Karen McGovern, Rare Species Conservatory Foundation curator. Expertise in psittacine field ecology, captive management and animal husbandry. Specialist in graphic arts and biological illustration, primary illustrator for Psittacine Aviculture, Perspectives, Techniques and Research. karenmcgovern@rarespecies.org

RSCF Animal Care Staff

Rosemarie Willms, Lead Keeper
Hollie Chiles, Keeper I
David Reyes, Keeper I
Patrick Morin, Keeper I

RSCF offers internships and field-study opportunities to qualified candidates. For further information E-mail us.


RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
Please click the links for project details.

Lyndon Estes, Ph.D., Bongo Repatriation Program - Since 2005, RSCF Research Associate Lyndon Estes has managed a field research program in the Aberdares, focusing on habitat utilization by wild bongo. This research complements other recovery efforts, both ex situ and in situ, by helping to identify appropriate habitat for sustainable reintroduction, train local guides and researchers, and bolster monitoring and protection of the remaining wild bongo population.

Anna Estes, University of Virginia, Tanzania, African Elephant Research - Spatial and temporal habitat use of elephants in the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania. Using a combination of optical and microwave remote sensing, field-collected vegetation structure data, and data on elephant (Loxondonta africana) movements and habitat use obtained through satellite telemetry, this study aims to: 1) further understanding of elephant-habitat interactions at multiple spatial and temporal scales in both natural and human-dominated landscapes, and 2) quantify the impact of elephants on savanna vegetation structure through time series analysis of the remotely-sensed data.

Matthew Shirley, University of Florida, Crocodilian Research, West Africa - Conservation, Ecology and Systematics of Crocodiles in West and Central Africa. This research program is an interdisciplinary effort to examine the ecology and systematics of the 3 crocodile species native to western Africa such that more effective conservation and management programs can be designed for them. For example, we are looking at the evolutionary history of Nile (Crocodylus niloticus) and dwarf (Osteolaemus tetraspis) to determine exactly how many taxa are in Africa. Until recently only one species of each was recognized, however, thanks to this and other projects we now know there are 2 different Nile crocodiles and 3 different dwarf crocodiles, all of which have very different conservation needs. A new phase of this program will be looking at the ecology of the slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus), the least-known crocodilian in the world, to protect its last known robust populations. This species has been virtually eradicated from 50% of its former range and is recognized by international authorities as one of the top 7 crocodiles species for priority conservation action. As part of the field effort identifying and mitigating threats against these species, capacity-building of local West and Central African students is prioritized to ensure the long-term sustainability of our efforts.

Caroline Stahala, Abaco Island/Inagua, Bahamas Parrot Recovery Project (Amazona leucocephala) - To construct and install artificial, tree-mounted nest cavities to supplement natural, subterranean nesting within Abaco National Park, on Great Abaco Island. During 2007-08, the initial set of artificial nest cavities--each equipped with infrared cameras--was monitored, and birds' interest identified in several areas. Ongoing monitoring has revealed potential to expand the cavity supplementation effort, and illustrated subtle design changes that may increase utilization. A primary objective is to evaluate nest-site use and recruitment over several years, from which a long-term nest-supplementation strategy and habitat restoration program can evolve.

Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, P.O. Box 1371, Loxahatchee, FL 33470 (561) 790-5864 info@rarespecies.org