Extinction dynamics in Chinese river dolphins and giant salamanders: interdisciplinary insights from China's freshwater social-ecological systems
Abstract: Chinese freshwater ecosystems have historically supported high levels of endemic biodiversity, but these systems have been severely impacted by anthropogenic modification, degradation and resource extraction associated with both local and external pressures. China's endemic freshwater cetacean, the Yangtze River dolphin, has recently become extinct, and its endemic radiation of giant salamanders (the world's largest amphibians) has been critically depleted across all wild habitats. Establishing a robust understanding of the extinction drivers and dynamics for China's freshwater biodiversity, and potential recovery solutions for its surviving aquatic megafauna, must address both the ecological and human dimensions of local freshwater-dependent biocultural systems. In this talk, we explore the complementary conservation insights that can be obtained from ecological and social science research into China's freshwater megafauna, including field surveys, local and traditional ecological knowledge, and trade dynamics. This integrated approach is necessary to provide an evidence-base to guide restoration of China's depleted freshwater biodiversity.
Speaker: Samuel Turvey, Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London
IGB Colloquia open up!
IGB strives to facilitate and accelerate the exchange of knowledge and ideas within and also outside of IGB. One element contributing to inter- and transdisciplinary exchange, and more (scientific) cooperation and innovation, is to open up IGB Colloquia to an interested external audience from science (other research institutes, universities, laboratories) as well as practice (i.e. conservationists, freshwater/land-use managers, authorities, associations). If you would like to join this IGB Colloquium as a guest, we ask you to register until the morning of the colloquium 10 o'clock the latest. After we have checked your registration, you will receive the participation link.
