The California Academy of Sciences is planning Pacific island biotic surveys and inventories. In classic maritime expedition style, we will survey and study birds and other organisms in order to better understand the ecology of south Pacific ecosystems and gauge the health of plant animal populations of Oceania.

Much of the work will be ship-based studies of Pacific avifauna. We will begin by re-surveying portions of Rollo Beck's Whitney South Seas Expeditions, drawing on the journals and baseline data from a nearly a century ago.

PROJECT GOALS:

Visit and survey major island groups, including remote islands that have no airstrips or port facilities Create modern biological collections that include DNA samples, samples of environmental contaminants, and samples of parasites, diseases, and invasive species. Study changes in bird species numbers and present distribution and correlate changes with known human impacts such as agriculture, human settlements, and climate change. Research the ecology of rare and unknown species, collecting information on breeding sites, behavior, genetic variation, etc. Bring the spirit of adventure and scientific discovery home through internet blogs, digital photos, video segments, and linked in classroom interactives. Test and use the greenest possible expedition technology. Learn More about our expedition team >>>

Other South Pacific Links:

Our South Pacific Team

The expedition philosophy

The historical legacy

Scientific goals

Education and outreach goals

The first spots we want to visit

The hot birds to see

Contact Information

Department of Ornithology and Mammalogy
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Drive
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94118

415-379-5377
Jack's eMail

For general inquiries about the Department of Ornithology and Mammalogy please contact:

Department Administrator
415-379-5378
mammals@calacademy.org

Page last updated 12 September 2008 (JPD)