In the lead-up to our annual meeting in Anchorage, we’ll be highlighting the winners of this year’s AOS awards on the blog. This week, the 2019 Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award.
The Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award, established in 2005, recognizes extraordinary scientific contributions to the conservation, restoration, or preservation of birds and/or their habitats by an individual or small team. The award honors Ralph Schreiber, a prominent figure in the American Ornithologists’ Union known for his enthusiasm, energy, and dedication to research and conservation. The award consists of a framed certificate and an honorarium provided by the society’s endowed Ralph W. Schreiber Fund. This year, the Schreiber Award goes to Dr. José Maria Cardoso da Silva.
A native of Belém in the Brazilian Amazon, José is a leading conservation scientist who has achieved prominence on the international stage. His many achievements include contributions to science-based conservation initiatives for endemic birds in Brazil’s Cerrado, Caatinga, Atlantic Forest, and Amazon regions. His efforts at translating ornithological information into conservation policies have led to the creation of at least 80,000 square kilometers of protected areas in Brazil.
José is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Regional Studies at the University of Miami, where his teaching and research focus on biogeography, conservation science, and sustainable development. He has published more than 130 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in three languages as well as co-editing nine books. His most recent book is on Caatinga, the largest tropical dry forest region in the Americas. His papers cover a range of subjects, from avian systematics to sustainable development, and have been published in several prestigious ornithological and multidisciplinary journals. During his career, José has mentored more than 28 graduate students, most of whom are currently leading avian research and conservation efforts in Brazil.
In recognition of these contributions to avian conservation, AOS is pleased to name José Maria Cardoso da Silva as the 2019 recipient of the Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award.