Don Wilson is Curator of Mammals at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and was named senior scientist in January 2000. Don was director of the Smithsonian’s Biodiversity Programs for ten years. A distinguished mammalogist and internationally recognized authority on bats, he earned his Ph.D. in Biology from the University of New Mexico. He is the author of over 180 scientific publications and 13 books, including the highly acclaimed Mammal Species of the World. For the last 30 years, his work has taken him around the world conducting field work and research. He has led tours for Smithsonian Journeys to most of the world’s greatest natural history destinations from Antarctica to Africa. Don loves to share his passion for the natural world, and his easygoing nature, sense of humor, and excellent presentations have earned him much praise and a loyal following from Smithsonian travelers.