“生态与环境讲坛”系列讲座第228讲：

【报告题目】：Use of Haliaeetus Eagles as Key Indicators of the Health of the Environment

【报告人】：William W. Bowerman 教授/马里兰大学

【时  间】：2019年4月28日（周日）下午14：30-15：30

【地  点】：金泉楼A226

报告摘要：

Sea Eagles (Genus Haliaeetus) were, with Peregrine Falcons, the first avian predators to indicate the effects of environmental pollutants post-World War II. Long-term studies of these species include studies that began in the 1950s in Scandinavia on White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla), in Africa on the African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), and in North America on Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The impacts of DDT and other organochlorine pesticides were demonstrated in large-scale, long-term population studies of these species. Over the past 30 yrs, with more accurate methods to age nestlings, first egg laid in the nest has advanced in Bald Eagles by 0.8 days per year on average for those nesting along the Great Lakes shorelines. Preliminary analyses have found some adaptive effects on nestling size due to increases in temperatures. Utilizing a 57 yr annual census for the state of Michigan on bald eagles, these and other techniques will be described. The transfer of these methods or how other projects on other Haliaeetus eagles are also utilizing these long term studies of both pollution and climate change will be illustrated. Studies have also been conducted on human disturbance, critical habitat assessment, migrations, and associations with hydroelectric operations. Sea Eagles are excellent indicator species for many human caused impacts in the environment. However, as with any indicator species, there are some drawbacks. How they are best used as ecosystem monitors will be discussed.

个人简介：

William W. Bowerman is a Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Toxicology, and Chair of the Department of Environmental Science and Technology at the University of Maryland, College Park, appointed in May 2011.  He was on the Faculty of Clemson University, from 1999-2011, and was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Environmental Toxicology in 2012.

  He served as the United States Co-Chair of the International Joint Commission’s Great Lakes Science Advisory Board from 2011-2014, and was a member from 1996-2014.  This service has resulted in extensive experience in cross-boundary and multi-jurisdictional natural resources and pollution abatement management issues.

  He received a B.A. in biology from Western Michigan University, a M.A. in biology from Northern Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in fisheries and wildlife-environmental toxicology from Michigan State University.  He has been studying bald eagle ecology and effects of environmental pollutants in the Great Lakes region since 1984.  Working with associates with Michigan State University, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, he has trained over 400 wildlife professionals and started environmental monitoring programs using sea eagles in the U.S. and Canada (bald eagles), Sweden (white-tailed sea eagle), Russia (Steller’s sea eagle), Uganda and South Africa (African fish-eagle).  In 2018, his bald eagle research project was selected as one of six NESA World Explorer Projects.  He serves on the NESA World Explorer Committee.

  He has published over 80 peer-reviewed papers, and has presented over 260 papers at local, national, and international meetings.  He has received over 100 grants totaling over $6 million.  Dr. Bowerman has served as the major professor, co-advisor, or research chair of 10 Ph.D. graduates, 26 M.S. graduates, and 1 M.F.R. graduate, and has trained 2 Fulbright and 1 U.N. Scholars in his laboratory. 

  His awards include the National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, Distinguished Alumni Award, Northern Michigan University; Alumni Achievement Award, Western Michigan University; the Regional Forester’s Honor Award, Eastern Region, U.S. Forest Service; the Bald Eagle Person of the Year Award and Bald Eagle Research Award, The Eagle Foundation; Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Northern Michigan University; election to Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society; and selection to the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.  He is a National Fellow of The Explorers Club.

  His service in faculty leadership at Clemson University included service as the Faculty Senate President, and Chaired the Research Committee and Welfare Committee.  He served on the Presidential Task Force on Curriculum and General Education in Response to Budget Cuts, the President’s Cabinet and President’s Faculty Advisory Council.  At the University of Maryland, he has served on the Flagship 2020 Commission: Workgroup on Innovations and Efficiencies in Administrative Operations, Council on the Environment, and as the President of Chapter 22CP of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

  He has been a member of the Boy Scouts of America as both a youth member and volunteer for over 40 years.  He is currently the Vice President of Outdoor Adventure for the National Capital Area Council.  He is a member of the Rotary Club of College Park and is the District Coordinator for the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians.