“I think everyone’s conservation career paths are very different.” Ross de Bruin works in large carnivore conservation as a Field Researcher for Panthera, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the world’s 40 species of wild cats. Prior to this, he worked for the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT), a South African based leader in African leopard
The Bénoué ecosystem in northern Cameroon is the hotspot for lions in West and Central Africa. However in this area, which includes three national parks – Faro, Bénoué and Bouba-Ndjidda – and 32 hunting zones, only 250 lions remain across the vast 30,000 km² landscape. The region has faced severe threats from habitat loss and
In the world of primate research, few scientists get the opportunity to research both Chimps and Bonobos (our least studied close relative) in the wild. Here researchers Miguel Adán Pascual and Daiane Galdino talk about their incredible field experiences in the African forests. They also discuss finding fieldwork opportunities together as a couple, as well
Listening to activist Ofir Drori speak, it is impossible not to be energised by the strength of his passion and determination when discussing his work. Back in 2002 he founded West and Central Africa’s first anti-corruption and wildlife law enforcement NGO, and within seven months his dedicated team of volunteer activists had achieved the region’s
“You can’t care about what you don’t know about.” Ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster Mya-Rose has certainly had an amazing career. Not only has she had many accomplishments, but she was by the age of 17 the youngest person in the world to see half of the world’s
“I never thought I’d ever have a role in the environmental sector, but now I have a range of new skills and a much greater understanding of the state of the natural world.” Jessica Birabil came to Synchronicity Earth originally on a paid two-week work experience placement through our partner Voyage Youth. Her enthusiasm to
I first met Dung Nguyen Van, Free the Bears Vietnam Programme Manager, in Cat Tien National Park (Vietnam) in 2017. He was very much a man on a mission as the brand-new bear sanctuary was due to open that July, and his pride for what they had achieved was unmistakable. What I didn’t realise was
Growing up in a rural part of Indonesia, rainforest conservationist Indah Sartika Sari knew very little about what conservation was or how to embark on a career in the sector. But she didn’t let this stop her, and her passion for protecting the nearby forests she knew and loved fuelled her towards the managerial position
Daniela Ventura is a Caribbean wildlife biologist and bird bander based in Havana, Cuba. Fascinated by nature from a young age, Daniela started studying biology at the University of Havana as soon as she finished high school. She continues to work there since her graduation as both a biology lecturer and bird research scientist. Daniela
Janne Raassina is an entrepreneur focusing on environmental restoration in Eastern Finland. He has a background in forestry and he focuses on restoring landscapes and water systems, such as rivers and lakes, into a more natural state. There’s been an explosion of new projects in the field of environmental restoration in recent years, with newfound
Flavia Tirelli is a Brazilian research scientist and conservationist focused on mammalian carnivores especially small wildcats. After completing her Masters at Federal University of Rio Grande o Sul (UFRGS) and her PhD at the private university (PUCRS) in Brazil, Flavia continues to follow her passion by monitoring wildcats and addressing issues of human-wildlife conflict that
There is no doubt sea turtles are one of the most marvellous but most endangered animals in our oceans. A study in Uruguay showed that 70% of green turtles had marine debris in at least one section of their digestive tract 1 – which is shocking. However, what if you can educate children, teenagers and
Barbara Arizaga is the Director of Communications for the Galápagos Conservancy, an organization based out of the beautiful town of Puerto Ayora in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. The Galápagos Conservancy is committed to protecting one of the world’s most unique island chains and the animals that inhabit them, such as the critically endangered Pink Land
Karla Pound, 34 years old, is a zookeeper and an expedition leader with an incredible story to tell. Currently with Coral Expeditions, Karla works on large tour boats, taking guests on expeditions through some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the world. Having just finished guiding the Kimberley season in remote north-western Australia,
Much like her favourite plant Grevillea mucronulata, Laurel Fowler would not consider herself particularly special or popular. Yet, just as the striking flowers are camouflaged amongst the foliage, the self-confessed plant nerd is a hidden gem within the bush regeneration industry, and an inspiration to many. Laurel studied Environmental Science at the University of Newcastle,
Francisco Petrucci-Fonseca is a nature lover passionate about the Iberian wolf. He’s a Biologist and Professor at the University of Lisbon, Portugal. He’s also the co-founder and President of the Portuguese NGO, Grupo Lobo, working for 37 years on better protection and coexistence between wolves and humans. Francisco has dedicated his life to the wolves
The wild population of African grey parrots has greatly reduced due to the pet trade, hunting and habitat loss. And in some parts of Nigeria, there is a growing substantial risk of even more habitat loss, due to Government plans to expand palm oil plantations. Because the expansion plans include habitats of these amazing parrots
After a long and successful career in arts design, Manon Fontaine changed the brushes and the puppets to binoculars and animals’ tags. Keep reading if you want to know why and how an artist in her 40s managed to turned into an international all-round wildlife conservationist. Who is Manon Fontaine? I am a very curious,
Dr Liam Lysaght is Director of the National Biodiversity Data Centre, an Irish organisation that collates and manages data on Ireland’s wildlife. He started his career as a park ranger at the Burren National Park, later moving to work at the Heritage Council before taking up his current role at the data centre. In this interview,
“At first, I loved. Then I observed. Finally, I photographed” Some years ago, I was visiting an important photography contest in Milan, when my attention was caught by a photo on display showing a Marsican bear crossing a street in a small village inside Abruzzo National Park. It was a beautiful wildlife portrait but also
Wildlife conservation is all about protecting and celebrating biodiversity. But, when we look at the industry’s workforce, we see a heart-breaking diversity deficit. Making work in the conservation sector accessible and equitable for all will require equally diverse solutions, and improving representation is a key step. “Nature is all about spectrums and understanding differences”. I
“I don’t do pilates, I don’t do nails, I don’t do coffee with friends. All I do is my conservation group and my conservation work”. Despite studying a Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) and working as a physiotherapist specialising in paediatrics for many years, Lisa Harrold never lost sight of her true passion for conservation.
This blog has been adapted from the original version published on the MareCet Medium page (Flukes for Thought). When it comes to jobs relating to wildlife and the environment, conservation always seems to be the “it” thing to do. Conservation Careers names marine conservation to be the most ‘in demand’ job type to be listed on their site,
Isidoro Hazbun is a conservationist whose career focuses on preserving biodiversity, and empowering communities of the Amazon rainforest that have protected some of the wildest places on earth for centuries. Many people enter careers in conservation as they want to work with wildlife and are driven by their love for animals or natural habitats. These
Have you ever found yourself reading through job applications and feeling disheartened after seeing requirements such as these? “Physically fit for the demands of this role” “A suitable level of physical fitness for assisting with the capture and restraint of animals as well as manoeuvring tools (including wheelbarrows)” “The role is physically demanding and our
The phrase “the circle of life” has taken on a whole new meaning after my delightful interview with Taronga Zoo’s wildlife conservation officer, Dr Phoebe Meagher. Investigating everything from disease diagnostics to animal poaching, Dr Meagher has used non-invasive keratin studies to gain insight into the origin and ecology of both Australian natives and endangered
Conservation Careers is a huge team effort involving nearly 50 people including writers, researchers, teachers, communicators, editors and many more. It’s thanks to this team that we’ve been able to support nearly 700,000 conservationists in 2021 on their path to helping wildlife thrive.
What is the diversity deficit in conservation, and how can we tackle it? In this episode, we speak to Cade London, Diversity Joint Venture Program Manager with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Cade is a 5th generation Hawaiian, with a passion for conservation programs both in and out of government. Cade currently serves as
Known for their ability to mimic humans, the Philippine cockatoo can talk, sing, and even dance, making these intelligent and beautiful parrots a much sought-after pet. However, poaching, together with habitat loss, are driving the species to the brink of extinction. With a once-thriving population over the Philippine archipelago, their numbers have dropped by a
Ethno-conservationist and marine biologist Adjany Costa never expected to be in a political position, but she can now impressively introduce herself as Adviser to the President of Angola for Environmental Affairs and, in her previous position, the youngest Minister in Angolan history. We discussed her job responsibilities, motives for working in conservation and work with local communities. What steps did you take to get to
