The high species diversity within tropical genera and families makes these ideal for studying the interface between ecology, behavior, and morphology. The diverse communities in the tropics provide greater opportunity for intense species interactions, which are then easily studied. On a broader scale, I am interested in the ecological basis for geographic patterns of species diversity and endemism. My current focus is on documenting and understanding the patterns of avian diversity and endemism along elevational gradients in Central and South America. My interest in diversity relates directly to my concern for the conservation of biological communities in the Neotropics.
Biological data are critical to the development of rational conservation strategies.
The information on the distribution, ecology and taxonomy of birds is the most accurate and detailed available for any taxonomic group, making it appropriate to focus on them in planning conservation activities in the tropics where information on biological communities is often lacking. Recent Publications Stotz, D. F., J. W. Fitzpatrick, T. A. Parker III, and D. K. Moskovits, 1996. Galetti, M. and D. F. Stotz., 1996. Stotz, D. F., 1993. Stotz, D. F., 1993.