The Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute is a hidden treasure of the Smithsonian Institution, a world leader in promoting conservation. The SCBI forests are the result of a complex mixture of past historical events and present factors. What might appear as a chaotic mix of plants and animals is really an understandable passion play with each animal and plant playing its critical part. SCBI is conducting studies on cheetahs, red pandas, white-tailed deer, forest demographics, tree physiology, climate change, and best restoration practices for native grasslands. Bill will describe each project as you encounter experiments during your walk through the natural resource area that is rarely open to the public.
Dr. Bill McShea received his education at Bucknell University (B.S.), University of New Hampshire (M.S.), and State University of New York at Binghamton (PhD). He is currently co-chair of the IUCN Deer Specialist Group which is responsible for setting endangerment levels for deer species worldwide.
His dissertation research was in population biology of small mammals, but has since worked on deer, giant pandas, migratory birds, and carnivores. He has edited 4 volumes on wildlife management (deer, giant pandas, oak forests and Asian wildlife) and co-authored a book on deer ecology. When not in Virginia, Bill has worked in Southeast Asia, Gabon, Brazil, and China. Bill’s current research focuses on the management of wildlife populations in forested ecosystems, including giant pandas in China, rare deer in Cambodia, a large mammal survey along the Appalachian Trail, invasive plant/animal interactions, chestnut tree restoration, and wood turtles in Virginia.
Steven L. Monfort belongs to the first generation of conservation biologists to have spent their entire careers working within the zoological community. Throughout his career he has used multidisciplinary, collaborative science to save species and habitats and restore animals to the wild. Since 1986, he has served the Smithsonian in many roles, including veterinarian, research scientist, educator, conservationist, and executive-level administrator.
Notice of Updated Buyer Terms of Use
We have recently updated our Buyer Terms of Use. We encourage you to review the revised terms to ensure continued understanding and compliance. By continuing to use our platform, you acknowledge and agree to the updated terms. View the updated Terms of Use