Jeffrey P. Cohn

Citizen Science: Can Volunteers Do Real Research?

ABSTRACT Collaborations between scientists and volunteers have the potential to broaden the scope of research and enhance the ability to collect scientific data. Interested members of the public may contribute valuable information as they learn about wildlife in their local communities.

Gauging the biological impacts of the greenhouse effect

For years some climatologists have warned that greenhouse gases, by preventing excess solar energy from radiating back into space, could raise average global temperatures 3/degree/ to 5/degree/C within the next century, change rainfall patterns, melt some glaciers and polar ice, raise sea levels, flood low-lying coasts, and otherwise alter climate and environment. Only recently, however, have biologists begun to ask how the greenhouse effect might affect living organisms. How, for example, will individual species respond to changing climate. will they adapt to new conditions or migrate to new environs. Which species might benefit and which might go extinct. Will communities of plants and animals remain intact. What are the implications for wildlife managers and park planners. Such questions were addressed at a recent conference on biological consequences of the greenhouse effect.

New focus on wildlife healthTracking and controlling animal disease in the wild may be important to conservation efforts

February morning when Ron Windingstad arrived. The wheat, sorghum, and peanut fields were barren except for scattered bodies of dead and dying sandhill cranes. Each year, approximately 40,000 sandhills winter in west Texas near Cedar Lake southwest of Lubbock. In the winter of 1984-1985, an estimated 5000 of the tall birds died mysteriously. Windingstad, a wildlife biologist at the National Wildlife Health Research Center in Madison, Wisconsin, soon suspected peanuts left from the previous falls harvest were killing the birds. Almost all necropsied cranes had peanut remains in their stomachs, whereas few healthy birds killed by hunters did. Also, local records showed rising crane deaths in recent years coincided with a tenfold increase in peanut growing in west Texas.

Chlorofluorocarbons and the ozone layer

The colorless, odorless substances called chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, recently have reemerged at the center of an intense debate - once thought resolved - over scientific uncertainties and the proper balance between environmental protection and economic growth. The chlorofluorocarbon debate has reopened because recent scientific findings have indicated that the compounds pose more of an immediate threat to the environment and human health than was previously believed. While recognizing this threat, industry argues that the cost of further regulation will mean higher prices and therefore decreased US international competitiveness. These conflicting concerns have lead to renewed action both inside and outside government in the US and abroad. This article discusses the problems related to the use of chlorofluorocarbons and their possible effect on the ozone layer in the stratosphere.

Genetics for wildlife conservationDNA analysis of species and subspecies provides information not available via binoculars

cott Baker maneuvered his rubber boat closer to a pod of humpback whales diving in the murky waters off Alaskas southeastern coast. As the boat drew within 20 feet or so, Baker reached for his crossbow and arrow. Carefully, he took aim at the nearest whale and fired. The arrow struck home-its hard to miss a target the size of a humpback whale at close range, Baker admitsdriving the dart tip into the animals side.

Do Elephants Belong in Zoos

Abstract Zoos and animal welfare advocates differ over elephants in captivity. Critics say zoos lack space to house elephants. Zoos argue that they are expanding and improving exhibits, and that elephants live better in captivity than in the wild with disease, drought, habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with people.

Biosphere 2: Turning an Experiment into a Research Station

Abstract Ramesh Murthy gazes up at a stand of cottonwood trees growing in the high Sonoran Desert 35 miles northeast of Tucson, Arizona. Planted as 6-inch stumps, the 20 to 25-foot-tall trees offer shade from the warm midday sun. Rather than growing along some desert stream, however, these cottonwoods stand in neat rows within a futuristic-looking, glass-and-steel enclosed structure at the Biosphere 2 Center in the Santa Catalina Hills near Oracle, Arizona. They were planted not to restore a natural habitat or to save an endangered species, but for a series of experiments to test how ecosystems might respond to rising carbon dioxide levels and other climate changes associated with global warming.

Central and Eastern Europe aim to protect their ecological backbone

Important environmental issues face the newly democratic countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The problems of habitat and wildlife conservation are given less attention than other issues such as air and water pollution. However, a variety of opportunities exist to protect the remaining wild areas. Existing national parks, undeveloped lands especially along borders, and the Danube delta ecosystem still retain wild character, at least in part. Lack of money and equipment, the rush to privatization, lack of government priority, small core areas of wild land, and the effects of pollution all stand in the way of conservation efforts. Technical aid is coming from aid funding through US agencies and environmental and conservation organizations, but the future remains a concern.

The Wildest Urban River: Potomac River Gorge

Abstract Gary Fleming leads a small party across the tall bluffs, through the thick forest, and down the steep ravines that characterize the Virginia side of the Potomac River just north of Washington, DC. Fleming points to the stately beeches, plentiful tulip poplars, and majestic northern red and chestnut oaks that cover the hillsides, as well as to the understory of mountain laurel, sugar maples, and bladdernut. He revels in describing the Virginia bluebells, Dutchmans breeches, wild blue phlox, sessile trillium, and other wild flowers that carpet the forest floor here every spring in various shades of yellow, red, and blue.

A National Natural Laboratory

The wetlands, fields, and upland forests that make up the Savannah River Site constituted one of the most important ecological study sites in the USA. Her in the largest protected natural area in the eastern US, scientists have studied the areass natural habitats, abundant wildlife, and complex ecological relationships for over 40 years. This article summarizes the history of ecological studies on the Savannah River Site and looks at ongoing studies at the site.