December 8th, 2023 International Video Summit
Alpha Wildlife Summits
Wildlife Conservation
& Management
In The 21st Century
Issues, Solutions, and New Concepts
Sponsored by:
Alpha Wildlife Research & Management
Canadian Association for Humane Trapping
Welcome to Alpha Wildlife Summits, a global gathering of wildlife professionals!
Join us from anywhere in the world for our exciting VIDEO SUMMIT. Discover the latest research, insights, and wildlife biology and management discussions. Explore topics such as conservation, reintroductions, and the ecological advantages of wolf populations. With presenters from renowned institutions, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and connect with field experts. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your horizons and contribute to the future of wildlife.
Register now and be part of the international wildlife community at Alpha Wildlife Summits.
Video Summit Presentations
Oh, For Wildlife's Sake! Let's Be Honest About Conservation & Management
Presenter: Gilbert Proulx
♦ Alpha Wildlife Research & Management, Canada
Brief Abstract:
On the basis of nearly 50 years as a field wildlife biologist, researcher and manager, the author identifies issues that impact on wildlife. These relate to species-at-risk, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts including predator and “pest” control, pollution, animal welfare, invasive alien species, bad management caused by socio-political interests, and the North American Model for Wildlife Conservation. The author proposes solutions to implement proper procedures, recognize and protect valuable habitats, preserve and ensure the perseverance of populations, and prevent or reduce pollution, pesticides and invasive species. Finally, he identifies basic principles that should be considered when developing a model for wildlife conservation.
Urban Wildlife Management: A Square Peg?
Presenters: John Griffin, John Hadidian & Bernard Unti
♦ The Humane Society of the United States; Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability
Brief Abstract:
The authors make the case for the rising significance of urban wildlife and identify some of the particular challenges associated with that rise. They call for a new and/or revised wildlife conservation praxis that incorporates the social, cultural and technical insights of urban wildlife management, and make the case for its transformative potential.
Trapping & The North American Model Of Wildlife Conservation: Incongruities Demonstrated Through The Northern River Otter
♦ Frostburg State University; Alpha Wildlife Research & Management
Brief Abstract:
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (hereafter, NAM or Model) has been widely portrayed by as an approach to explain how North American wildlife conservation developed historically, and as a prescriptive framework for applying a hunting-focused form of wildlife conservation. Fur trapping was seldom mentioned during the original articulation of NAM, but some now argue that the activity is imbedded within the framework of the 7 principles comprising NAM. We argue that fur trapping is not in agreement with NAM’s principles, and that recent efforts construing otherwise further confound the intentions of NAM’s proponents. Herein, we provide evidence through examples related to northern river otter conservation, that trapping either does not fit the NAM construct and, regardless, that actions by some state wildlife agencies would have violated underlying the principles of NAM through the manner that new river otter trapping season were initiated, justified, and implemented, particularly the Public Trust Doctrine and application of science decision making.
Behind The Veil Of Secrecy: Revealing The Impacts Of Crude Oil And Saline Spills On Wildlife In Alberta
Presenters: Kevin Timoney
♦ Treeline Ecological Research
Brief Abstract:
This review describes some of the impacts to wildlife that occur as a result of crude oil and saline spills and hydrocarbon production. The exploitation of hydrocarbons has resulted in persistent changes in the biota; decreased biodiversity; declines of native species and communities; defaunation; increased predation along linear disturbances; changes in animal movements and migrations; increased direct and indirect mortalities; increased metabolic and respiratory stress and reproductive impairment; noise effects on songbirds; damage to riparian zones, barriers to fish movement, and declines in fisheries; widespread habitat loss; and persistent contamination. The regulator’s failure to protect the environment and the public interest are the result of regulatory capture by the fossil fuel meta-organization.
How Does Non-Selective Trapping Affect Species At Risk In Canada?
Presenters: Gilbert Proulx
♦ Alpha Wildlife Research & Management, Canada
Brief Abstract:
In this review, through published scientific literature and government documents, the author aimed to: 1) determine which SAR are reportedly captured in traps set for fur-trapping, pest control, and research; 2) identify traps and trapping systems that are the most frequently involved in the capture of non-target SAR; 3) determine the reasons for the capture of SAR in traps; 4) estimate the impact of non-selective trapping on the persistence of SAR populations; and 5) provide recommendations to remedy the effects of non-selective trapping on SAR.
Conservation Of Freshwater Turtles In The Anthropocene: Indigenous-Engaged Approaches To Tackle A Timeless Problem
♦ McMaster University; Moose Deer Point First Nation; and Whitefish River First Nation
Brief Abstract:
The authors present 2 ongoing conservation projects focused on the recovery and protection of the Blanding’s turtle, one within Whitefish River First Nation located at the northern shore of Mnidoo Gamii, and the other in Moose Deer Point First Nation located along the eastern shore of Mnidoo Gamii, located in Ontario. They adopted principles of the two-eyed seeing approach by considering the needs of the community and research priorities equally, and by weaving Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Western Science (WS) in planning field activities.
Modern Toolbox To Address A Decades-Old Problem In The Conservation Of Freshwater Turtles: Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) As A Case Study
♦ McMaster University
Brief Abstract:
The authors introduce several emerging approaches that address some limitations of traditional techniques. These include using 1) multi-sensor biologgers to explore movement and behaviour, 2) environmental DNA to determine occupancy, and 3) pattern recognition software to avoid invasive notching. They summarize existing traditional approaches, show the advantages and disadvantages of these new tools, and illustrate how they support research to protect Blanding’s turtles in Ontario, Canada.
"Broadening" The Concept Of Success For Translocations
♦ North Carolina State University
Brief Abstract:
The authors argue that identifying important milestones in the early ‘establishment’ phase of translocations remains important but that assessing “success” is largely an outdated concept that does not consider important aspects related to unintended or unpredictable outcomes. They present a case study of a recent reintroduction of fishers that based its evaluation of success on 1) understanding the reasons for being able to establish, or not to establish, a new population, 2) understanding the effects of removing fishers on a source population, 3) understanding use of habitats by fishers on an industrial timberland and 4) testing a series of a priori hypotheses of animal behavior and ecology.
Evaluating Fact Claims Accompanying Policies To Liberalize The Killing Of Wolves
Presenters: Adrian Treves, L. Mark Elbroch, and Jeremy Bruskotter
♦ University of Wisconsin-Madison; Panthera; and The Ohio State University
Brief Abstract:
Predators can support ecosystem health and diversity disproportionate to their numbers. Nevertheless, several U.S. state governments recently initiated killing grey wolves non-selectively and in large numbers. Among the justifications, governments claim that wolf-killing would: (1) increase human safety;(2) raise human tolerance for surviving wolves; (3) prevent livestock loss; and (4) increase wild ungulate populations. The authors review the research and assessed the governments’ claims. They also summarize explanations for the partisan politics behind wolf-killing and the potential harms of unsupported fact claims to good governance and democratic policy formulation.
Ecological Advantages Of Grey Wolf (Canis Lupus) Reintroductions And Recolonizations In North America
Presenter: Kimberly A. Villeneuve and Gilbert Proulx
♦ Alpha Wildlife Research & Management, Canada
Brief Abstract:
The authors review studies and assessments of wolf reintroductions and recolonizations, and determine how the reestablishment of wolf populations has contributed to the wellbeing of wildlife communities and ecosystems. They give particular attention to wolf reintroductions in Yellowstone and Isle Royale National Parks; and recolonizations in the northwest Rocky Mountains, particularly in Montana, Idaho, and Banff and Jasper National Parks. On the basis of their review of ecological advantages associated with the restoration of wolf populations, the authors believe that there is a need for innovative educational programs, and to counter-balance speculations and prejudicial assumptions with fact-based programs, to better co-exist with wolves, and re-connect disjunct wolf populations with further reintroductions and recolonizations.
Summit Schedule
PLEASE NOTE:
The following schedule was developed to allow presenters and participants from all time zones to attend the Summit. Unfortunately, the schedule requires that some of you get up early or stay up late. For this reason, different subjects will be presented on a daily basis to accommodate presenters who live far from us. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the schedule. The following is an example of the difficulty associated with the time zones:
Time in Alberta, Canada | In Australia | In Europe (depending on country) | In South Africa |
12:00 noon | 06:00, the following day | 19:00 – 20:00 | 21:00 |
13:00 | 07:00, the following day | 20:00 – 21:00 | 22:00 |
14:00 | 08:00, the following day | 21:00 – 22:00 | 23:00 |
15:00 | 09:00, the following day | 22:00 – 23:00 | 24:00 midnight |
Because there is some variation in time among countries and continents, please make sure that you know when your time corresponds with the Alberta time.
Friday Dec. 8th 2023 Video Summit Schedule
Registration NOW OPEN
Video Summit Attendee Pricing
Information for Attendees:
The Mammal Trapping Summit organized by Alpha Wildlife Summits will be held on December 8th, 2023. We will use a Professional Zoom Video Conference package. Participants will be sent an email with a Zoom Link, and you must click on that invitation link to join the summit. During the whole conference, the Hosts and the Scheduled Panelist will have microphone access; microphone access will not be enabled for participants unless the question sent in requires further explanation, in which case microphone access will be granted. Participants will be encouraged to use the Q&A section of the Zoom Webinar during the scheduled question period with an inquiry. Because of time constrictions, we cannot accommodate all questions – the Host will select the questions most relevant to the topic and read them; the presenter will then provide an answer.
Video Summit 2023 Attendee Pricing
- Non-presenters wishing to attend the 2023 Video Summit must register in advance. A Zoom Link to attend the symposium will be sent to registrants before the beginning of the Video Summit. Registration fees are $100 CAD.
- Please Note: Registration is through our CWBM.CA website, you will be redirected there to complete your purchase.
- If you have any questions regarding attendance of the 2023 Video Summit, please contact us via the contact form below.