Current Research Projects

Tambopata Macaw Project - Peru

Introduction

Due to their large size and great beauty, macaws make excellent flagship species and serve as charismatic focal points for the conservation of the ecosystems where they occur. Unfortunately throughout most of tropical America large macaws have suffered major population declines. The Tambopata Macaw Project was begun in the 1989 under the field direction of Eduardo Nycander with the goal of learning about the basic ecology and natural history of large macaws so that this information could be used to help their conservation. In 1999 Dr. Donald Brightsmith took over the direction and operations of the project. The project is developing and evaluating techniques for increasing reproductive output of wild macaws, expanding our knowledge of macaw nesting behavior, increasing our understanding of the complexities of clay lick use, tracking macaw movements through satellite telemetry, and evaluating tourism as a method of protecting macaws and their habitat. This scientific information is being dispersed through a variety of channels to local native communities, to the Peruvian government, and via the Internet to classrooms and conservationists world-wide.

To go to the Tambopata Macaw Project website for more information click here

African Wildlife Conservation: Genomics, Genetics & Health

What is Conservation Genomics?

Conservation genomics is a relatively new field of study that uses biotechnology for the conservation and restoration of biodiversity. Within species, the level of genetic diversity is directly proportional to a species' ability to adapt, survive and thrive.

To date, one of the most detailed conservation genomics studies of any wildlife species focused on American bison. This species experienced a well documented population decline between the years 1800 and 1900 that reduced its numbers by over 99%! The spectacular recovery to over 700,000 animals present today is a testament to their genetic constitution and is recognized as one of the most significant accomplishments in modern conservation biology.

"We propose, using the bison studies as a model, to expand the use of these genomic technologies for the benefit of African wildlife species."

-Dr. James Derr, Professor
Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Jerad Dabney with a Darted Rhino in South Africa

For more information on Dr. James Derr's African Wildlife Genomics project please visit /africanwildlife