In continuation of our discussion on reserve design, we had a few guest lecturers to testify some of the difficulties they have faced in conserving species. Two of the lecturers were a married couple who pioneered saving the golden lion tamarin from extinction. This species dropped to a critically small population in recent history and without the conservation efforts of these two, they would have likely gone extinct. This species is one of conservation’s greatest success stories. Getting to hear firsthand from these individuals was very impacting. We also got to hear from an amphibian researcher from the National Zoo who works with conserving amphibian species. It was interesting to hear from him how conservation efforts are prioritized.
We also presented our plan for the design of a theoretical reserve. My group chose to plan reserve that focused on restoring oyster reefs in area around Virginia Beach. It involved the construction of oyster castes, removal of invasive plant and mammal species from the shore, and replanting of tidal marshes to create natural buffers for runoff and pollution. This project was a culmination of all the principles we have learned about through our reserve design unit. It required factoring in human dimensions such as the enforcement of a no wake zone on public land, and biological dimensions such as the need for oyster castles. Through learning about all the struggles and considerations of creating a protected area, I have a new found appreciation for organizations that do this work on a global scale.