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I am a conservation scientist dedicated to preserving biodiversity and understanding the complexities of ecological systems. I began my academic journey in medical sciences, studying from 1999 to 2002, before transitioning to environmental sciences. I earned his BSc and MSc at the University of Tehran.
In 2008, I joined the Conservation of Asiatic Cheetah Project, a collaborative effort by the Iran Department of Environment and the UNDP/Global Environment Facility (GEF). As the project deputy until 2011, I played a crucial role in efforts to conserve this endangered species.
Seeking to deepen my expertise, I moved to the UK to pursue a DPhil in Zoology at the University of Oxford. After completing my PhD, I joined the Oxford Martin School as a research fellow in 2018. My work focused on analytical methods to improve understanding of biodiversity conservation in West and Central Asia, particularly regarding megafauna, considering environmental resources and cross-border conservation efforts.
In recognition of my significant contributions, I received an OPEN fellowship from the University of Oxford to work on the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. This project aimed to engage developing countries in fulfilling their biodiversity commitments in partnership with the UNEP’s World Conservation Monitoring Center.
In 2022, I was appointed as a lecturer at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent. My work continues to focus on leveraging biodiversity conservation and promoting sustainable practices to protect the natural world for future generations, especially with the focus on rewilding and nature recovery.
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In 2004, I married to Fatemeh Hosseini-Zavarei, a great carnivore biologist and incredible supporter. We have two lovely kids, Iman (boy) and Samin (girl), both very keen in outdoor and nature-based activities.
Professional

Society for Conservation Biology

IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas
Member

British Ecological Society
Member

IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management
Member

Journal Conservation Biology
Handling editor

Emerging Conservationist Award, Indianapolis Zoo, US

Future for Nature Award, Netherlands

Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)
Research Interests

Movement and spatial ecology
Tracking data, habitat analyses, dispersal and connectivity

Rewilding and restoration

Population and community ecology
Drivers of population changes across time and space, intra and inter-specific interaction, occupancy modelling

Interdisciplinary analysis of conservation geopolitics
Socioeconomic drivers of conservation performance, human-wildlife conflict, treaties and conventions, transboundary conservation
Research Interests

Future for Nature Award 2009
Received from Sir David Attenborough

National Youth Award 2010
Iran National Youth Organization

Cat Conservation Prize 2012
Prize for Next Generation in Cat Conservation

Distinguished student of year 2011
University of Tehran, Faculty of Natural Resources

National Environment Award 2006
Received as the CEO of Iranian Cheetah Society

“Bavar Award” 2015
For Elite Scientific Competition in Europe, Russia & CIS for Iranian students