Greetings! We would like to make you aware of a workshop at the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona on 7 December 2019. The workshop is entitled "Rare Pinniped Conservation Network (RAPCON)". Details and registration can be found at https://www.wmmconference.org/workshops/.
The workshop will focus on the rarest species, sub-species, and demographically isolated populations that are at risk of extinction or reduction to irrevocably low population levels in the relatively near future. The species share one or more of the following characteristics: · Relatively low abundance (typically < 15,000 individuals) · Current or recent declining population trends · Long-term failure to recover · Small geographic range · Subject to a suite of anthropogenic threats Many rare pinniped populations are the subject of recovery and research efforts executed by teams of extremely devoted conservationists. These programs have achieved a great deal for their respective subject species by employing clever and innovative research and conservation approaches. Despite the broad geographic range of these pinniped populations, the scientific and management challenges associated with them are often uncannily similar. These conservation programs largely work in isolation from one another and could potentially achieve more through broader collaboration. *Workshop Objectives:* · Launch RAPCON in order to foster and sustain collaboration among individuals working to conserve rare pinniped populations globally · Provide a forum for pinniped conservationists and other interested people to connect · Showcase a sampling of pinniped conservation efforts from around the world through invited oral presentations · Share expertise and foster networking at topical workstations (interactive demonstrations and discussions), possibly including Photo-ID systems, Rehabilitation and Health Studies, Demographic Analysis, Telemetry *Who should attend:* We have directly contacted many experts known to us that work on the conservation of rare pinniped populations. However, our current network is surely not exhaustive, so if we missed you, we regret the oversight and welcome your participation. We also welcome students and professionals interested in learning about, or becoming involved in, the conservation of rare pinnipeds. Hope to see you in Barcelona! Jason Baker and Samantha Simmons
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