LUCAS JOPPA
Doctoral Student, University Program In Ecology, Conservation Ecology Lab
Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke University Durham, NC 27708
email: lnj@duke.edu
Advisor: Stuart Pimm
Research Interests
Species extinctions are occurring at
rates well above what is considered natural. Only a small proportion of
existing species have been scientifically described. Of these species
known to science, ~16,000 are threatened with extinction. This places
one in every four mammals, and one in every eight birds, at risk of
extinction. Habitat loss is a pervasive feature threatening species,
affecting >85% of all threatened birds, mammals, and amphibians.
Previously, the earth has undergone five mass extinctions of species:
the Ordovican, Devonian, Permian, Triassic and Cretaceous Periods.
Scientists now speculate that the world is entering a sixth mass
extinction, and unique among all extinction waves, the sixth is being
driven by a single species – humans.
In the face of such sobering
information, what can be done to conserve the earth’s abundant
biodiversity? It is clear that we must implement a multi-pronged
approach. We must find ways to effectively protect species,
proactively but with a growing sense of urgency. At the same time, we
must make large gains in our understanding about how species interact
with each other and their landscapes. Without this knowledge, we have
no understanding of the impacts the loss of species will have for the
earth, and human well-being. The tools and expertise needed to address
the issue of species extinctions are wide ranging, and my varied
research interests reflect that.
Protected Areas and the Conservation of Biodiversity
High Resolution Satellite Issues
Butler's gartersnake Conservation in Wisconsin
Hucho Taimen Conservation in Mongolia