About Me

I am a dedicated wildlife biologist and author, passionate about terrestrial organisms. This site showcases my professional journey and contributions to wildlife conservation and education.

Dan Dourson

My Professional Journey

I am a wildlife biologist who has an interest in all terrestrial organisms. For the past 30 years, my focus has been the study of land snails. I have studied land snails in Kentucky, West Virginia, and in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the USA. In Central America, my research has focused on Belize, Guatemala, a cursory survey in the Tamishyacu-Tahuayo Reserve in Peru, and currently, Panama with STRI.

Wildlife

Explore my journey as a wildlife biologist and author dedicated to terrestrial organisms and conservation.

Research Insights

Delve into my research findings and contributions to wildlife biology and environmental sustainability.

Author Works

Discover my published works that reflect my passion for wildlife and the natural world.

Engagement Opportunities

Connect with me for collaborations, speaking engagements, or to discuss wildlife conservation initiatives.

My Books

Explore my work in wildlife biology and authorship.

Living Where the Cats Eat the Dogs

What began as a book of short stories about my 7-year adventure in the small country of Belize morphed into something much more profound! The journey sent me careening down a difficult road of self-discovery, not only chronicling past fragments of my unconventional life—but providing understanding about why my life has been and continues to be—unconventional. Within the pages of this book, I dare to share details about myself that until recently were even unknown to me. It is by no means the usual fare, but a tossed salad of my many peculiarities, adventures, science, religion, and philosophy, all rolled up into one nonconformist tome.

Land Snails of Belize, Central America

Prior to our research that began in 2006, only 24 species of land snails were reported from Belize. Our ten-year study documented a total of 158 native land snails for the country with seventeen species new to science and 8 currently undescribed species, an increase of 558%! This book is presented as a reference to both the biologist and citizen scientist alike. It was designed to provide information in a clear, concise and easy to understand manner that would aid in the identification of the land snails of Belize. The book includes a brief history of research in the region, status of current research, how to collect land snails, shell morphology, anatomy and terminology and species accounts with color images and diagnostic features highlighted for each of the 158 species.

Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge

The Red River Gorge's intricate canyon system features an abundance of high sandstone cliffs, rock shelters, waterfalls, and natural bridges, making it one of the world's top rock-climbing destinations. The Gorge, known for its unspoiled scenic beauty and numerous hiking trails, is one of Kentucky's most popular natural destinations, attracting over 500,000 visitors a year. While books about hiking, climbing, and other recreational activities in the area are readily available, Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge is the first book specifically devoted to the biodiversity of the Gorge and its watershed.

Wild Yet Tasty

Eastern Kentucky is home to a number of breathtaking natural attractions. Over half a million visitors each year are drawn to its scenic beauty, abundant hiking trails, and exceptional rock climbing. The region also holds some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, from forest and mountain terrain to caves and ravines. This dramatic mixture of microclimates creates a natural abundance, including numerous edible plants, not found elsewhere in the region. Many are unfamiliar with these fascinating florae species, but Wild Yet Tasty by Dan Dourson and Judy Dourson provides a wealth of information about these comestible, natural treasures.

Reptiles & Amphibians of Read River Gorge

Reptiles and Amphibians of Red River Gorge and the Greater Red River Basin chronicles the herpetofauna of the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, a national geological area and a fast-growing tourist region. This book was created for the general public to inform and educate about the reptiles and amphibians of the area and to highlight their importance in ecosystems.

Contact Me

Get in touch for collaborations or inquiries about wildlife biology.