Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!

Welcome!

Ever since I was a child, I have been very interested in nature and the environment. I have a B.S. degree in wildlife biology, and have worked as a zookeeper, wildlife biologist, and ecologist. I am conducting a brief survey of world leaders, government officials, religious leaders, corporate CEOs, environmental groups, wildlife experts, and others regarding nature and the environment. I am also very interested in religious views, customs, and beliefs from around the world, and the interactions between religion, culture, society, and the environment. This is something I am doing out of personal interest, and is not connected to any group or organization. I have been working on this project since the summer of 2006, and hope to eventually turn it into a book and/or documentary. I am hoping to make this into a global project, with responses from all segments of society. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or comments. If you have not already done so, I hope that you will consider taking part in my project, and please spread the word to anyone you think might be interested! Thanks for stopping by!

TAKE THE SURVEY ONLINE HERE http://tinyurl.com/nx4ng7

October 03, 2006

Peter Luscomb

General Curator, Honolulu Zoo

Today's Date: 3 Oct 06

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I spent five years as a child in Puerto Rico and during that time I had the opportunity to have horses. Horses gave me the ability and excuse to spend many hours out in the forest where I lived. It was during this period that I developed a love for exploring and enjoying nature.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

My fondest memories are of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming . What a beautiful location with wonderful wildlife.

Now? Kuper Range in Papua New Guinea.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Iiwi (Vestiaria coccinea) A beautiful bird with a charismatic and great personality.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

human population and the impact we have on our environment

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Conservation is about people and the impacts that they make on our ecosystems in the process of living. Many of our practices are exploitive, degrading and non sustainable. If these practices continue then the ecosystems we live in will be eventually degraded. As a conservation manager it is our responsibility to put value on maintaining an intact ecosystem, and encourage using the resources of that ecosystem on a sustainable basis.

The primary concerns are with habitat loss, ecosystem degradation, and exploitation of resources. Our work will need to focus on people, assisting them in developing sustainable practices that will allow them to meet their needs while preserving their native ecosystems.