Course Description
This course explores the evolving relationship between urban environments, people, and wildlife, focusing on how urbanization is transforming habitats, behaviours, and survival strategies of resident and transient species. Key topics will include the challenges and opportunities of coexisting in urban spaces, ranging from the risk of disease transmission to the mental health benefits of nature exposure. Participants will learn about human-wildlife conflict management, local conservation efforts, and strategies to foster more sustainable, harmonious urban ecosystems. The sessions will bring together diverse perspectives from government, non-governmental and academic institutions to expand our understanding of the complex ecological and social dynamics shaping urban environments. Interactive discussions will explore how our everyday interactions, whether birdwatching, gardening, or simply noticing seasonal changes, deepen our connection to the urban web of life and reveal our role within it.
Course Director
Gabriella Mastromonaco
Gabriela Mastromonaco has dedicated more than 25 years to advancing wildlife science. Her passion for comparative reproductive biology led her to pursue a PhD at the University of Guelph in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. As a Reproductive Biologist at Toronto Zoo, she strives to deepen our understanding of natural and assisted reproduction in threatened species, developing innovative tools that strengthen species recovery efforts. In her primary role as Chief Science Officer, she forges multi-disciplinary collaborations that enhance animal well-being and promote species sustainability both under human care and in the wild. She also actively builds strategic partnerships with government agencies and academic institutions to accelerate conservation impact and evidence-based decision-making. Gabriela holds adjunct professorships at four Canadian universities (Guelph, Saskatchewan, Laurentian, and Trent), reflecting her commitment to training the next generation of scientists and conservation leaders.
Gabriella Mastromonaco
Term and Time
Winter 2027 – starting January 8
10:00 a.m. on Fridays
Room 204 in York Hall
Course Outline
Two weeks before the course starts, you can download a printable PDF giving the 10-week detailed course outline.
NOTE: The course outline opens in a new browser tab where you cannot see the LLIR page header and menu. You can download the outline for future reading and printing. When you are finished, return to our website as follows:
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Lecture Notes
Links to resources such as additional reading or play lists are provided here as the Course Director makes them available during the term. Like the course outline, lecture notes open in a new browser tab so that you can download and print them.
Return to the list of Courses for 2026-2027 to check out another course.
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