Biologists sorting leaf- 

 litter in the course 

 of inventorying amphi- 

 bians and reptiles in 

 Borneo. Specialized 

 techniques are needed 

 to adequately sannple 

 tropical diversity and 

 to provide data for 

 rigorous analyses 

 of distribution and 

 abundance. 



Photo by R F Inger 



As part of the ongoing systematic and conservation research on 

 the fishes of the Orinoco Basin in Venezuela, ichthyologist Barry 

 Chernoff, along with colleagues and students from the Universidad 

 Central de Venezuela, inventories rivers and flooded savannahs on 

 the Guyana Shield. They are searching for areas used by fishes for 

 reproduction and as nurseries. To conserve these fishes, areas 

 must be set aside v*/here both younger and older fishes flourish. 



Photo By R.M Peck 



lar sites or involving particular species may also be 

 undertaken as part of more extensive research pro- 

 grams. Museum personnel have participated in eco- 

 logical impact studies at future dam sites in Borneo 

 and Brazil. These studies yield unique information on 

 natural biotas before construction begins, providing 

 benchmark data needed to monitor subsequent en- 

 vironmental changes. Further, they often identify 

 measures that can minimize the negative impact of 

 construction (see "Paradise Being Lost" by John W. 

 Fitzpatrick, Jan., 1988 Bulletin). Studies on the dis- 

 tribution and population ecology of species harvested 

 for food, such as fishes of the Orinoco River system 

 studied by Barry Chernoff or Brazilian rainforest tor- 

 toises studied by Debby Moskovits, can be used to 

 gauge whether natural resources are being used at sus- 

 tainable levels. 



The broad spectrum of mutual interests and pro- 

 ductive interactions between museum scientists and 

 conservationists recently led to a landmark event. In 

 September 1988, Field Museum formed a cooperative 

 partnership with Washington-based Conservation 

 International (CI). CI is one of the most widely 

 acclaimed and accomplished organizations involved in 



