Anne Innis Dagg Lecture: A Personal Perspective on the Promises and Perils of the Single-Species Approach for Addressing Biodiversity Loss

Attendance in person or via Zoom

Celebrating the remarkable career of Anne Innis Dagg, who performed ground-breaking work on giraffe biology, behaviour and conservation despite the systemic barriers she faced and who has served as an inspiration to women in science. 

Lecture by Dr. Justina Ray, President and Senior Scientist of Wildlife Conservation Society Canada with reception to follow. 

• Doors open 6:30 p.m.
• Lecture 7 p.m.
• Reception 8 p.m.

Summary of Lecture
Many of us are drawn into the field of wildlife conservation by a profound empathy for imperiled species affected by human activities. As scientists, we focus on particular species as a means to achieve broader understanding of ecological dynamics and drivers of change. These individual species not only ignite public passion but also are useful as management tools. While governments have traditionally favored single-species management approaches, two emerging trends are challenging this paradigm. First, as the list of endangered species continues to grow, our current system is stretched beyond its limits. Second, our understanding of biodiversity has expanded well beyond the handful of species we typically prioritize, and the critical connections between biodiversity, climate, human well-being, and economic prosperity are becoming increasingly apparent. Both are compelling a paradigm shift towards multi-species and ecosystem perspectives. Drawing from my personal experiences as a wildlife biologist and conservationist, I will explore the implications of this shift for how we save species that share this planet amidst the escalating complexity of global environmental challenges.