Evans Mwangi to Discuss African Wildlife Conservation Nov. 19

Story posted November 13, 2009

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Evans Mwangi.

Conservation biologist Evans Mwangi, Bowdoin's Mellon Global Scholar in Environmental Studies, will give a talk titled "Species and Space Constraints: The Continuing Fight for Africa's Wildlife" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2009, in Main Lounge, Moulton Union.

Evans Mwangi teaches conservation biology at the University of Nairobi in Kenya, and this semester teaches a course at Bowdoin on biodiversity conservation in Africa.

For most species, practical difficulties of carrying out censuses limit the reliability of population estimates. Suitability of habitats on a continent-wide scale is even less well known.

A recent study used the newest and most authoritative surveys to determine the distribution of elephants and suitable habitat throughout Africa. Critical habitats were mapped for the species—areas within which prospects for conservation benefits were deemed to be highest for the species. Some of these were also highlighted for their uniqueness, most significantly as potential "sources" for repopulating areas that may be identified as "sinks" in a "megaparks concept" that provided the main motivation for the study.

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The critical habitats represented what is needed to guarantee continued viability of populations and existence of the species. Because of its keystone role, they also define minimum requirements for success in the conservation of Africa's large mammals. Protecting them provides huge benefits for most, if not all, African biological diversity.

Evans Mwangi holds a Ph.D, M.Sc and B.Sc from the University of Nairobi. His work experience spans academic, scientific, international development, governments and intergovernmental bodies. Previous work engagements include as adjunct faculty for St. Lawrence University; regional advisor in the U.N.-Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; program officer at the United Nations Environment Program; and senior scientist for Kenya Wildlife Service.

He is also an environment and natural resources expert specializing in the conservation and management of biological diversity, human-ecosystem dynamics and climate change.

Mwangi's lecture is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Environmental Studies Program at 207-725-3396.

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