At the Conservation Ecology Center (CEC), Zoo conservation scientists work together find ways to restore and protect at-risk wildlife species and their supporting ecosystems. Their work spans key marine and terrestrial regions throughout the world. Our biologists helped shape the field of conservation biology, and have forged and honed the cutting edge of conservation science, focusing on the biology of extinction, overabundant species, nutritional ecology, endangered landscapes, and ways to prioritize and assess conservation strategies. CEC scientists have unparalleled experience among zoos with field-based programs in identifying what endangered species need for their continued survival in real-world landscapes. An array of experts working in concert to take into accound the diverse needs of people and wildlife is the best way to stem the tide of species loss in a changing, human-dominated world.
Research Programs
Conservation GIS Lab
Using satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify, monitor and fight habitat loss and species extinction globally. 
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Tiger Conservation in the Wild in Asia
Smithsonian scientists were among the first to begin working for tiger preservation. Since then, they've been leaders in studying tiger behavioral ecology and conservation.Learn more
Cats in Sri Lanka
Zoo conservation ecologists are conducting the first in-depth study of elusive fishing cats and rusty cats in Sri Lanka. Learn more
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed deer play a key ecological role in our eastern forests, and offer ecologists a way to assess forest health.
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Antarctic Expedition
Zoo scientists ventured to the southernmost continent to study the ecology and diet of Weddell seals. Learn more
Recent Findings
Study Finds Baby Marmosets More Likely to Become Obese if Transition to Solid Food Faster
Companion study finds young obese monkeys more likely to have pancreas problems. more
New Genetics Research on Leopards and Tigers in India Underscores the Importance of Protecting Forest Corridors
As rapid economic expansion continues to shape the Asian landscape on which many species depend, time is running out for conservationists aiming to save wildlife such as tigers and leopards. Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute have used genetic analysis to find that the natural forest corridors in India are essential to ensuring a future for these species. According to two studies recently published in two papers, these corridors are successfully connecting populations of tigers and leopards to ensure genetic diversity and gene flow. more
Past Projects
Desert Tortoise
Desert tortoises are a declining species. And yet they live in an, apparently, sparse environment. Zoo scientists studied what types of food desert tortoises need to survive.
Bottlenose Dolphins of Sarasota Bay
Zoo scientists joinined forces with Randall Wells of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program to determine why half the bottlenose dolphin calves born in the resident population of Sarasota Bay, Florida, fail to survive to maturity.
