Dr. Justina Ray has been President and Senior Scientist of Wildlife Conservation Society Canada since its incorporation in 2004. In addition to overseeing the operations of this non-governmental organization, Justina is involved in research and policy activities associated with conservation-based planning, impact assessment and biodiversity conservation, with a particular focus on northern boreal landscapes. She has been appointed to numerous government advisory panels related to species at risk and land use planning and served as co-chair of the Terrestrial Mammals Subcommittee of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) between 2009-2017. Justina is Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto and Trent University.

Many of us are drawn into the field of wildlife conservation by a profound empathy for imperiled species affected by human activities. As scientists, we focus on particular species as a means to achieve broader understanding of ecological dynamics and drivers of change. These individual species not only ignite public passion but also are useful as management tools. While governments have traditionally favored single-species management approaches, two emerging trends are challenging this paradigm. First, as the list of endangered species continues to grow, our current system is stretched beyond its limits. Second, our understanding of biodiversity has expanded well beyond the handful of species we typically prioritize, and the critical connections between biodiversity, climate, human well-being, and economic prosperity are becoming increasingly apparent. Both are compelling a paradigm shift towards multi-species and ecosystem perspectives. Drawing from my personal experiences as a wildlife biologist and conservationist, I will explore the implications of this shift for how we save species that share this planet amidst the escalating complexity of global environmental challenges.