Extinctopedia \;tells a compl ex story\, not just of those who are extinct but also of those in greatest peril\, with explanations of what threatens their survival. It is also a story of hope&mdash\;hopes for animals that have been rediscovered\, hope in the form of newly-discovered animals\, and hope that we might hear the warning call and act to preserve the amazing biodiversity of our fragile p lanet for future generations to come.
\nIn this talk hosted by Smith sonian scientists\, you will discover:
\nExtinctopedia \;provid es a fascinating catalog of life on earth and encourages the reader to fin d ways of preserving the incredible diversity of species\, so we may all t hrive and life itself can endure on this amazing and beautiful planet.
\nAbout the Presenters: \;
\nBrian G ratwicke \;is a conservation biologist and leads the amphibia n conservation programs at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Brian&rsquo\;s focus is building capacity to conserve amphibians in Appalachia and Panama\, developing outreach and educational programs and exhibits to build public support for amphibian conservation\, and research to develop tools to reintroduce amphibians back into the wil d. At SCBI\, Brian collaborates with Panamanian conservation biologists an d zoo partners to build an ex-situ amphibian facility in Panama. The Panam a Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project based at the Smithsonian Tropi cal Research Institute in Gamboa maintains and grows captive assurance pop ulations of species most heavily affected by the deadly amphibian chytrid fungus. One major research focus is developing applied solutions for the a mphibian chytrid fungus\, including research into the area of beneficial s kin bacteria and identifying genetic traits associated with resistance to the disease. He also conducts research into emerging diseases and the effe cts of climate change on Appalachian salamanders.
\nGratwicke grew u p in Zimbabwe and began his conservation work researching the impacts to f reshwater fish in Africa. In 2000\, he was awarded a Rhodes scholarship th at took him to Oxford\, where he studied marine fish communities in the Br itish Virgin Islands for his doctorate. After completing his doctorate\, G ratwicke moved to Washington\, D.C.\, where he worked as a program adminis trator and then assistant director of the National Fish and Wildlife Found ation's Save the Tiger Fund.
\nDr. Gina Della Togna \;is a researcher and conservationist\, currently serving as the Exec utive Director of the Amphibian Survival Alliance and a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Dr. Della Togna earned he r Ph.D. in Biological Sciences\, with a specialization in Molecular and Ce ll Biology\, from the University of Maryland\, USA. Her groundbreaking res earch focuses on the reproductive biology of amphibians and the developmen t of Assisted Reproductive Technologies for endangered species facing chal lenges in reproduction. As the co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Amphibian Speciali st Group ARTs and Biobanking working group since 2017 and co-author of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP)\, Dr. Della Togna plays a vital role in advancing conservation efforts for amphibian species worldwide. A dditionally\, she is part of the IUCN SSC ASG Atelopus Task Force and memb er of the Atelopus Survival Initiative\, co-chairing the Ex Situ Working G roup. Dr. Della Togna serves on the Advisory Board of the Mohamed bin Zaye d Species Conservation Fund\, further showcasing her commitment to species preservation. Her dedication to amphibian conservation extends to her inv olvement in global\, regional\, and local initiatives\, where she fosters collaborations and spearheads innovative projects to safeguard amphibian p opulations. Her expertise and passion have made her a leading figure in th e field of conservation biology\, inspiring positive change for the future of amphibians and their ecosystems.
\nDisclaimer: \;
\nThe views expressed by presenters are their own and their a ppearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not cons titute an endorsement or recommendation by Indianapolis Public Library.
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