Description
Forever chemicals, known as PFAS, are contaminating birds and wetlands across New Mexico, with some of the world’s highest concentrations discovered at Holloman Lake. Biologist Christopher Witt explores how museum bird specimens collected over decades are helping scientists trace the spread of PFAS through ecosystems, wildlife, and food webs. Learn how natural history collections are becoming powerful tools for understanding environmental change and protecting both wildlife and human health.
Christopher Witt is a professor in the Department of Biology and curator of birds at the Museum of Southwestern Biology at the UNM. His lab studies the evolution, ecology, and conservation of birds. He currently serves on the New Mexico Game Commission.