Conservation Projects – Page 2 – TINA CHIARELLI, PHD, FRGS

The Importance of Citizen Scientists

April 14th, 2012tinalc0 Comments

As science itself evolves, a new way of conducting research is emerging. Although a newly coined phrase, Citizen Scientists have been around for a very long time, lending a helping hand to researchers around the globe. Although these individuals may lack a formal education, what they do not lack is passion and enthusiasm. Participation of Citizen Scientists essential allows scientists to be in millions of places at one time; observing wildlife, recording behaviors, and biological sample collection is but a few things they do. One of the original programs initiated by Citizen Scientists was bird watching. Although a hobby for …

The Year of the Dragon

February 20th, 2012tinalc0 Comments

The dragon is both revered and feared in many cultures around the world. This year the Chinese will celebrate the upcoming new year as the Year of the Dragon. A symbol of strength and royalty, you can find interpretations of these mythical beasts adorning clothing, wall tapestries, statues, and even etched into flesh. But what do we know about our last remaining dragon, the Komodo dragon, which still walks the earth? What is being done to conserve this magnificent creature and its habitat to ensure that it too remains immortalized? Weighing in at up to 100 kg (220 lbs) and …

Devil Facial Tumor Disease

January 27th, 2012tinalc0 Comments

In honor of Australia Day I thought it would be fitting to write about one of their most beloved species, the Tasmanian devil. Immortalized as the spinning, incoherent cartoon character, the survival of the real Tasmanian devil is in peril. A communicative disease called Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) is decimating the devil population of Tasmania. As researchers race to understand the etiology behind DFTD the devils face an uncertain future. Devil Facial Tumor Disease was first documented in 1996 in northeastern Tasmanian. The disease is characterized by large, fast-growing cancerous tumors that are found around the face and inside …

A New Year For Conservation

December 30th, 2011tinalc0 Comments

Like years past, 2011 has been full of both triumph and loss. Precious habitat was saved. Conservationists continued to educate and inspire others to help preserve our natural world. In addition, new plant and animal species were discovered; however, a few were also considered to now be extinct. With all of our great accomplishments over the last 365 days, I believe we can do better. Whether we are aware of it or not, we are all interconnected to each and every living thing on this planet. All of our actions, good or bad, have an effect on others. I meet …

Thank You

November 23rd, 2011tinalc0 Comments

This week, in the United States, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. This holiday is a time for recognizing the things and special people we are thankful for. Aside from stuffing ourselves with roasted turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, the day is spent with friends and family. In addition, I thought it would be the most fitting time to give thanks to all those special people who have inspired me over the years and helped cultivate my passion for wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. If not for these wonderful people, I would not be who I am today. As a …

Answer the Call for Gorilla Conservation

October 3rd, 2011tinalc0 Comments

Columbite-tantalite, more commonly known as colton, is a valuable mineral that is used to manufacture capacitors found in electronic devices such as cell phones, video game systems, MP3 players, computers, and DVD player. Colton is mined in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, China, Ethiopia, and Mozambique. Unfortunately, most of the world’s coltan reserves are found in the same region as gorillas and the mining is destroying their last remaining habitat. In addition, mining open access roads into gorilla habitat making it easier for poachers to find not only gorilla, but other endangered wildlife and resources. By recycling …

Student Creates Wildlife Conservation Project

September 28th, 2011tinalc0 Comments

For as long as Tina Dow can remember, she’s had a passion for wildlife. Dow, a West Virginia University student, is pursuing her passion through an organization she and her husband formed – Wildlife Research and Conservation. “I don’t ever remember a time not being interested in wildlife,” Dow said. “As a kid I always felt more at home outside with the creepy crawlies than I did inside.” During her doctoral studies at WVU, Dow’s focus has been on elephant captivation and the effects it has on the species’ fertility. Though Dow is unsure where she’ll end up after graduation, …

Human-Wildlife Conflict

August 7th, 2011tinalc0 Comments

To most of us, looking out our window and seeing wildlife up close would be a dream come true. However, to those people who actually share space with magnificent wild creatures on a daily basis the dream can quickly turn into a nightmare. Human-wildlife conflicts are continuing to increase globally at an alarming rate. Some argue that wildlife populations are growing, causing animals to crossover safe boarders of national parks and wildlife refuge areas into urban land inhabited by humans. In contrast, human population growth is at an all time high; humans are encroaching into areas set aside as safe …