Derek Morningstar, MSc., PWS
Owner and Principal Consultant
Derek is a Senior Ecologist with over 20 years of professional work experience. He is a species at risk specialist, terrestrial ecologist and, particularly, a specialist in bat biology and acoustic inventory, wildlife survey, and wetland assessment. He holds an MSc. from the University of Guelph, and is a certified professional wetland scientist (PWS).
Derek has conducted numerous field investigations for terrestrial flora and fauna. Some of these include population health assessments, breeding bird surveys, bird nest surveys, aerial waterfowl surveys, raptor surveys, herpetile surveys, bat migration monitoring, bat roost assessments, bat acoustics, mist net and tracking surveys, plant inventories, and rare plant investigations. He has also assisted with various aquatic projects.
Derek has managed and contributed to the completion of many Renewable Energy Approvals, Environmental Assessments, Environmental Screening Reports, Natural Environment Technical Reports, and Environmental Impact Studies for residential, commercial, aggregate, and recreational development applications.
He is certified and experienced in Ecological Land Classification (ELC) and the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES), reptile and amphibian surveys, natural feature identification, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) mapping, and an extensive list of First Aid and Safety training.
More About Myotistar
Derek founded Myotistar in 2013, but became devoted full-time to the business in 2021, which has allowed him to focus on researching bats and supporting organizations in addressing conservation challenges.
As a small specialized organization, Myotistar has the flexibility to lead project components as a consultant, partner with other organizations, or sub-contract to other companies.
Myotistar partners with government and non-government organizations, First Nations, universities, and land managers to provide specialized research tailored to their goals, and to assist in completing their funding grant proposals for conservation-based work. Myotistar also provides training to research partners so they can gain experience and complete meaningful parts of their project themselves.
Myotistar also works on privately funded projects requiring permits for impacts to species at risk and their habitats, including bats and other wildlife. Derek is well-versed in wildlife policy in Ontario and Canada, and can function as the “Qualified Professional” on permit applications and registrations.