Shyamala Rajan, Ph.D.

Dr. Rajan has a Master’s in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School. She teaches Environmental Science at Trinity Washington University.

Life Around Seasons

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the changing seasons play a vital role in the biology and behavior of plants and animals, including their cyclical changes, migration patterns, and dormancy periods. Phenology is the timing of these events in relation to seasonal changes. Springtime in the northern hemisphere is marked by the leafing out of deciduous trees and the migration of birds towards their breeding habitats in northern latitudes. Bird migration is a staggering feat of endurance, with billions of birds flying long distances over land and water to reach their destination. As responsible humans, it is our duty to protect and provide for these birds during their migrations, including keeping pets indoors, reducing outdoor lighting, and placing decals to prevent collisions with windows. By appreciating and protecting the phenological events of our local biodiversity, we can help preserve the natural world for generations to come.

Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) – native to Washington, DC

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Conservation Status: Threatened. The Northern Long-Eared Bat, as the name implies, has long ears unlike other species in this genus, and is also more solitary in its roosting and hibernating habits. These bats are strongly associated with large blocks of older forests and they forage along wooded hillsides and ridgelines. White-nose syndrome disease and human …

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Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)

Hay’s spring amphipod (Stygobromus hayi) – native to Washington, DC

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Conservation Status: Endangered. This very small fresh water crustacean resembling a tiny shrimp measures only one centimeter in length. The diet of these crustaceans consists mainly of decaying leaves and other organic debris from the woods around them. They spend most of their life underground, deep in small crevasses and cracks of small freshwater springs. …

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Hay’s spring amphipod (Stygobromus hayi)

Composting: A Measure of Healthy and Nutritious Dietary Habits

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Composting in our homes and yards is essentially a simulation of the biological decomposition processes that take place naturally in the wild. “In these processes, bacteria, fungi, molds, protozoa, actinomycetes, and other saprophytic organisms feed upon decaying organic materials initially, while in the later stages of decomposition mites, millipedes, centipedes, springtails, beetles and earthworms further …

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Preserving Biodiversity: “Life below water: for people and planet”

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The UN proclaimed March 3rd as World Wildlife Day  and this year the emphasis is on “Life below water: for people and planet”. Marine and freshwater ecosystems across the world are undergoing rapid and drastic changes from a multitude of human activities. Pollution and accelerated climate change are threatening the collapse of these habitats and …

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