Joel BergerMy fascination with biodiversity began in LA (California) where I grew up. I traded body surfing for desert and mountain explorations, and melded that pursuit into serious science. But, I also soon realized that if we did not do more than just scienc we'd not have species and important biological interactions from which to enhance our understanding of a diverse and brilliant planet. I've concentrated on animals larger than a bread box - both iconic endangered species and those lesser known. Among these have been black rhinos and wild yaks, Patagonia's huemul, and saiga in Mongolia's Gobi Desert. Although I've targeted extreme spots - described in my Geographical pursuits - including the edges of the planet, I ask questions about climate and environmental change, migration and connectivity, and, most recently, how our burgeoning passion for play and our travel footprints affect species at a local scale. In my soul, I know the important issue is how to engage science at levels that not only inform but improve visibility and result in change. Read More Read Less