World Panda Day is March 16 to draw attention to one of the world’s most adored yet endangered animals.
David Jachowski, wildlife ecologist and professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, researches various endangered animals through the Jachowski Lab. While they don’t typically get as much public attention as larger species like pandas, they also matter.
Jachowski helps us learn about the importance of biodiversity for Pandas and other endangered species in particular:
Q&A
Q. Why is biodiversity protection important for Pandas in particular?
A. Pandas are important because they are popular, bringing attention to wildlife conservation more broadly.
Q. What other mammals might not get a day but require ongoing wildlife protection?
A. There is a long list. Locally, I think we could also do a lot more for small mammals like woodrats, pygmy shrews and weasels (just to name a few of our at-risk species near Clemson). We have a trail and hockey team called the Swamp Rabbits, but most don’t know they are also a species of conservation concern in South Carolina!
Q. What would be a good way to celebrate World Panda Day as a lover of the environment?
A. I tend to spend my time and efforts on overlooked species despite being in equal or greater conservation need. Remember, we don’t have to look across the globe to find an example of a species needing help. We have lots right here close to Clemson.
Learn more about Clemson ecologists’ work to arrest the decline of other mammals.