De-extinction: Jurassic Park Science or Conservation’s New Frontier

Описание: Once the realm of science fiction, de-extinction is now headlining news – especially with the recent reintroduction of dire wolves. As genetic technologies advance, the idea of bringing back lost species is rapidly shifting from fantasy to possibility. In this talk, we’ll explore the history of conservation genetics, examining its successes and limitations. We’ll then dive into the promise and pitfalls of de-extinction: how it might address long-standing challenges in conservation, and where it could introduce new ethical and ecological risks. Is de-extinction the future of conservation – or just a high-tech distraction?

About Professor Amy Welsh, Ph.D.

Dr. Amy Welsh is a professor at West Virginia University in the Wildlife and Fisheries Resources program housed in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment. Her area of specialty is conservation genetics, focusing on applying genomic principles to the management and conservation of fish and wildlife populations. Dr. Welsh has been working in the field of conservation genetics since 2001, remaining at the forefront in her research as the field has rapidly evolved to incorporate new technologies. Her projects have included a wide range of species, such as lake sturgeon, candy darter, elk, river otters, king and clapper rails, Cheat Mountain salamanders, and dragonflies.