in conserving species of extreme rarity

Success and failure in conserving species of extreme rarity: lessons to be learnt? - a ZSL Science and Conservation Event.

In August 2007, the Yangtze River dolphin, or baiji, was declared functionally extinct. Decline of the species had been documented over several decades until searches indicated that as few as 13 animals might exist. An intensive recovery programme was proposed as the only remaining option to save the species. However, the programme failed to gain wider support because the risk of failure was deemed too high.

Elsewhere, numerous intensive recovery programmes have successfully brought species back from the brink of extinction. Famous examples include the Mauritius kestrel, Chatham Island black robin and southern white rhinoceros.

As an increasing number of species teeter on the edge of extinction, we ask what factors contribute to the success or failure of species-specific conservation programmes. Is there more to it than luck and, if so, how can we ensure that lessons from the past are used to prevent extinctions of the future?

Talks:

Assessing conservation success: lessons from the Arabian oryx and other desert antelopes
Tim Wacher, Wildlife Biologist, Conservation Programmes, ZSL;

Facing extinction: what lessons can we learn from the Po'o-uli?
Jim Groombridge, DICE, University of Kent; and

Sumatran and Javan rhino conservation: a rare chance of success?
Cathy Dean, Director, Save the Rhino International

Organised by Carly Waterman, Conservation Programmes, ZSL, and Sam Turvey, Institute of Zoology, ZSL.

Please note that this event has already taken place.

Success and failure in conserving species of extreme rarity Communicating Science event abstracts (79 KB)

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 download 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