Shrinking habitats, species survival: Earthwatch lecture
On Thursday 16th October, Earthwatch, the international environmental charity, will host its third lecture of 2008 - ‘Shrinking Habitats, Species Survival' - at London's Royal Geographical Society. Two Earthwatch scientists will give first-hand accounts of their vital work with volunteers to conserve endangered species and habitats in South Africa and Mongolia.
Brown Hyena
In South Africa the brown hyena is regionally threatened, with fewer than 1,700 individuals remaining. At least half of these animals are trying to survive in farmlands where they are often perceived as pests by landowners, and are persecuted and killed as a result. Dr. Dawn Scott will talk about the plight of the brown hyena in South Africa, and how the research she has been undertaking for the last four years is leading to a better understanding of the remaining populations of these beautiful and shy animals.
Argali sheep
Mongolia is rich in wildlife, but many species are coming under increasing pressure from mineral exploitation, over-grazing by domestic livestock, and the provision of body parts for traditional Chinese medicine. Earthwatch scientist Dr Rich Reading's work in the country focuses on the extraordinary argali sheep and a wide range of other local species, from vultures to lizards. Rich and his team have helped to initiate conservation management activities. They also work closely with local people to increase their support for conservation, and are training Mongolian scientists to conduct their own research and conservation projects.
When & where
Doors open at 6pm and there will be a cash bar from 6pm to 7pm. The lecture will run from 7pm - 8:30pm and the bar will be open again from 8:30 - 9:30pm. It takes place at the Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR.
Tickets to this event are free, but by reservation only. You will be asked for a small donation on arrival. To book, please call our Events Officer on 01865 318856, or e-mail events@earthwatch.org.uk. For more information about Earthwatch events visit www.earthwatch.org/europe/events.html
Earthwatch would like to thank The Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa for supporting the 2008 Earthwatch lecture series
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