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Thomas Lacher
- Professor Emeritus
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Resume/CV
- Website: https://biodiversitylabtamu.wordpress.com/
Education
- Undergraduate Education
- B.S. Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
- Graduate Education
- Ph.D. Biological Sciences; Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, University of Pittsburgh
Areas of Expertise
- Conservation Science
- Tropical Ecology
- Threatened Species
Professional Summary
Dr. Lacher’s current research is focused on the assessment of conservation status in mammals and the analysis and monitoring of large-scale patterns and trends in biodiversity, primarily in the tropics. Prior to Texas A&M, Dr. Lacher was based at Conservation International, where he was founding director of the Tropical Ecology, Assessment and Monitoring Network. This project implemented standardized protocols for the monitoring of a variety of vegetation, climate and vertebrate indicators at field stations in the tropics. Dr. Lacher is also involved in the Global Mammal Assessment, done in collaboration with the IUCN Species Survival Commission, which has evaluated the conservation status of all species of mammals in the world.
Texas A&M University is also one of ten members of the Red List Partnership and I sit on the IUCN Red List Committee. Dr. Lacher is also interested and involved in policy decisions related to the Red List. He serves as Co-Chair of the IUCN Small Mammal Specialist Group, and a member of the IUCN Climate Change Specialist Group. Dr. Lacher also oversees a variety of graduate students and their respective research in a variety of areas, including but not limited to, biodiversity monitoring and assessment, endangered species and building climate resilience.
Biodiversity Assessment & Monitoring Lab
Our Biodiversity Assessment & Monitoring Lab interests include conservation biology, tropical ecology, the IUCN Global Assessments, conservation planning, and the assessment and monitoring of patterns and trends in biodiversity. Under this broad umbrella, the interests of past and current students is diverse. We have conducted research focused on mammals, birds, amphibians, and people, with an underlying emphasis on conservation, in all of its diversity and complexity.