*The Center for Tropical Ecology and Conservation* *at Antioch University New England*
*Department of Environmental Studies* Call for abstracts: Avoiding Extinction: the Future of Endangered Species in the Tropics *Saturday, April 23rd, 2016* Antioch University New England Keene, New Hampshire Saving endangered species from becoming extinct and protecting their habitat is crucial for our future. As species are lost, so are our options for future discovery and advancement. The impacts of biodiversity loss include loss of ecosystem resiliency, lost opportunity for new medicine discoveries, greater vulnerability to natural disasters and greater effects from global warming. Should endangered species, threatened by habitat loss, hunting, or other means be left to die in the wild? Or taken into captivity for breeding, which would cost millions of dollars? What are the ethical or moral issues involved? What are new strategies for species recovery? How have new technologies contributed to their protection? If we choose to pool resources to protect wide-ranging large mammals by setting aside land, will the smaller, lesser-known but threatened species receive enough protection under the umbrella concept? Is the “ecosystem method”, which involves setting aside species-rich regions, rather than trying to save a single species the better choice regarding protection? The purpose of this round table event is to bring together researchers and professionals, educators and students, skeptics and advocates, and all members of the public to learn about the current status of endangered species in tropical regions. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the research on endangered species, their main threats, key strategies for their protection, and suggestions for our next steps as conservationists and advocates for the global fauna. This could include technology, innovation, funding, ethical issues, and the public’s awareness and involvement. *Call for Abstracts*: *The Center for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (CTEC) in the Environmental Studies Department at Antioch University is currently accepting proposals for presentations that address the following goals:* - To give roundtable discussion attendees the opportunity to learn about different endangered species in the tropics and why endangered species and their protection is important - To explore methods of recovery conservation and the selection of which species to save incorporating different voices and perspectives - To explore the moral and ethical issues around endangered species recovery - To understand the limitations to protecting all endangered species due to personal bias, lack of consistent research, lack of funding, national reasons and several more - To hear from experts who have researched or reviewed current statuses on endangered species in the tropics *We welcome proposals in the following formats:* Short film • Oral Presentation • Posters/photography *Submission Guidelines*: For each submission (multiple submissions considered) please include: 1. The roundtable discussion goal you wish to address 2. A 300 word or less abstract outlining presentation goals 3. Complete contact information: name, affiliation(s), address, phone number, and email 4. Proposed format of your presentation along with two to three potential discussion questions related to your submission for a roundtable discussion *About CTEC*: The Center for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (CTEC) <http://www.centerfortropicalecology.org/> is a non-profit organization in the Environmental Studies Department at Antioch University New England <http://www.antiochne.edu/> which promotes the sustainable and just use of tropical ecosystems by training conservation leaders, conducting conservation research with partner organizations, and serving as an educational resource for the New England region. *All submissions should be sent electronically to the round table coordinator:* *Emily Lund* *el...@antioch.edu <el...@antioch.edu>* *Subject line: 2016 CTEC Round Table Submission* * Deadline: March 31, 2016 (or until spaces are full)*-- Center for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (CTEC) Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene, NH 03431
