David S. Wilcove |  My research focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and, in particular, the development of innovative approaches to protect endangered species, migratory species, and wilderness. Over the past decade, I have undertaken a number of studies pertaining to imperiled wildlife and the U.S. Endangered Species Act, examining such factors as the causes of species endangerment, the geographical distribution of imperiled species, and the costs of habitat restoration and conservation. More recent projects include: an assessment of ongoing efforts to preserve the endemic plants and animals of the Florida scrub ecosystem, with the goal of developing better tools for identifying key areas and species to protect (in collaboration with Will Turner at Conservation International and Hilary Swain at the Archbold Biological Station); studies of insect migration in collaboration with Martin Wikelski (here at Princeton);  and a book-in-progress on the conservation of migratory species.  In the more distant past, I undertook various research and policy projects related to the conservation of freshwater biodiversity in the United States, the protection of the northern spotted owl and its old-growth forest habitat in the Pacific Northwest, and the management of the national forests surrounding Yellowstone National Park. Prior to joining the Princeton faculty in 2001, I served as senior ecologist with Environmental Defense (1991-2001) and The Wilderness Society (1986-1991).