Peter Smallwood
Associate Professor of Biology
University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia
Title: Conservation in a Country in Conflict: Afghanistan.
Abstract: Afghanistan lies at the juncture between Paleoarctic, IndoMalayan, and African biotic realms, and therefore has a rich biodiversity. For example, there are at least 9 species of cat extant in Afghanistan now, with two others only recently extirpated from the country. It is home to such iconic species as snow leopards (Uncia uncia), Marco Polo sheep (Ovis ammon polii), and Markor goat (Capra falconeri). From deserts to mixed deciduous forests to high alpine grasslands, there are wildlands and wildlife worthy of conservation. From January of 2008 till July of 2009, I directed a conservation project in Afghanistan. The project involves work with local communities in three regions of Afghanistan, and with the central government to help them develop the legal framework and policies for protected areas, protected species, and conservation. There was very little in the way of a legal framework for conservation in Afghanistan when we began, very little expertise in conservation in the Afghan government or academia, and almost no data on wildlife and wildlands since the mid 1970’s. Security deteriorated during the project, and seems likely to decline further for at least several months. Despite these challenges, we made significant progress. Here, I report on accomplishments to date, plans for continued work, and the challenges of doing biodiversity conservation within a country in conflict.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Peter Petraitis
Professor of Biology
University of Pennsylvania
Title: Dramatic shifts in shell size of dogwhelks (Nucella
lapillus) in Maine over the last century
Roian Egnor (class of '90)
HHMI - Janelia Farm Research Campus
"Neural Circuits Mediating Natural Vocal and Social Behaviors in the Mouse"
*additional information TBA
Joanne M. Willey
Biology Department
Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York
*additional information TBA
April, 2010
Doug Miller
Associate Professor of Oceanography
University of Delaware
College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment
*additional information TBA
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