Daniel Janzen

Daniel Janzen is an influential ecologist known for his extensive research on tropical ecosystems, particularly in Costa Rica. He gained national attention for his studies on biodiversity, especially in the Guanacaste Conservation Area, where he has worked for decades. His groundbreaking work includes the use of light traps to document insect populations, leading to the discovery of thousands of species. Janzen’s career shifted dramatically following a life-threatening accident in the Costa Rican forest, which inspired him to focus on insect behavior and ecology. At 86, he continues to observe and document the alarming decline of insect populations in protected areas, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts in the face of ecological collapse.