'Re-wilding' Europe and the return of predators - ZSL Communicating Science series

Over the last decade Europe has witnessed the comeback of native large predators, with species such as lynx, wolverines or wolves exhibiting increasing distribution and population numbers across Western Europe.

This recent comeback has proven to be extremely beneficial for ecosystems, helping to control over-abundant prey species and maintain plant and habitat diversity. However, the presence of these predators has also meant increased wildlife/human conflicts, such as livestock predation and competition with hunters.

What are the ecological, economical and cultural implications of ‘re-wilding’ and should it be supported by reintroductions?

Speakers (talk titles TBC):
Thorsten Wiegand, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Germany;
Guillaume Chapron, Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences;
David Hetherington, Cairngorms National Park Authority;
David Macdonald, WildCRU, Zoology Department, University of Oxford

These talks are free and open to everyone – no need to book in advance but please arrive early as seating is limited.

DINNER WITH THE SPEAKERS
A 3-course dinner with the speakers will follow this Communicating Science event. Places for dinner must be booked by Wednesday, 7 July. Please download flyer  for further details and please forward to others who might be interested. Further information can also be found at www.zsl.org/science/scientific-meetings

This will be the final event in the 2009-2010 programme of Science and Conservation Events. I will be in touch with details of next year's programme in September and the 2010-2011 programme will run between October 2010 and June 2011.

CONTACT:

Joy Hayward
Scientific Meetings Co-ordinator
Zoological Society of London
Regents Park, London NW1 4RY

Tel: +44 (0)20 7449 6227. Fax: +44 (0)20 7449 6411.
E-mail: joy.hayward@zsl.org