For four grueling weeks, we surveyed one of the most inaccessible corners of the globe: the isolated islands of the central South Atlantic. Our efforts paid off, rewarding us with sightings of 11 whale species, 13 species of dolphins and porpoises, and thriving colonies of nesting albatrosses, penguins, and endemic landbirds. But the true test of endurance came not from the harsh environment, but from within our own vessel, when a sudden hantavirus outbreak delivered far more danger than any of us had bargained for.

About the speaker, Dr. David Pearson:

David Pearson‘s research is focused on using the interaction of ecology, conservation, ecotourism and education to develop methods that promote sustainable use of biodiversity. He has worked on a breadth of organisms from crabs to insects, and Paramecium to birds. He has also studied a range of habitat types including coral atolls and desert grasslands. Pearson’s current research concentrates on a small group of insects—tiger beetles—in tropical lowland rain forests around the world. He also works on international environmental education exchanges for graduate students and elementary teachers and students that promote critical thinking skills and appreciation of cultural diversity.