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In a rapidly-changing world filled with anthropocentric pressures on the natural environment, it is often wildlife that pays the ultimate price. The polar bears are dying, the water levels are rising and the outlook seems to become increasingly bleak... There are a few however, who have made it their mission to step in and try to right these wrongs. From conservationists to researchers, join us for a night of talks discussing a range of current projects aimed at taking back control.
The Potential Role of Zoos in the Prevention of Polar Bear Extinction
Douglas Richardson
(Head of Living Collections at Highland Wildlife Park)
Well managed captive populations can often make the difference between extinction and survival for a range of species. There is a growing list of species that only exist in the wild because of managed reintroduction programmes using zoo populations. The wild populations of polar bears are diminishing due to climate change and other human induced factors. It is likely that within 50 years, the wild population will be severely diminished and fragmented. Will the captive population be required to augment what is left in the wild, and is reintroduction of an apex Arctic predator even possible?
Bogs and Forestry: Why We Need to Cut Down More Trees
Mr. Josh McCahill
(Earth Sciences Research Student)
An introduction into the ambitious peatlands restoration work being carried out in the flow country.
Biological Clocks of Animals in a 24/7 World
Ms. Robyn Womack
(Postgraduate Researcher)
Humans and other animals have an inner body clock that ticks away with a rhythm of around 24 hours, otherwise known as a circadian rhythm. These clocks control much of our biology, from daily timing of our metabolism to immune system and sleep. Robyn will explore the potential impacts that living in a modern 24/7 society lit with light pollution can have on our own biological rhythms, and the clocks of other animals that share our environment, using examples from her own research on wild birds in the city of Glasgow.
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