Tim Coulson, visiting professor of zoology from the University of Oxford, will speak at the public lecture. Image provided.
What should wild spaces look like? How can we coexist with wildlife, such as wolves, cougars, and bears? Should we intervene, and if so, how and how often? It is questions like these that a public event hosted in the University of Alberta's Department of Biological Sciences hopes to explore.
"A problem with debates around wildlife is they often become emotionally charged and polarized," said Tim Coulson, professor of zoology at the University of Oxford, who is speaking the event. "Part of the reason for this is there is no right or wrong answer to the question, 'What should our wild spaces look like?' Another way to approach this is to ask a different question. What will our wild spaces look like if we add, or remove, a particular species?"
Coulson will visit UAlberta as part of the Distinguished Visitors Fund, a program that welcomes scholars, artists, scientists, and professionals who will enhance the intellectual environment on campus. A long-time collaborator, Professor Mark Boyce is hosting Coulson for 10 days of discussion about ecology and evolution. In addition to intensive meetings with faculty, staff, and students, Coulson and Boyce will also host a public lecture on March 12, centred on the discussion of wild spaces and coexisting with wildlife in Canada.
"Because of the recovery of large carnivores in western North America, the conservation community is trying to find ways to coexist with wolves, cougars, and bears," said Boyce. "Tim's lecture will focus on the value of learning to live with large carnivores and their importance in natural ecosystems."
The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion, featuring Edward Bork from the Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, Stan Boutin from the Faculty of Science, and Lu Carbyn from Edmonton & Area Land Trust.
"The idea is to bring a variety of opinions and interests to the table including Lu Carbyn, who has extensive experience with wolves in Wood Buffalo, Stan Boutin who has advocated wolf control in Alberta, and Edward Bork to address livestock interests," explained Boyce.
The talk is entitled "A view from a depauperate island: Why Canada is right to embrace its big, fierce animals" and is being held on Tuesday, March 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. in CCIS 1-140. It is free to attend, and registration is not required.