Biodiversity Exploration and Monitoring

CBC scientists have led pioneering expeditions and ongoing monitoring programs around the globe, including in Vietnam, the Bahamas, Bolivia, Cuba, the Solomon Islands, and Madagascar, and even New York City. We also “explore” the Museum’s collections, using specimens to study biodiversity.

Using remote sensing and statistical modeling techniques, we have developed approaches to address a broad range of pressing issues, including changing habitats, climate change impacts, and invasive species. Our research has led to the discovery of dozens of new species, provided a better understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes, and contributed to conservation planning, including the establishment, upgrade or extension of several protected areas.

Research Developing a Regional Conservation Strategy for Flamingos in the Americas The CBC works in the high plateau of the Andes to conserve dynamic wetland complex that supports flamingos in South America. Research Mangrove Ecology and Restoration in American Samoa We are conducting research to determine how different species impact the health of mangrove ecosystems in American Samoa. Research Impact of Human Activity on Black Bear Habitats in the Western Great Basin Developing models to understand how black bears move between patches of suitable habitat in the Western Great Basin, Nevada. Research Monitoring Landscapes for Conservation Planning The CBC develops a variety of software and tools for monitoring landscapes to support conservation planning and action. Research Understanding the Role of Palmyra Atoll for Sea Turtles in the Pacific The CBC works to uncover information about the sea turtles of the Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Research Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation of Primates in Southeast Asia With a focus on Vietnam, the CBC seeks to strengthen understanding and conservation of primate diversity in Southeast Asia. Article Machine Learning for Conservation Advancing and promoting the use of machine learning for the understanding and conservation of biodiversity.   Past Projects