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Professor speaks about Virginia's mammals at library
WARM SPRINGS - Dr . John Pagels, professor of biology at Virginia Commonwealth University, will present a talk on mammals at the Bath County Public Library on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. It is titled, "Virginia's Mountain Mammals - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow." It will be his second talk at the library. The first time Pagels spoke at the Bath library was also in October - 20 years ago in 1989.
In 1969, when fresh out of Tulane University's graduate school, Pagels started his work on Virginia mammals. At VCU, Pagels teaches two undergraduate courses, "Vertebrate Natural History" and "Mammalogy," and a graduate course, "Patterns of Mammalian Reproduction." He is director of the graduate program in biology.
Pagels will explain not only at what makes a mammal a mammal, but what makes a person a mammalogist, as one who studies mammals. Pagels will show some of the tools for sampling mammals - including bottles, mist nets, and signs. He will also discuss special mammal groups, where and how they live, and certain habitats critical to selected mammals.
Pagels notes that today it is not possible to talk about man-made threats that certain species face. He will also discuss endangered species and ask if they are important and why. Pagels plans a fast-moving and fun program for those interested in the outdoors and furry friends.
The Friends of the Bath County Public Library sponsor this program. After Pagels' talk, refreshments will be served. For more information, call the library at (540) 839-7286.
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