How Animal Encounters Shape Landscape Value in Patagonia: From Darwin to Che Guevara
Why does nearly a fifth of South America’s territory reside within designated protected areas? Using examples from charismatic Patagonian mammals, this presentation shows that through conservation—namely state-based national parks and protected areas—scientific concepts are translated for larger public audiences by converting abstract concepts into living and dying animals as well as landscapes.
Emily Wakild is a professor of history at Boise State University specializing in Latin American and environmental history. Wakild is the author or co-author of numerous studies, including A Primer for Teaching Environmental History (2018) and Revolutionary Parks: Conservation, Social Justice, and Mexico’s National Parks (2011).