Peter Arcese

Dr. Peter Arcese is the FRBC Chair of Applied Conservation Biology and co-Director of the Centre for Applied Conservation Research in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on ecology and evolution of small populations, conservation biology, and human impacts on ecosystems. He has led long-term studies on song sparrows and other species, emphasizing population genetics, inbreeding effects, and invasive species management. With over 100 publications and 28 graduate students, his work bridges theoretical and applied conservation, addressing biodiversity loss and reserve design.

Education: PhD in Zoology (UBC), postdoctoral work in Tanzania. Awards include NSF Young Investigator Award and Fellowship in the American Ornithologists Union. Active in global conservation initiatives, including Andean bear conservation and Garry Oak ecosystem restoration. His lab develops tools like the prioritizr R package for conservation prioritization.

Key contributions include documenting human-driven ecosystem changes, designing nature reserves, and guiding policy through empirical research. Collaborations span institutions like The Nature Trust of BC and international conservation groups. Current projects address climate adaptation, genetic rescue in small populations, and urban biodiversity challenges.