The School of Anthropology and Conservation event is pleased to offer an online Conversations in Conservation Taster Event for undergraduate applicants and enquirers on Tuesday 1 December 2020, 14:00-15:30. Book your place now.
Professor Bob Smith, Director of the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE): DICE leads the way
The staff and student community at DICE firmly believe that mixing natural and social science approaches to conservation science are what is needed to meet the big socio-environmental challenges of our times. The recent award of the prestigious Queens Anniversary Prize to DICE is a proud moment for the DICE community and an indication that the work we do is making a difference.
Professor Jim Groombridge, Professor of Biodiversity Conservation, is an academic member of DICE staff who teaches on the BSc Wildlife Conservation programme. Jim’s passion for wildlife conservation started when he undertook a year-long work experience placement in Mauritius working with critically endangered birds. Hear about this and similar experiences from two of our Student Ambassadors, to learn about the benefits of integrating an optional year of work experience in conservation into your BSc programme.
Dr Janine Robinson, Lecturer in Conservation Science: Trading in wildlife: the big questions
Wildlife trade involves millions of species and supports billions of people across the globe in the form of materials, medicine and food. However, it can threaten rare and endangered species, spread disease and engage organized criminal gangs. Join me for a discussion on some of the major challenges in regulating wildlife trade, from why people trade, to understanding legality, people’s livelihoods, and wildlife sustainability.
Dr Tanya Humle, Reader in Conservation and Primate Behaviour: Coexisting with wildlife: challenges and opportunities
Relationships between people and wildlife present both opportunities and challenges for conservation today, especially when it comes to endangered species. Human-wildlife coexistence is not always harmonious and many factors may influence people’s tolerance to living alongside species that may predate on livestock or consume crops. My research focuses on understanding some of these dynamics with a special focus on chimpanzees in West Africa. Please join us for a taste of the exciting topics, debates and discussions you will have the opportunity to engage with during your studies’.
Will Hayes: DICE PhD student: My journey to becoming a conservation scientist
‘Brought up in a farming community in Ireland, Will developed a keen interest in the natural world. However, it wasn’t until he came across oil fields in the Ecuadorian Amazon that really he understood the extreme pressure human activity is putting on the environment. Since then he has taken the path of a conservation scientist. Hear about his journey and how is he now using interdisciplinary methods to help conserve pristine rainforest for both communities and biodiversity in the Amazon Basin.’
Whilst parents can talk with academic staff in our online ‘Parents Zone’, prospective applicants can chat with our Student Ambassadors about their student experience and life in Canterbury.