Fauna & Flora International Talks Programme
FFI is one of the oldest conservation charities in the world, having been founded in 1903. FFI acts to conserve threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take into account human needs.
Our zoo members (and non-members) are welcome to attend FFI events in the north west.
The Guapiassu Ecological Reserve (REGUA)
A case study in protecting the Atlantic Rainforest of South-east Brazil
Friday 27th January 2012
With Nicholas Locke
REGUA protects one of the last stands of tropical Rainforest left in the severely depleted Atlantic Rainforest, or Mata Atlântica, in Brazil (www.regua.co.uk).
Centuries of devastation has seen the Atlantic Rainforest become the second most
threatened biome in the world after Madagascar. Despite the loss and habitat fragmentation , this ecoregion is still ranked in the top five of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
Nicholas Locke was born in the UK and after studying farm management at Merrist Wood Agricultural College, moved to SE Brazil to develop his family's property. Married in the Neotropics, he and his wife became increasingly interested in conservation and sought to help create the Guapiassu Ecological Reserve, REGUA, after a UK birder revealed a phenomenal number of bird species present.
Receiving invaluable support from the UK in the reserves' creation, REGUA today administrates an area of 7500 hectares developing a holistic conservation model in one of the most bio diverse regions of the world.
The model seeks an integration of protection, education, research and restoration actions in order to attract donors, grants and eco-service payments.
In this manner the reserve is able to influence its local communities, prove its environment responsibility and develop a broad based participative economic model for conservation projects around.
This work is Nicholas Locke and his wife Raquel’s passion and they are making it happen, living with their two children at the head of the Guapiaçu valley. Come along to hear how.
I'm a Research Co-ordinator - Get Me Out of Here!
Friday 17th February 2012
With Daniel D'cruze
Dr. Neil D’Cruze is a conservation biologist who has successfully led biodiversity research field projects throughout Africa and Central America for a variety of international NGOs. The majority of research conducted during his three years in the field has been dedicated to generating baseline ecological data for previously unexplored areas.
Neil joins us to talk through a year working as a field research coordinator living in Madagascar. In addition to the research highs (describing new species and securing protected area status), he shares anecdotes from life in the field, which includes stories of flash floods, camp illnesses and colourful local characters!
Neil has a particular passion for herpetology and to date has personally discovered and described six species of reptiles previously unknown to science and published over 15 peer reviewed scientific publications.
With a concurrent interest in wild animal welfare Neil currently works as a Campaign Leader for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and has been involved in tackling a wide range of wildlife issues including wildlife farming, human-wildlife conflict, and wildlife trade.
Come along and listen to this charismatic and articulate campaigner telling us about his work.
Otter Ecology and Conservation and the Work or the Otter Survival Fund
Thursday 22nd March 2012
(Please note that this is a change in date to the one published in the latest `Z` magazine)
With Dr Paul Yoxon
The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) is one of the world's leading otter charities. In the UK IOSF is the only charity solely dedicated to the conservation, protection and care of otters based on 20 years of scientific research in the UK and around the world.
Dr. Paul Yoxon is the Head of Operations of IOSF (www.otter.org) which he co-founded in 1993. In 1999 he completed his PhD on the otters of the Isle of Skye and their use of the coastal zone.
He found that this was closely related to the geology of the island as otters using the coastal habitat must have freshwater in order to wash the salt out of their fur, and the availability of freshwater pools is related to the porosity of the rocks.
Paul has worked on many TV programmes including Wildlife on One, the One Show and Blue Peter and has lectured to various groups including school and university students, natural history societies and as part of the Aberdeen University Extra Mural Education programme.
He has also collaborated on several international projects including the Hairy-nosed otter in Vietnam, Eurasian otters in Belarus and worked with the Dutch government on otter road mitigation in Holland.
A major threat to otters, particularly in Asia, is the fur trade and IOSF is leading a campaign to involve local communities in conservation. Paul’s main role now lies in research, lecturing and fundraising. Come along for an overview of otter biology ecology, plus learn more about the excellent work of IOSF at home and abroad.
Tickets Information
Tickets may be available on the door, but advanced booking helps us to keep costs down and guarantees a seat.
Please telephone Penny Rudd at the Zoo on 01244 650215, to reserve your tickets.
Doors open at 7.00 pm for a 7.30 pm start, in the zoo's Russell Allen Lecture Hall. Both Members and non-Members of FFI are welcome to attend.
Tickets cost £9.00 for FFI Members and £10.00 for non-Members of FFI, and this includes a light buffet and wine. We offer a special concession for students of just £5 per ticket.