Faculty

Derek Lee

Associate Research Professor

Email dxl754@psu.edu

Centers & Institutes

One Health Microbiome Center

November 01, 2023

Giraffes could go extinct – the 5 biggest threats they face

September 12, 2023

Another rare spotless giraffe found-the first ever seen in the wild

A new study led by researchers at Penn State reveals that populations of Masai giraffes separated geographically by the Great Rift Valley have not exchanged genetic material in more than a thousand years, and in some cases hundreds of thousands of years, suggesting these giraffes are more endangered than previously thought. Credit: Sonja Metzger. All Rights Reserved.

June 12, 2023

Masai giraffes more endangered than previously thought

A team of researchers has constructed the social network of more than 1,000 Masai giraffes in Tanzania and found that, while female giraffes have closer “friends” than males, male giraffes have more “acquaintances.” Understanding the complex multilevel society could have important conservation implications for these endangered giraffes. IMAGE: DEREK LEE

September 27, 2021

Male giraffes are more socially connected than females

May 06, 2021

Whole-Genome Data Point to Four Species of Giraffe

Adult female giraffes that group together with more of their peers live longer than less sociable individuals, according to a new study. IMAGE: WILD NATURE INSTITUTE

February 10, 2021

Friends matter: More sociable giraffes live longer

California Spotted Owl

December 10, 2020

Could spotted owls benefit from forest fires?

Living in close proximity to human settlements disturbs giraffe social networks, according to a new study by an international team of scientists. IMAGE: SONJA METZGER

June 09, 2020

Human presence weakens social relationships of wild giraffes

April 26, 2020

Wildfires Can Reduce Biodiversity. Can Biodiversity Be Used to Reduce Wildfires?

An international team including Penn State biologist Derek Lee provides new guidelines for translocating giraffes for conservation purposes. IMAGE: WILD NATURE INSTITUTE

March 18, 2020

Improving success of giraffe translocations

Legal Statements