After5NewYork- Reptiles in Retreat: The Hidden Cost of the Concrete Jungle
About this Event
A Conversation About Reptiles, Cities, and a Changing Planet
Join Ecologist and Herpetologist for Reptiles in Retreat: The Hidden Cost of the Concrete Jungle - a fascinating conversation about reptiles, urban wildlife, and how human activity is reshaping the natural world around us. From city parks and suburban backyards to tropical forests and island ecosystems, reptiles are facing new challenges as climates shift and landscapes rapidly change.
Together, we'll explore how lizards and other reptiles navigate urban environments, what scientists can learn from tracking their movements, and why some species are thriving while others are disappearing. Along the way, we'll uncover surprising insights about conservation, climate change, biodiversity, and the hidden wildlife living alongside us every day.
This is not a traditional biology lecture. It's an engaging, interactive discussion designed for curious minds who want to better understand the relationship between humans, cities, and the ecosystems we inhabit. Whether you're interested in wildlife, fascinated by environmental science, or simply curious about the creatures you rarely notice, you'll leave with a new perspective on the world around you.
Don't miss this chance to connect with your After5Society.
About The Speaker:
Anna Thonis is an ecologist and herpetologist specializing in how global change including climate change and urbanization affects reptiles and amphibians. She is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at New York University, where she studies how lizards use and move through urban landscapes, combining ecology, genetics, and advanced species distribution modeling to better understand wildlife in cities.
Anna completed her PhD in Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University in 2024 and has conducted research across Puerto Rico, Madagascar, Malaysia, and the United States. Her work focuses on understanding how animals respond to environmental change and how science can inform conservation efforts. She is also deeply involved in reptile conservation and is working to re-establish the Anoline Lizard Specialist Group within the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Good to know before you come:
- Exact bar location will be disclosed in your confirmation email
- Arrive early to grab a drink and get settled
- The speaker portion lasts 1 hour, with optional time to stay and socialize afterward
- This is a participatory event
- Seating is limited to keep the experience intimate
Agenda
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Doors Open & Drinks Flow
Info: Arrive early to grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the atmosphere. Early birds get the best seats and a head start on mingling!
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:45 PM
Guided Experience / Talk
Info: Dive into an engaging, interactive session with our speaker. Participate, observe, or simply soak it all in — it’s your experience to enjoy.
🕑: 07:45 PM - 08:00 PM
Q&A / Reflection
Info: Ask questions, share insights, or hear behind-the-scenes stories from the host in a casual discussion.
🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Social Time & Connection
Info: Stick around to chat with fellow attendees, swap ideas, or just relax with a drink. Great conversations often happen after the main event!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 29.99


















