Elephant Biologist | FN'22 The Explorers Club
Elephant Biologist | FN'22 The Explorers Club
This past year, I got the opportunity to interview some incredible conservation organizations regarding their work before, during, and after the Covid-19 pandemic. During such trying times, they continued to support wildlife and communities in range countries despite new challenges. You can read the article in its entirety at JEMA 2022v33i3.
As promised, I am starting to update my website. To say that, since 2020, life has thrown it’s very best and worst at us would be a huge understatement. One of my grounding points has always been my work with elephants. Thankfully, they continue to be a guiding light. I was delighted to be interviewed by Gray Matters for their Members on the Move for Conservation” segment. “An interview with EMA Conservation Committee member Tina Dow, PhD. – This year, the Conservation Committee is highlighting EMA members that are making a difference for elephant conservation. For this issue of Gray …
Despite staunch conservation efforts, global big cat populations continue to decline. In just the last 30 years, data collected by conservation groups in Africa show that some big cat populations fell by at least 50% (table 1). Loss of habitat, human-wildlife conflicts, hunting, and poaching continue to threaten the long –term survival of these iconic creatures. Population 1985 2015 Cheetah (Africa and Iran) ~21,000 <10,000 (CCF) Lion (African and Asia) 100,000 ~23,000 Africa; <400 Asia (IUCN) Tiger (6 subspecies) 5,000-7,000 <3,500 (Global Tiger Initiative) Leopard (9 subspecies) no reliable data 100,000 Africa; 8,000 India (Nat Geo) …
As 2014 came to a close, I felt inundated with reports of record numbers of animals killed to fuel the illegal wildlife trade. In 2014, almost 1,200 rhino were killed for their horns. Numbers of elephants slaughtered for ivory were in the tens of thousands. It appears that life in the sea is just as dangerous on land as over 100 million sharks were killed for their fins. Gorillas, tigers, okapis, hippos, lions, and cheetah are not only losing their lives, but also their homes. Sadly, they are not the only ones. This cannot continue. As we begin 2015, …
Native to reefs in the Indo-Pacific region, the lionfish is a member of the scorpion fish family. Growing upwards of 45 cm in length and 1.3 kg in weight, it is an aggressive, territorial species with very few predators likely due to the fact that they are venomous. Large spins located within the dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins are capable of delivering a mix of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and a neuromuscular toxin causing pain, swelling, respiratory distress, and, in some cases, paralysis. With a life span of 5-15 years, chemical arsenal, and a ferocious appetite, this is one species …
Listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Area and one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands, the Pantanal covers 188,000 ha in western central Brazil. Bordering Bolivia and Paraguay, this freshwater ecosystem, fed by the Cuiabá and Paraguay rivers, is home to a variety of species found nowhere else on Earth. Modern pressures and an ever-growing human population continue to pose challenges for wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. Research projects centered on such species as the lowland tapir, giant river otter, and jaguar work relentlessly to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and secure safe rangeland to ensure wildlife are protected and given the …
1 September marks International Vulture Awareness Day. Although sometimes regarded as ugly and gross, vultures play a most important role in keeping ecosystems healthy. They serve both a biological and cultural significance. Unfortunately, several species are under threat of extinction due to humans. And please believe me when I say, this is not a species that we can live without. Collectively, there are 23 species of vultures that are classified into two groups: Old World Vultures and New World Vultures. Although all species are similar, these two groups actually belong to different families. There are 16 species of Old World …
This year, 2012, has been an exciting time for the Timber rattlesnake population and reproductive assessment survey research. The driving force behind this project was to better understand how human presence in the north eastern part of their range has affected overall rattlesnake numbers and breeding success compared to previous data. In addition, we wanted to learn more about Timber rattlesnake behavior so that we can educate the public and help them better appreciate the importance of this magnificent snake. Having begun this project in 2011, it was a frustrating year as all the specimens we were finding had been …
Throughout the world hunting has been used as a way to harvest animals for human consumption. In more cases then not, hunting has been managed sustainably to ensure long term availability of protein. In order to have healthy wildlife populations, a balanced ecosystem has to be maintained and preserved. Recently much attention has been given to hunting as a possible conservation tool. In addition, more hunters are actively participating in conserving wildlife and habitat to guarantee long term survival. Is it conceivable that the act of killing animals can also be used to save them? To see the whole picture …
Happy Earth Day! Initiated in 1970, Earth Day is an annual event encouraging people around the world to make their lives a little more greener. By doing so, people conserve resources and help ensure that what we have today will be here tomorrow. With hundreds, if not thousands, of ideas that can help to reduce our footprint, what will you do to celebrate Earth Day? Recycling initiatives are common place today. The well known Reduce, Reuse, Recycle or the 3Rs program helps to reduce either by reusing or recycling items. Rubbish cleanup events follow suit along highways or in natural …