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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.
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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. |
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