Dr. Aimee Rockhill, Program Director and Associate Professor, Natural Resource Conservation and Management, Western Carolina University
Mammals, those charismatic warm and fuzzies that roam our planet, play a crucial role in both conservation and management efforts. Herbivores help shape plant communities through browsing and grazing, and carnivores maintain ecological balance by maintaining prey populations. Likewise, most mammals aid in forest regeneration by facilitating seed dispersal, aerating our soils, and returning nutrients to the landscape. North Carolina is home to an estimated 126 mammal species; 79 of which roam the terrestrial landscape. In this presentation. Dr. Rockhill will delve into her research journey that spans the state from the coast to the mountains and will share the basics of how her team surveys and monitors mammals. Learn about the avenues for your involvement in supporting the dedicated mammalogists across the state to enhance our understanding and fortify conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding these remarkable species.
Join us in the SECU Daily Planet Theater or watch the livestream on YouTube!
Live Virtual Presentation hosted by NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ SECU Daily Planet Curator Chris Smith and the NC Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff.
You can post questions in the YouTube chat or tweet questions to #LunchTimeDiscovery and mention @NorthCarolinaEE.
Brought to you by the NC DEQ Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs and the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.