Zoos: A Historical
Perspective from Smithsonian Institution Libraries
The
National Zoological Park is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
Peter Leimgruber, Ph.D., Conservation
GIS Lab Director, Department of Conservation Biology
Conservation
and Science
Education
Peter received his Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma, and his Master's degree from the Christian-Albrechts-Universität in Germany.
Professional History and Interest
Peter Leimgruber's research focuses on the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite tracking techniques to the conservation and management of endangered charismatic fauna. At NZP, Peter directs the Conservation GIS Lab in Front Royal.
His team is using satellite imagery, GIS, and satellite radio collars to (a) map remaining habitats for endangered species, (b) remotely track the movements of these species and (c) develop conservation management strategies for these species in the wild.
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| Peter Leimgruber applying satellite-telemetry collar to an elephant in Myanmar. |
Research projects at the lab address a wide range of charismatic
species, including giant panda, Asian elephant, clouded leopard,
Burmese brow-antlered deer, Mongolian gazelle, and golden-cheeked
warbler. 
more
Peter recently returned from a elephant capture operation
in Burma, during which his team fitted a satellite radio collar
to a wild elephant to track the movements of a wild herd in
Burma’s protected area system. more
Other research projects include a country-wide assessment of forest loss in Burma for the period from 1990 to 2000 using satellite imagery, and the development of an interactive digital atlas on the Internet, portraying the National Zoo’s conservation activities worldwide.
