Extinctopedia \;tells a complex 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 fo rm of newly-discovered animals\, and hope that we might hear the warning c all and act to preserve the amazing biodiversity of our fragile planet for future generations to come.
\nYou&rsquo\;re invited to grab your fa mily and friends and join us as Smithsonian scientists highlight informati on found in the Smithsonian&rsquo\;s book\, \;Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost\, what is at risk\, and how we can preserve the diversit y of our fragile planet. In this talk\, you will discover: \;
\n
Animals that are no longer with us
Endangered animals at risk of exti
nction
Organizations that aim to protect animal life
Strategies
for preserving biodiversity
Extinctopedia \;provides a fascinatin
g catalog of life on earth and encourages the reader to find ways of prese
rving the incredible diversity of species\, so we may all thrive and life
itself can endure on this amazing and beautiful planet.
About the Presenters: \;
\nBrian Gratwicke \;is a conservation biologi st and leads the amphibian conservation programs at the Smithsonian's Nati onal Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Brian&rsquo\;s focus is build ing 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 amp hibians back into the wild. At SCBI\, Brian collaborates with Panamanian c onservation biologists and zoo partners to build an ex-situ amphibian faci lity in Panama. The Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project based at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Gamboa maintains and gr ows captive assurance populations of species most heavily affected by the deadly amphibian chytrid fungus. One major research focus is developing ap plied solutions for the amphibian chytrid fungus\, including research into the area of beneficial skin bacteria and identifying genetic traits assoc iated with resistance to the disease. He also conducts research into emerg ing diseases and the effects of climate change on Appalachian salamanders.
\nGratwicke grew up in Zimbabwe and began his conservation work res earching the impacts to freshwater fish in Africa. In 2000\, he was awarde d a Rhodes scholarship that took him to Oxford\, where he studied marine f ish communities in the British Virgin Islands for his doctorate. After com pleting his doctorate\, Gratwicke moved to Washington\, D.C.\, where he wo rked as a program administrator and then assistant director of the Nationa l Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Save the Tiger Fund.
\nDr. Gina Del la Togna \;is a researcher and conservationist\, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Amphibian Survival Alliance and a Research A ssociate at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Dr. Della Togna e arned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences\, with a specialization in Molecula r and Cell Biology\, from the University of Maryland\, USA. Her groundbrea king research focuses on the reproductive biology of amphibians and the de velopment of Assisted Reproductive Technologies for endangered species fac ing challenges in reproduction. As the co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group ARTs and Biobanking working group since 2017 and co-autho r of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP)\, Dr. Della Togna plays a vital role in advancing conservation efforts for amphibian species worl dwide. Additionally\, she is part of the IUCN SSC ASG Atelopus Task Force and member of the Atelopus Survival Initiative\, co-chairing the Ex Situ W orking Group. Dr. Della Togna serves on the Advisory Board of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund\, further showcasing her commitment to species preservation. Her dedication to amphibian conservation extends to her involvement in global\, regional\, and local initiatives\, where she fosters collaborations and spearheads innovative projects to safeguard amp hibian populations. Her expertise and passion have made her a leading figu re in the field of conservation biology\, inspiring positive change for th e future of amphibians and their ecosystems.
\nFree access to The St eve Redan Memorial Author Series is made possible through the support and generosity of the Redan family.
\nRegister online or by calling the library at (973) 584-2400.
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