2023 Field Biology Award: Sahas Barve

Sahas Barve is an evolutionary ecologist who studies the social behavior of Florida Scrub-Jays. His research focuses on how cooperative behaviors, fire ecology and climate change interact to drive the biology of this Federally Threatened species. Previously he studied the socio-ecology of another species, the Acorn Woodpecker in California, using long-term data and cutting-edge tracking technology. His research on cooperation among Acorn Woodpeckers shed light on the evolution of cooperative breeding among other species.

In addition to behavioral ecology, Sahas also works on the physiology and biogeography of Himalayan birds in his native India. His research there has helped scientists better understand how Himalayan birds have evolved to cope with hypoxia and low temperatures.

Sahas serves as the Program Director of Avian Ecology at Archbold Biological Station in Florida. Through this professional service at Archbold and the American Ornithological Society, Sahas strives to enhance the diversity and inclusion of historically underrepresented students in field biology.

For more information, visit www.sahasbarve.com.

The Maxwell/Hanrahan Awards in Field Biology support individual scientists, elevate their diverse perspectives and enable them to commit time to the observation and experimentation that help us better understand ourselves and the world around us.

Blog