12/10/2025
14:00 - 15:30
Virtual Channel 1
, Online only
Session with interpretation
Why attend
The session will challenge the senescence-focused paradigm of old age, highlight the value of older individual animals, and enlighten participants about the concept of longevity conservation and the growing body of work revealing the cultural and social complexity of animals and the important ecological roles that older individuals play.
Session Description
Attempts to ensure fish and wildlife exploitation is sustainable often rely on the premise that older animals are ‘redundant’. This session will explore the growing evidence for the importance of older animals as repositories of culture and knowledge, and to population and food web stability, social cohesion and long-term success. Eminent researchers will discuss their work on animal culture and social complexity, the ecological roles of old, wise and large animals, and the consequences of their removal. Session participants will be invited to discuss these issues, identify gaps in our current knowledge, and propose changes in conservation policy and practice.Organised by
The Born Free Foundation ( United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland )
Partners
ADM Capital Foundation ( China )
Natural Resources Defense Council ( United States of America )
Charles Darwin University
Speaker
Moderator
