How the urban jungle drives evolution with Menno Schilthuizen
“We are marching towards a future in which three-quarters of humans live in cities, and a large portion of the planet’s landmass is urbanized. With much of the rest covered by human-shaped farms, pasture, and plantations, where can nature still go? How are our manmade environments changing the evolution of animals and plants around us? Is evolutionary adaptation taking place at unprecedented speeds? This talk by evolutionary biologist Menno Schilthuizen was recorded in Amsterdam at Paradiso Noord on 10 December 2019.
A love of the natural world
David Patriquin in Nova Scotia Naturally, Aug 23, 2015. “Naturalists learn by observing nature, a yearning that remains despite our urbanization.”
Rare salamander discovery near Moncton challenges assumptions about urban wildlife
Mt A University, Feb 9, 2026 “Researchers say the findings highlight the overlooked ecological value of urban and suburban green spaces.
Scientists have discovered previously unknown populations of the rare four-toed Salamander in suburban Riverview, New Brunswick — a finding that expands the species’ known provincial range and suggests wildlife may be more resilient to human-altered landscapes than previously believed. “As soon as we saw the distinctive ‘salt and pepper’ belly this salamander is known for, we knew we had stumbled across something special” says lead author Joshua Christiansen, a recently graduated Mount Allison University M.Sc. student in Biology and current Research Associate of Dr. Riley’s lab. “Even modest positive actions in urban landscapes can make a real difference, like picking up litter or making sure natural substrates (like leaf litter and cover objects) remain in forests. It’s a reminder that conservation doesn’t only happen in remote wilderness areas and that wildlife can thrive in our own backyards.”