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Writer and naturalist Neil Griffin, author of Endings: Encounters with Extinction, says North America has lost vast wildlife in 150 to 200 years, but sees reasons for optimism.
Writer and naturalist Neil Griffin has travelled from Rwanda to Honduras to Belize to Kenya and many places in between in search of the world's dying species. But he found the most depressing losses closest to home, in North America, he told CTV News. Griffin, originally from Calgary and now an instructor at the University of Victoria, is the author of the new book Endings: Encounters with Extinction.
Griffin described North America as an animal mausoleum, saying the continent has lost so much wildlife over the past 150 to 200 years. He pointed to the disappearance of salmon, whales, buffalo and caribou from plains, rivers and oceans.
North America's Wildlife Loss
Griffin's travels took him around the world, but he said the scale of loss in North America affected him most. The region has seen many species vanish or decline sharply over two centuries.
He cited the buffalo as a prime example of near extinction. The animal was almost wiped out, but Griffin noted that wild buffalo have returned to Banff for the first time in a hundred years.
That recovery is one of the reasons for optimism that Griffin found despite the book's title. He said that in all endings there is always a new beginning.
Reasons for Optimism in Endings
Griffin explained that cultural myths and stories about extinction, cataclysm and catastrophe contain fresh, new beginnings. He said these narratives offer hope even amid loss.
The return of wild buffalo to Banff stands as a concrete example. Griffin highlighted it as proof that recovery is possible even after severe declines.
Endings: Encounters with Extinction explores these themes through Griffin's encounters with dying species worldwide. The book balances the grim reality of extinction with stories of resilience.
Upcoming Wordfest Events in Calgary
Griffin will be in Calgary for two Wordfest events in October. The events will give audiences a chance to hear him discuss his travels, his book and his views on extinction and recovery.
His background as a naturalist and instructor at the University of Victoria informs his perspective. Griffin's work focuses on the intersections of nature, culture and loss.
For those interested in biodiversity and conservation, Griffin's message is clear: even in endings, new beginnings can emerge.
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