Igag, Paul (1984-2010),  New Guinea’s premiere ornithologist, known to his many students as “Uncle Paul,” made important discoveries about Palm Cockatoos and Vulturine Parrots that continue to guide conservation of these threatened species. He was recently featured in the Nature show “Birds of the Gods.” Igag died, age 46, of a heart attack.

Innes, H. Stuart (1953-2000), an arctic mammalogist,  died in a helicopter crash, age 47, in the Canadian High Arctic while returning from a day spent tracking and tagging polar bears.

Irwin, Stephen Robert (1962–2006)  Australian television personality, wildlife expert, and conservationist, co-discovered a turtle now named in his honor Elseya irwini, died, age 44, after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.