Pete Marra, an ornithologist and conservation biologist, will present a talk around themes of his book “Cat Wars: The Devastating Consequences of a Cuddly Killer.” The event is free and open to the public.

Marra’s book tells the story of the threats free-ranging cats pose to biodiversity and public health throughout the world. His lecture will trace the historical and cultural ties between humans and cats from early domestication to the current boom in pet ownership, along the way accessibly explaining the science of extinction, population modeling and feline diseases.

A book signing will follow the talk. Copies of “Cat Wars” will be available for purchase before and after the event.