Our research is focused on understanding the evolution and conservation of biodiversity, particularly among understudied invertebrate animals on Pacific islands (see focal field sites below and on the Field Sites pages). ESF's location and field stations also give us the opportunity to conduct ecological and conservation projects locally that would be difficult on remote islands. Please check out the website, and if you are a prospective student you will find more information about me, our research, and our lab members in the people section and about working in the lab or applying to ESF on the join us page.
If you have any questions or comments on this website, please contact me at rundell [at] esf [dot] edu
Thanks for visiting.
Thanks for visiting.
The dots above New Guinea in the map to your left indicate the approximate position of islands in the region of Oceania known as "Micronesia." Micronesia comprises thousands of islands and covers a vast expanse of ocean. Note that Micronesia is distinct from the Federated States of Micronesia, which is an independent nation within Micronesia. The states within the Federated States of Micronesia include: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae States. Some of these states are composed of many islands. Please see Field Sites: Micronesia and Conservation: Micronesia for more information on these spectacular islands.
Belau (Republic of Palau)
Belau is an archipelago in Micronesia comprising about 586 islands. It is located at approximately 7 degrees North latitude and 134 degrees East longitude. The largest island (Babeldaob) is about 333 square kilometers in area and is mostly volcanic, whereas the Rock Islands to the south are generally limestone in composition. These islands are home to an enormous array of indigenous and endemic organisms, including land snails. The islands of Belau comprise an independent republic known as the Republic of Palau. Please see Field Sites: Belau, Conservation: Belau and Research for more information on this fascinating archipelago.
Top: Some of the Rock Islands of Belau. Photo: R. Rundell