Berta Martirosyan never planned to become a biologist. But one unexpected photo contest win, featuring a bird she captured by chance, led her back to a place tied to her family’s past and changed her future. What started as a love for photography became a mission to explore and document Armenia’s rich, often overlooked biodiversity. In this talk, she shares how paying attention to the smallest details in nature can uncover hidden stories, challenge scientific assumptions, and inspire a deeper connection to ...

If you ever get an opportunity to go to Thailand, chances are you'll come home with a souvenir with the country's national animal on it, the Asian elephant. Elephants are more than a point of pride in Thailand. They're part of the country's identity.A century ago, 90% of Thailand was covered in lush forests where over a 100,000 wild elephants roamed. Today, that natural habitat has been reduced by more than half with only an estimated 4,400 wild elephants remaining. That dwindling landscape has created a gr ...

Conservation Status & Challenges - Elephant populations have decreased significantly, with a 75% decline in Africa and 55% in Asia over the past 50 years [4] - Elephants face threats from humans, including habitat loss due to farmland expansion, particularly in Asia [4][7] - The ivory trade poses a significant threat, with a pair of ivory chopsticks costing $10,000, driving the demand for elephant tusks [6] Ecological Role & Impact - Elephants consume 150 kg of food per day and produce a ton of waste per week [5] - Elephants are ecosystem engineers, clearing land, digging watering holes, and dispersing seeds, significantly shaping their environment [5] Conservation Efforts & Solutions - Supporting wildlife conservation organizations like the Wildlife Alliance and the World Wildlife Fund through donations and visits is crucial [7] - Avoiding the purchase of ivory products is essential to reduce the demand that fuels elephant poaching [6] - Promoting sustainable products helps to minimize habitat loss caused by unsustainable farming practices [7] - Raising awareness about endangered animals through education and advocacy can contribute to conservation efforts [8]