2016

Reptiles include many of Western Pacific’s endangered and endemic organisms, but also some of the region’s most vicious invasive species. Distinguishing between the two categories is not always easy, especially since no guides to the reptiles of the region are available. IREI has teamed up with Prof. Don Buden from the College of Micronesia to create and publish an all-inclusive and detailed guide to the reptiles of the Federated States of Micronesia. The book is a comprehensive portrayal of the biodiversity of that important vertebrate group in Micronesia and allow easy species identification and distinguishing of native and invasive species.

Dr. Don Buden of the College of Micronesia has studied biodiversity in the Western Pacific for more than two decades. Much of his work focuses on reptiles and he has published numerous scientific papers on the topic. Danko Taborosi is an environmental scientist with extensive experience and deep interest in the western Pacific. He is one of the founders and the director of Island Research and Education Initiative, a Micronesia-based organization dedicated to upholding the environment and cultural legacies of islands and island peoples through multidisciplinary research, surveys, and educational awareness projects. He has authored numerous scientific articles in professional journals, as well as several books.