Brandon L. Noel

Ph.D Candidate, Environmental Science - Arkansas State University

Jul 23, 2009

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

Working with the Kemp's ridley sea turtle in southeast Texas is one of those moments in my wildlife career that stands out to me. Working with a species with so many obstacles stacked against it, and to see them perservere, amazing! It is a tough call between these sea turtles, shorebirds, blue whales, and the Ivory-billed Woodpecker

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

Any place in the woods was a favorite place for me in my childhood, and now remote beaches during shorebird migration is one of my favorite places to be!

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

Shorebirds by far! They migrate so far twice a year and they continue to lose habitat due to man's incessant desire to have waterfront property developed that should not be developed. Whoa...ease up tiger! :-)

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?

Habitat fragmentation, modification, and degradation due to both mans greed for more development, but also those preserved habitats and how they will change as a result of climate change

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

The importance of dispersal for all species of life. People seem to have this concept that they can isolate wildlife into small parks and everything will be fine, but do not think about the idea of breeding with siblings. Small corridors across a busy section of road or something similar has been our only option to try and allow for gene flow throughout the communities, but dispersal is more dangerous than ever with limited options and increased risks (avoiding cars, planes, boats, spills, etc.).