Kastamonu University hosted an event to raise awareness about the sustainability of nature conservation and biodiversity. The panel titled "Factors Threatening Wildlife" was held on December 15, 2025, in the Kastamonu University Technopark Conference Hall. 

The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Prof. Dr. Mahmut Gür, the Xth Regional Director of Nature and National Parks of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ali Bozkurt, the Kastamonu Branch Manager, Yalçın Uyanık, academics, and field experts. The program, which comprehensively addresses the threats faced by wildlife, was moderated by Assist. Prof.Dr.Abdullah Ugış, a faculty member from the Faculty of Forestry. 

Following a moment of silence and the reading of the Turkish National Anthem, the program commenced with an opening speech by Prof. Dr. Mahmut Gür, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, who emphasized the significant importance of panels and workshops for students. Prof. Dr. Gür said, "Events like this held today are extremely valuable for you to see the practical applications of the theoretical knowledge you have gained throughout your education. When you step onto the field, you realize more clearly the vast impact of the discipline you're in. Therefore, it is of great importance for you to closely follow these processes," he stated. 

Following Prof. Dr. Gür, Assist. Prof.Dr. Abdullah Ugış emphasized the importance of sustainable management of forest ecosystems, the preservation of biodiversity, and the enhancement of human-environment relationships, extending beyond the protection of specific species. Ugış stated that wildlife faces numerous threats, including habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, illegal hunting, infrastructure and land use pressures, invasive species, and increasing human impact.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Özkan Evcin, who delivered the first speech of the session, highlighted the critical roles of wildlife within the ecosystem, stating that the conservation of biodiversity is not only vital for nature but also for the sustainability of human life. Assoc.Prof.Dr.  Evcin emphasized the scientific responsibility of universities in this field.

Following this, Assoc.Prof.Dr.  Akın Kıraç, a faculty member at Çanakkale 18 Mart University, took the stage and drew attention to the impact of human activities on natural life. Stating that habitat loss, climate change, and unplanned land use are increasing the pressure on wildlife every day, Assoc.Prof.Dr.  Kıraç emphasized the importance of science-based conservation policies.

Following Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kıraç, Veterinarian Gökhan Yılmaz from the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks took the floor, providing examples from field experiences to inform participants about the rehabilitation of injured wildlife, the fight against poaching, and ongoing conservation activities. Yılmaz highlighted the decisive role of inter-institutional cooperation in conservation efforts.

The final speaker of the program, Assist. Prof.Dr. Kerim Güney addressed the problems arising from increased human-wildlife interaction and shared solution proposals for preventing human-wildlife conflicts. Assist. Prof. Dr. Güney particularly emphasized that awareness and education efforts are crucial in this process.

The event, which was followed with interest by the participants, concluded with a photo shoot to commemorate the day.