Some reflections on doing a PhD in Ecology or Conservation
I regularly receive expressions of interest, mostly from developing countries, from students keen to do a PhD on the behavioural ecology of #carnivores (especially felids), focusing on movement, populations, species interactions, or conflict. Having done my own PhD on one of these species, I deeply relate to this passion. A decade ago, species-focused ecological PhDs […]
Convention on Migratory Species conference
Just returned from the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Range States Meeting in #Tashkent, #Uzbekistan, in June 2025 where over ten countries coproduced an action plan for #migratory species conservation. CMS’s focus on transboundary conservation is vital here, as many protected areas connect better across borders than within countries, and species often range along international […]
Non-promotable tasks in work places
In workplaces, there’s a hidden workload that quietly eats away the energy: non-promotable tasks (NPTs). Although essential to keep teams running but often don’t contribute to career progression. e.g. organising meetings, taking notes, or admin work. Women tend to shoulder significantly more of this work—up to 200 extra hours a year—because they’re more likely to […]
Sahel & Sahara Interest Group Conference
Recently, I attended the 2025 Sahel & Sahara Interest Group meeting in #Tunisiain May 2025. It was a fascinating event, with AI-assisted translation between French, Arabic, and English, making it more accessible to a diverse group of practitioners from across the region. I had the privilege of giving a talk on the challenges of conserving […]
White-tailed eagle and human migrations?
I have been lucky to work with Forestry England and Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation who are running the White-tailed Eagle #Recovery Project on the Isle of Wight, where they are bringing back this magnificent bird to southern England. So far, we have had mutiple graduate students earning their degrees by working on this project data […]
Dogs: friends or enemies?
Free-ranging dogs face dire health risks, from malnutrition to diseases like rabies. Their unpredictable behaviour threatens community safety and disrupts local wildlife by hunting and competing for food. Overpopulation leads to shelter overcrowding and increased euthanasia. Addressing this requires community involvement, spay and neuter programs, and humane shelters. But this is not possible without people. […]
Tunisian Nature
My recent trip to Tunisia was a delightful blend of adventure and natural beauty, highlighted by my visit to the mesmerizing Zaghouan National Park. Nestled in the Zaghouan region, this park offers a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts. The park’s lush landscapes and diverse flora and fauna were truly captivating. I wandered through scenic trails, […]
AI and rewilding?
I really enjoyed organizing a workshop with Luciano Atzeni at the British Ecological Society annual meeting, focusing on “Integrating Behavioural Ecology into Rewilding and the Potential of Artificial Intelligence.” Our discussion revolved around three key themes: 1. Measuring success: We explored various metrics and methodologies to evaluate the success of rewilding projects, emphasizing the importance […]
Why we need to feel nature?
Recently, hosted by Future For Nature Foundation, I had the opportunity to visit Tsavo National Park in Kenya with around 50 fellow conservationists from dozens of countries. Witnessing the magnificent wildlife—from a cheetah family to a lion pride over a buffalo kill, and even tiny birds and raptors—filled the air with a renewed sense of […]
Do a PhD on beavers and rewilding
Interested in beavers? Come and join us at Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent with Aries DTP funding: “Investigating beaver expansion and the factors associated with damming behaviour in Britain”. Working with a supervisory team headed up by Dan Ingram, with Jake Bicknell, Roisin Campbell-Palmer & Mohammad Farhadinia. ARIES funded project […]