Anderson Feijó

His earlier projects focused on the taxonomy and systematics of Neotropical mammals, ranging from rodents and bats to armadillos and cats. Over the years, Anderson’s research has expanded to investigate how some mammals thrive in high-elevation environments, study the geoclimatic effects on species diversification and extinction, and determine which ecotypes are more resilient to climate-driven extinctions. In addition, he integrates museum-based data with land use and socioeconomic metrics to delineate priority areas for conservation at both global and local scales.

Prior to joining the Field Museum, Anderson worked as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing. His research there investigated the systematics and evolution of Asian rodents and pikas, genetic and morphological adaptations to deserts and high-altitude environments, and ecology and conservation of montane mammal communities.

Anderson’s fieldwork experience spans diverse biomes and mammalian groups, from collecting bats in the Amazon Forest to surveying pikas in the Tibetan Plateau. His research has unveiled hidden diversity in Neotropical and Asian faunas, bringing several new species to light. These include conspicuous taxa such as the Baturite porcupine, greater long-nosed armadillos, and pampas cats as well as more elusive animals such as the transparent-winged big-eared bat and the Tibetan white-bellied rat.