Birds of the Amazon: Ecological Research & Conservation in the SE Peruvian Amazon 

Guest Speaker: Dr. Ursula Valdez

The Peruvian Amazonia is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, and thousands of species are distributed in this region. Unfortunately, many bird species and their habitats in the region have been affected by deforestation, agriculture expansion, and illegal mining. Dr. Valdez and her colleagues assess the bird populations, their distribution among available habitats, and the related impacts of human activities. Dr. Valdez will share some of her research findings, and she will explain how these studies are also helping to engage people from Peru and other regions in science, conservation, education, and sustainability. 

Dr. Valdez is an Avian tropical ecologist and conservationist (Peruvian-American). She focuses on studies of birds of prey, bird community ecology and habitat use, and in conservation programs in the SE Peruvian Amazon. She collaborates with other scientists and professionals and local communities of Madre de Dios, Peru and the PNW where she does research and trains students in field ecology and conservation, and multidisciplinary projects. At UW Bothell, she teaches ecology, natural history of birds and field methods. She also offers opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in bird research in the PNW and the Peruvian Amazon. Through her courses, and field study abroad to Peru, she offers opportunities to connect her students with real-life cases and with a body of local and international researchers, conservation organizations and students working on multiples disciplines.