Author: Christopher Lile

Most people have heard of grey wolves. Some know of Mexican gray wolves. But very few people are aware that the last remaining population of wild red wolves currently roam the Albemarle Peninsula of North Carolina. What is a red wolf? The red wolf is the only canid species whose historic range fell entirely within the United States. Although essentially the All-American wolf, this species was almost hunted to extinction (IUCN Red List). Thankfully, the last remaining red wolves were pulled from the wild in the 1970s to preserve the last of the gene pool. Seven years after the species…

From the beginning of Dr. Jane Goodall’s research in 1960, she knew that humans and chimpanzees share many similarities. She discovered that chimpanzees use tools, engage in cooperative hunting, and form strong bonds with family and community members. Dr. Goodall’s pioneering discoveries, which removed the assumed separation between us and the rest of the animal kingdom, captivated the world. Today, chimpanzee research at Gombe and elsewhere has continued to tease apart the distinctions between chimpanzees, humans, and other apes. With World Chimpanzee Day fast approaching on July 14th, this is an opportune time to reflect on some of the most…

Strategically placed recycled cell phones are combating deforestation by sending notifications to rangers when chainsaw noises are recorded. Algorithms similar to those used by Homeland Security are being developed to provide effective routes for ranger patrols in their battle against poaching. And drones are delivering sylvatic plague vaccines to prairie dog populations in an effort to save the Black Footed Ferret, a highly endangered predator of prairie dogs, from extinction. What happens when wildlife biologists join forces with computer scientists? A new era in wildlife conservation is born! Scientists in these fields have taken advantage of advancements in technology to create new…

Imagine sitting in the forest for hours at a time, watching your favorite primate species, and filling notebooks with your observations. This was the life of Jane Goodall during her years in Gombe, Tanzania, and her findings changed the world. She was a true pioneer in the field of Primatology (technically her degree is in Ethology, or animal behavior), inspiring people around the world to follow in her footsteps. But for many, it is difficult to know where to begin when pursuing this dream. Is Animal Behavior Research for Me? There are some essential prerequisites to thriving during primatology field research. One…

All species deserve celebration, but Endangered Species Day is reserved specifically for those most precious and facing the greatest threat of extinction. This year’s Endangered Species Day, May 18th, comes just months after the harrowing loss of Sudan, the last remaining male Northern White Rhino. Unfortunately, the plight of this species is not unique amid the current “Sixth Extinction” our world is experiencing. If we do not act now, many of these species will disappear from the planet. Why celebrate and protect endangered species? Could you imagine life without the magnificent flight of bald eagles, the howl of wolves, or…