Big cats are the cornerstones of human culture, religion and business, and they are ecological agents in the savannas, forests and grasslands they occupy around the world. Throughout Alexander’s research, he has used leopards as a model species as they are found in more places than any other of the world's big cats and have one of the best chances in evading extinction in the 21st century. Although ecology and fieldwork are two themes central to his work, if societies around the world are to save the big cats they love, research has to focus on economics, social science and finding ways to integrate rising human populations and big cats in the same landscapes. Consequently, Alexander will explore the importance of big cats in human history and evolution, the challenges of survival for big cats and how they have declined in 50 years, Corporate Cat Alliance, and how everyday people can help to improve the signs of hope for big cats.
Originally from Durban, South Africa, big cat biologist Alexander Braczkowski has handled lions, leopards and caracal for the past eight years. After completing a masters in science at the University of Oxford examining issues surrounding the trophy hunting of leopards in Africa, Alexander joined renowned photographer Steve Winter, serving as a photographic assistant and second cameraman on the biggest story on leopards ever covered by National Geographic Magazine and Television. Recently joining the University of Queensland as a doctoral researcher to try find innovative ways of raising funds for big cat conservation in Africa, Braczkowski’s work encompasses the key issues of Corporate Responsibility, Carbon sequestration and insurance policies for big cat-livestock conflict.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at [ Ссылка ]
