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Predicting biological invasions to prevent extinctions

Category
Language and Nature
Date
Date
Tuesday 8 February 2022, 5:30-7:00pm GMT
Location
online

ThiPredicting biological invasions to prevent extinctions

Professor Helen Roy from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

This talk is part of the seminar series connecting the themes of the Centre for Endangered Languages, Cultures and Ecosystems and the Extinction Studies doctoral training program.

Abstract: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Global Assessment’s message is stark: biodiversity – the diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems – is declining faster than at any time in human history. Invasive non-native species introduced by humans into regions beyond their natural distribution, were identified as one of the five top direct causes of biodiversity loss. Biological invasions can threaten biodiversity and ecosystems and cause extinctions, particularly through their interactions with other drivers of change such as climate warming. I will share insights into invasion ecology from broad patterns and processes to approaches in surveillance and monitoring, particularly involving citizens. I will highlight the importance of collaborations and stakeholder engagement to mitigate the impacts of invasive non-native species. Information from many different sources (including peer-reviewed publications, databases, indigenous local knowledge) and at various scales (from local to global) can be used to inform science, policy and ultimately conservation.

Bio: Professor Helen Roy MBE is an ecologist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. She is fascinated by the interactions between insects and other species. Helen is passionate about science communication and public engagement with research which led to her interest in citizen science. Helen has considerable experience in engaging people with recording wildlife and particularly though her role as co-organiser of the UK Ladybird Survey and more widely in leading zoological research and recording for the Biological Records Centre (part of UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology). Helen has led many multi-partner projects to enhance understanding of biological invasions.

Helen has co-authored a number of books on ladybirds including most recently the Field Guide to Ladybirds of Britain and Ireland (Bloomsbury). She has also co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed research papers, contributed many magazine articles and given interviews for radio, television and newspapers. She is the current President of the Royal Entomological Society and chair of the BES Public Engagement Working Group. Her research on invasive non-native species has received international recognition and she is currently leading a global assessment on invasive alien species and their control for the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

To register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celce-extinction-studies-dtp-seminar-series-1-tickets-261072002387

This event is part of the Seminar series connecting the themes of the Centre for Endangered Languages, Cultures and Ecosystems and the Extinction Studies doctoral training program