An odd bird is discovered in cloud forest of the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. Scientist rushing to find out more about the bird find themselves in a race to save it. Cascading events lead to the establishment of a chain of bird reserves and conservation action across the globe.
Our presenter, Doug Wechsler, will recount this fascinating history and talk about bird conservation in Ecuador today. His beautiful images will focus on the biodiversity of three southern Ecuador reserves run by the Jocotoco Conservation Foundation. He will describe the interesting management problems the foundation faces and how it solves them.
About Doug Wechsler
Doug Wechsler is a photographer, children’s book author, and naturalist. He ran the Academy of Natural Sciences’ worldwide photo collection, VIREO, for twenty-eight years. His work has taken him to tropical forests around the world.
Doug and his wife Debbie Carr spent months volunteering for the Jocotoco Conservation Foundation developing a host program in three bird reserves in southern Ecuador.
Some of Doug’s 23 books include: The Hidden Life of a Toad (spring 2017), Marvels in the Muck: Life in the Salt Marshes and Frog Heaven: Ecology of a Vernal Pool. Find out more about Doug and his work at www.dougwechsler.com
PS Pictured is Doug with an Indigo Snake