I’m presenting panda stuff this coming Monday (9/8) starting @ 7pm at the Hollywood theater through OMSI Science Brewpub.
“Giant pandas have long captured the hearts and imaginations of millions and are considered the “poster child” for conservation biology. However, keeping this species from the brink of extinction has taken an international effort from research and zoo biologists. Securing a future for giant pandas has involved massive environmental restoration projects of native habitat and setting up million-dollar breeding facilities in the heart of China to ensure the propagation of the species.
In this talk, conservation biologist Meghan Martin will describe the ins-and-outs of captive breeding in giant pandas and review her recent research with the Oregon Zoo and San Diego Zoo on mate preference and mate familiarity in captive breeding. Meghan spent the last four years researching the effect of prior familiarity with a mate and mate preference on reproductive success of endangered giant pandas in the heart of Sichuan, China and will share her giant panda and foreign research experiences.
Meghan Martin, M.S. is a current PhD student at Portland State University. Her master’s research included the effects of mate choice in captive breeding of endangered pygmy rabbits at the Oregon Zoo. Meghan is also executive director of a local conservation and research non-profit, PDXWildlife, and has worked with a variety of other species including Asian elephants and rhesus macaques. Highlights of her career have been developing international internships for students to obtain valuable conservation experiences at the global level, and helping breeding managers develop more successful breeding programs. Meghan whole-heartedly believes in her non-profit’s motto, “conserving species through research, community education, and science” and hopes to share her passion for conservation with the Portland community.”
If you’re in town come and join!
-Meg