World Renowned Biologist to Speak at UMaine
Contact: Aimee Dolloff, (207) 581-3777; Rebecca Holberton, UMaine biology professor, 581-2526
ORONO, Maine — Dr. Keith Hobson, wildlife biologist with Environment Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan will be the guest speaker during UMaine’s School of Biology and Ecology seminar series at 3:10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, in room 102 Murray Hall.
Hobson’s presentation, “Tracking Animal Migration with Stable Isotopes,” will include information about his research and tracking technique which has been used to track whales, birds, fish, bats and more over large geographical areas.
The technique is able to trace animals without using tracking bands or bracelets and uses only naturally occurring isotopes. The process allows scientists to track even the smallest animals and organisms, such as monarch butterflies, which would be impossible to mark with a tracking device or band.
The isotopes, which can be found across the environment in naturally occurring patterns, become incorporated into animal tissue and can be examined to determine where an animal was before it was tested.
Hobson’s visit to meet with UMaine students and staff coincides with the university’s Climate Change 21 Conference, but is not directly related to the event. His work does, however, play a part in helping researchers understand how communities interact in ecosystems which is part of understanding climate change.
Hobson arrives on campus Wednesday afternoon and there are several times available for him to speak to members of the media.