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\nExtinctopedia& nbsp\;tells a complex story\, not just of those who are extinct but a lso 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 b een rediscovered\, hope in the form of newly-discovered animals\, and hope that we might hear the warning call and act to preserve the amazing biodi versity of our fragile planet for future generations to come.
\nYou& rsquo\;re invited to grab your family and friends and join us as Smithsoni an scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian&rsquo\;s book \, \;Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost\, what is at risk\, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet. In this talk\, you will discover: \;
\nExtinctopedia \;provides a fascinating catalog of life on earth and encourages the reader to find way s of preserving the incredible diversity of species\, so we may all thrive and life itself can endure on this amazing and beautiful planet.
\nAbout the Presenters: \;
\nBrian Gratwi cke \;is a conservation biologist and leads the amphibian con servation programs at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biol ogy Institute. Brian&rsquo\;s focus is building capacity to conserve amphi bians in Appalachia and Panama\, developing outreach and educational progr ams and exhibits to build public support for amphibian conservation\, and research to develop tools to reintroduce amphibians back into the wild. At SCBI\, Brian collaborates with Panamanian conservation biologists and zoo partners to build an ex-situ amphibian facility in Panama. The Panama Amp hibian Rescue and Conservation Project based at the Smithsonian Tropical R esearch Institute in Gamboa maintains and grows captive assurance populati ons of species most heavily affected by the deadly amphibian chytrid fungu s. One major research focus is developing applied solutions for the amphib ian chytrid fungus\, including research into the area of beneficial skin b acteria and identifying genetic traits associated with resistance to the d isease. He also conducts research into emerging diseases and the effects o f climate change on Appalachian salamanders.
\nGratwicke grew up in Zimbabwe and began his conservation work researching the impacts to freshw ater fish in Africa. In 2000\, he was awarded a Rhodes scholarship that to ok him to Oxford\, where he studied marine fish communities in the British Virgin Islands for his doctorate. After completing his doctorate\, Gratwi cke moved to Washington\, D.C.\, where he worked as a program administrato r and then assistant director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 's Save the Tiger Fund.
\nDr. Gina Della Togna \;is a researcher and conservationist\, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Amphibian Survival Alliance and a Research Associate at t he Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Dr. Della Togna earned her Ph. D. in Biological Sciences\, with a specialization in Molecular and Cell Bi ology\, from the University of Maryland\, USA. Her groundbreaking research focuses on the reproductive biology of amphibians and the development of Assisted Reproductive Technologies for endangered species facing challenge s in reproduction. As the co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Gr oup ARTs and Biobanking working group since 2017 and co-author of the Amph ibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP)\, Dr. Della Togna plays a vital role in advancing conservation efforts for amphibian species worldwide. Additi onally\, she is part of the IUCN SSC ASG Atelopus Task Force and member of the Atelopus Survival Initiative\, co-chairing the Ex Situ Working Group. Dr. Della Togna serves on the Advisory Board of the Mohamed bin Zayed Spe cies Conservation Fund\, further showcasing her commitment to species pres ervation. Her dedication to amphibian conservation extends to her involvem ent in global\, regional\, and local initiatives\, where she fosters colla borations and spearheads innovative projects to safeguard amphibian popula tions. Her expertise and passion have made her a leading figure in the fie ld of conservation biology\, inspiring positive change for the future of a mphibians and their ecosystems.
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