Vernon Thomas

After years of researching the ecological energetics of migratory waterfowl and resident arctic birds and mammals, my research interests have shifted towards the use of science in producing revised policies for wild life management. Much of the world's wild life occurs in areas under intense agriculture, forestry, or other forms of human use, and most of the pressing problems of management relate to reconciling conflicting uses and priorities for wild life habitat. My principal interest is the application of science to such situations and the revision of policies.

My students and I are currently researching the problem of lead toxicity to wild life, specifically as it affects waterfowl and loons. We are investigating non-toxic substitutes and how provincial and federal policy and legislation on this topic needs to be revised to achieve a common North American reform.

My other area of research involves the application of ecological principles to agriculture so that extensification of land uses may retain habitat features conducive to wild life diversity as well as produce commodities profitably.