"Behavioral Responses of Bats to Operating Wind Turbines," Horn et al., 2008
The study, recently published in the Journal of Wildlife Management, can be read here. Postdoctoral scholar Jason Horn's accompanying thermal videos illustrate the flight behavior of bats in proximity to wind turbines, and provide visual proof that bats are often drawn to the moving blades.
"Assessing Impacts of Wind-Energy Development on Nocturnally Active Birds and Bats: A Guidance Document"
The document aims to provide researchers, consultants, decision-makers, and stakeholders with guidance for investigating nocturnally active birds and bats in relation to the growing utility-scale wind-energy industry. (Journal of Wildlife Management 71(8):2449–2486; 2007).
The CECB Fall 2007 Update, highlighting recent CECB research initiatives and activities, can be read here. The newsletter includes updates from CECB affiliated faculty and graduate students, past Tropical Ecology Program participants, and much more.
Children's Book "Frankie the Free-tailed Bat" Now Available at CECB
The bilingual book, funded by a National Science Foundation grant, will be distributed throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Frankie is a free-tailed Brazilian bat who migrates from Texas to Mexico each year; her story is entertaining and informative, and raises awareness about the ecological benefits of bats. Stop by the CECB office for a free copy!
Wind Energy Facilities Causing Bat Fatalities - August 07
The burgeoning wind energy industry is leading to some environmental damages, as seen in Ecological impacts of wind energy development on bats: questions, research needs, and hypotheses. The article, featured in August 07's Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, discusses the large numbers of bat and bird fatalities that have been observed at wind energy facilities, and provides projections as to what the future holds for bats and the wind industry alike.
National Academies of Sciences Releases New Report on "Environmental Impacts of Wind-Energy Projects"
The report, authored by a National Research Council Committee that included CECB Director Thomas H. Kunz, can be read online or purchased at the National Academies Press website.
Congratulations to Accepted TEP Students for Fall 2008!
Decisions have been sent out to accepted students for the Fall 2008 Tropical Ecology Program. Students interested in attending the Spring 2009 Tropical Ecology Program in Ecuador should submit their completed applications to the Office of International Programs by 5 P.M. October 15, 2008. Students are encouraged to fill out the online application here.
Your donations help continue the training of undergraduate and graduate students in the fields of ecology and conservation biology. To donate to CECB, you can send a check payable to 'Boston University - CECB' to The Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology, 5 Cummington St., Boston, MA 02215. We welcome your support.
Tropical
Ecology DVD's - Available Now!
Two DVD's focusing on the Tropical Ecology of
Ecuador are now available. The first, "Boston University's Tropical
Ecology Program," is a 13-minute preview of Boston University's
premier study abroad experience. The short film follows students and faculty
from the mountain city of Quito, to the Andes, the Pacific coast, the Galapagos
Islands, and finally the Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Amazon rainforest.
The Second DVD, entitled "An Invitation to the Tropics,"
is a 22-minute instructional video, highlighting the diverse flora, fauna,
and climate of Ecuador. The film travels among the montane, coastal, and rainforest
regions of the country and gives breathtaking images of local life. The film
also stresses the need to protect and preserve this valuable region for future
generations.
Tropical Ecology Program T-Shirts
- On Sale!
Are you a TEP alum? Want to tell people that
you've been to the rainforest? The CECB is currently selling t-shirts for
the Tropical Ecology Program and the Tiputini Biodiversity Station. These
t-shirts can be purchased at the CECB main office for $12. Proceeds will go
to support future projects at Tiputini and the CECB.