Nature Vancouver

The “mystery of mysteries” is how life has managed to persist, despite repeated global catastrophes, for almost four billion years on such a restless and changeable planet, resulting – today – in the richest diversity of all. The secrets of success lie in organization. In this illustrated talk, John and Mary Theberge take us on a journey of discovery to the wild places where they have studied wildlife. Using the rapidly expanding knowledge about the natural world, they extract meaning from the wood duck’s plumage, and the ways Labrador caribou illustrate the principles of population regulation, and the significance of the ptarmigan’s dilemma – which is the title of their newest book. Summing up, they reflect on the significance of natural processes in an increasingly human dominated world.

 

Wildlife ecologists John and Mary Theberge are internationally known for their research into the ecology of wolves and their prey.  They are known across Canada for their work in parks and wildlife conservation.  John was until his recent retirement a professor of ecology and conservation biology in the Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo, where he taught since 1970.  Mary is an educator, and wildlife illustrator and co-partner in their joint research.  They have collaborated on many scientific and popular articles and appeared together in numerous lectures and television programs.  They were jointly recognized with several awards: the Equinox Citation for Environmental Achievement, the Harkin Award of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, and the Earthroots Award for Lifetime Wildlife and Wilderness Conservation Achievement.   They are authors of several books including Wolves and Wilderness, Kluane: Pinnacle of the Yukon, Legacy: A Natural History of Ontario, and Wolf Country: Eleven Years Tracking Algonquin Wolves.  They currently live in the southern interior of British Columbia.