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Thomas Kunz discusses research at Texas field site.

Name: Thomas H. Kunz
Age: 58
Hometown: Independence, Missouri, U.S.A.
Current Address: Wellesley, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Education: Ph.D. in systematics and ecology, University of Kansas
Occupation: Professor of biology and Director, Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology, Boston University. Specializes in the study of bats.

Why I do what I do:
I have long had a passion for the study of behavior and ecology of mammals, especially bats. These flying mammals offer incredible opportunities for learning how organisms adapt to their natural environment.

bat Most exciting moment in the field:
It actually was in a captive breeding facility for Rodrigues fruit bats in Florida. Although bats usually give birth in a head-up, feet-down position, I came upon a female struggling to give birth head down. As I watched, another female approached her and repeatedly tutored her in the correct birthing position, imitating contractions and straining. Finally the mother caught on and managed a successful breech birth.

© 1997 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.