She’s a sweet-natured, eager explorer with a taste for juicy wax worms. Meet Chiquita, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s new tamandua!
With such a specialized diet, tamanduas have some unique adaptations for eating.
Jonathan Ballou was the population manager and a research scientist at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C. His research focused on the genetic and demographic problems confronted by small populations, especially of threatened species. He is recognized as a leader in developing the theoretical basis for the genetic management of small populations and in developing population management tools (software, applied theory) that are widely and internationally used by wildlife and zoo managers.
Ballou’s more recent activities have included co-authoring the text ‚Genetic Management
Fire-bellied toads, also called bombina, are warty, aquatic toads with bright orange or red undersides. These gregarious frogs are native to China and Russia.
Males, unlike females, also have nuptial pads on the first and second fingers.
E. Emperatriz Gamero is currently a fellow at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Center for Conservation Genomics, where she conducts lab work for her master’s degree. Her research aims to propose a phylogenetic hypothesis about the origins of the endemic and critically endangered Margarita capuchin, and its divergence from mainland capuchins. She hopes to examine longstanding questions about specific versus subspecific status of the species based on their colonization of Margarita Island. Gamero’s projects include:
ancient DNA, scientists can learn about genetic variation and how certain species have
Always free of charge, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. The Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences with animals and the people working to save them.
Approaches Could Improve Clouded Leopard Breeding Why do clouded leopards seem to have
We’re recognizing some of the dedicated professionals who go above and beyond for the animals in our care!
proud to celebrate Mike Kirby, a dedicated keeper whose passion and work ethic have
Lilly Parker is a graduate fellow at the Center for Conservation Genomivs. Her research interests include many aspects of evolutionary biology, including population and landscape genomics and phylogenomics, as well as methodology for sequencing DNA from suboptimal materials, including non-invasive, ancient and environmental samples. She is also passionate about science outreach and education, in particular increasing representation of underrepresented minorities and women in STEM fields. Parker’s projects include:
ancient DNA, scientists can learn about genetic variation and how certain species have
Elin Videvall is a postdoctoral researcher at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Center for Conservation Genomics. Videvall works with birds and malaria parasites on the islands of Hawaii. She uses genomics, transcriptomics and population genetics to better understand how endemic Hawaiian honeycreepers respond to introduced malaria disease.
Her ongoing work with endangered honeycreepers in Hawaii may have future implications
Scientists are working to save cheetahs by studying how different conditions, such as range and coalition size, impact reproduction.
Free-ranging cheetahs have a social structure that is mostly different from other
This fall, she joined her grandmother Billie Jean and beau-to-be Quito at the Smithsonian
exploring her habitat, though, her curiosity got the better of any fear she may have
