Brandon University Researcher Re-Appointed to National Wildlife Assessment Leadership Role

Brandon University biology professor Dr. Pamela Rutherford has been re-appointed as Co-Chair of the Amphibians and Reptiles Specialist Subcommittee of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), following an appointment by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada.

COSEWIC is an independent scientific advisory panel that provides assessments to the federal government on wildlife species at risk of extinction in Canada. Meeting twice annually, the committee brings together leading experts from academia, government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to evaluate species status using the best available scientific, community, and Indigenous knowledge.

Rutherford, an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Brandon University, has served as Co-Chair of the Amphibians and Reptiles Specialist Subcommittee since 2020. Her re-appointment recognizes her extensive expertise in conservation biology, population ecology, and the assessment of species at risk across Canada.

“Dr. Rutherford’s ongoing leadership with COSEWIC reflects recognition of her expertise and the national impact of her research in conservation biology,” said Dr. Chris LeMoine, Dean of Science at Brandon University. “Dr. Rutherford contributes directly to evidence-based decision-making to protect Canada’s biodiversity while also providing excellent opportunities for student learning and engagement in conservation science.”

Rutherford’s research focuses on the conservation biology of prairie reptiles and amphibians, including long-term work on species such as the Northern Prairie Skink and other prairie herpetofauna. Her research has informed recovery planning and conservation targets for species at risk, while her teaching has trained generations of students in conservation biology and environmental science.

She holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Biology from the University of Toronto, an M.Sc. from the University of Western Ontario, and a Ph.D. in population biology and evolutionary ecology from the University of Victoria, followed by postdoctoral research in ecological parasitology at Carleton University. Since joining Brandon University in 2005, she has led research examining population biology, landscape genetics, disease ecology, and climate vulnerability among amphibians and reptiles.

In addition to her COSEWIC leadership, Rutherford is a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Skink Specialist Group and has served in numerous academic and national leadership roles, including President of the Canadian Herpetological Society and Chair of Brandon University’s Department of Biology.

“Dr. Rutherford’s re-appointment demonstrates the national and international recognition of the research expertise found at Brandon University,” said Dr. Bernadette Ardelli, Vice-President (Research & Graduate Studies). “Her contributions help ensure that conservation decisions in Canada are grounded in rigorous science and inclusive knowledge systems, while strengthening Brandon University’s role in addressing critical environmental challenges.”

As Co-Chair, Rutherford helps guide consensus-based scientific assessments of amphibian and reptile species, oversees report development and review, and supports the integration of diverse knowledge systems into conservation status evaluations.

“I strongly believe in bringing together multiple knowledge systems to provide the best possible understanding of species at risk,” Rutherford said. “I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues across Canada to support evidence-based conservation and the protection of wildlife biodiversity.” COSEWIC assessments inform federal species designations under Canada’s Species at Risk Act and play a key role in national conservation planning.

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