Conservation Careers

In the rugged highlands of Ethiopia, where the landscape meets the sky, a quiet but vital conservation battle unfolds. Amidst this breathtaking backdrop, Dr. Sandra Lai is at the forefront of preserving a species on the brink of extinction: the Ethiopian Wolf.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into Sandra’s remarkable journey, her role as a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme (EWCP), and the profound insights she has gained from working in one of the world’s most extreme environments.

This interview not only delves into Sandra’s remarkable journey but also reveals key career lessons for aspiring conservationists- from working in extreme environments to directly applying research to conservation efforts.

From extreme biomes to Endangered species: Sandra’s conservation odyssey

Sandra’s fascination with extreme biomes, such as polar and high-mountain environments, has led her to study wildlife in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Her intrigue with these specialised ecosystems is rooted in their vulnerability to environmental changes.

“These environments are sentinel ecosystems,” she explains, “They are the first to be impacted by global changes. If something is disturbed or changing there, it signals a larger issue affecting other regions.”

Her research focuses on movement ecology, behaviour, and life-history traits of mammals, particularly carnivores, in these harsh environments. Understanding how factors like food resources, human disturbance, and climate change influence animal behaviour and movement patterns is crucial for effective conservation.

“For example, knowledge of movements and space requirements helps in prioritising conservation areas and understanding species’ potential responses to environmental changes,” she notes. 

Joining the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme: A leap into applied conservation

Sandra has embarked on a transformative journey with EWCP, driven by a profound commitment to protecting one of the world’s most endangered canids. Her work exemplifies the blend of rigorous research and practical conservation efforts needed to safeguard the fragile ecosystems and species at the heart of her mission.

Her journey with EWCP began in September 2022. Her interest was sparked by her admiration for the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) at the University of Oxford, renowned for its groundbreaking ecological and conservation research. Her decision to join EWCP was driven by her extensive background in studying remote ecosystems and her desire to transition to more applied conservation work.

“The Ethiopian highlands, with their Afroalpine tundra, are ecologically similar to the Arctic tundra I know well,” she explains. “The Ethiopian Wolf, a unique species endemic to a single country, faces an alarming threat with fewer than 500 individuals left, a number four times lower than that of the giant panda. I was drawn to this opportunity to contribute directly to applied conservation efforts.”

EWCP’s Mission

EWCP is dedicated to conserving the Ethiopian Wolf, Africa’s most endangered canid, and its highland habitat. The programme tackles several fronts, including monitoring Wolf populations across Ethiopia, disease surveillance, and engaging local communities in conservation efforts.

Sandra’s current role involves coordinating research and monitoring efforts aimed at understanding and mitigating threats to Ethiopian wolves and their habitats.

EWCP’s work includes combating infectious diseases transmitted by domestic dogs, such as rabies and canine distemper, which are major threats to the wolves. In southern Ethiopia, where diseases are prevalent, the programme monitors mortalities, tests carcass samples, and conducts vaccination campaigns. In northern Ethiopia, where Wolf populations are alarmingly small and breeding rates are low, Sandra’s team is deploying GPS collars to gather data on Wolf movements and daily activity.

This ongoing project aims to uncover the reasons behind the population’s decline, which is not solely attributed to diseases but possibly to increased human disturbance. “Deploying GPS collars will help us understand how human presence affects Wolf behaviour and population dynamics,” she explains.

Practical conservation implications and research impact

A key component of her work involves analysing EWCP’s extensive database on Wolf demographics, social group dynamics, and vaccination effectiveness. This research aims to provide actionable insights for conservation strategies. “Our recent publication on the latest global Ethiopian Wolf population estimate, based on comprehensive field monitoring, is a significant step forward,” Sandra highlights.

“We’ve also documented local extinctions, dispersal capacities, and habitat protection status. This information about the current state of Wolf populations is vital for guiding conservation efforts.”

Sandra’s work is not just about data collection and analyses; it’s about applying findings to make a tangible difference. “Our research provides essential knowledge for conservation efforts,” she says. “By collaborating directly and sharing our findings and guidelines with local authorities and partners, we contribute to a more informed and effective conservation strategy.”

Fieldwork: Challenges and rewards

Fieldwork is integral to Sandra’s conservation efforts, offering profound challenges and memorable experiences. “I absolutely love fieldwork, but it is intense and demanding,” she describes. “I’ve worked in extreme conditions, from the High Arctic to the Ethiopian highlands, capturing and studying elusive species.”

Despite the harsh weather, physical demands, and logistical hurdles, these experiences have deeply shaped her perspective on conservation.

“Seeing wildlife up close and experiencing their natural habitats firsthand is incredibly rewarding,” she reflects. “These experiences are akin to an ‘overview effect’ from down here, a profound realisation of nature’s fragility and our responsibility to protect it.”

Balancing conservation and community needs

Sandra emphasises the importance of integrating conservation efforts with the needs of local communities and stakeholders.

With 123 million people, Ethiopia is the second most populated country in Africa and has a fast-growing population, consisting mainly of rural communities relying heavily on small-scale agriculture and additional governmental support. The rate of habitat loss in the Afroalpine due to encroaching subsistence agriculture and pastoralism, even on protected land, is alarming.

EWCP implements alternative livelihood projects in community conservation areas such as native grass­land restoration and highland honey production. “Conservation often requires aligning diverging interests and fostering trust among all parties involved,” she explains.

“I think effective conservation starts at the local level, where understanding and communication are key to reconciling various perspectives and achieving mutual goals.”

Role models and conservation heroes

Sandra’s role models are the unsung heroes of conservation -the dedicated individuals working on the ground. She highlights the team at EWCP, who work tirelessly to protect Ethiopian wolves in challenging conditions.

“In EWCP, the team in Ethiopia consists of around 50 people, including Wolf monitors, community officers, and vet teams. They are out in the Ethiopian highlands year-round to check on the wolves, monitoring disease outbreaks, vaccinating domestic dogs, raising awareness, and helping local communities to implement alternative biodiversity-friendly livelihoods,” she says.

Their relentless dedication, often at the expense of their own safety and comfort, exemplifies the true spirit of conservation.

Advice for aspiring conservationists

For those entering the field of conservation, she offers insightful advice. “Conservation on the ground is actually more about working with people than it is about working with wildlife. It involves engaging with local communities, policymakers, funders, and various stakeholders to address differing views on wildlife management,” she advises.

“Understanding this early on can help you navigate the complexities of the field and make a meaningful impact.”

For more information on the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme and opportunities to support their mission, visit their website or follow them on Twitter and Facebook. You can also stay updated on Dr. Sandra Lai’s work via her Twitter and Instagram channels.

Further reading and resources

• Extreme conservation: Dr Sandra Lai’s mission to safeguard nature’s last frontiers
• Conservation Careers Ultimate Guides
• Key Conservation Role Profiles
• Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU)
• Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme (EWCP)

Main image: An Ethiopian Wolf in the Web Valley, Ethiopia. Credit: Adrien Lesaffre.

Author Profile | Stephanie Nicolaides

Stephanie Nicolaides is a dedicated PhD candidate in Environmental Management at the University of the Western Cape. Her research delves into the impact of plastic pollution on the Mossel Bay coastline (South Africa), with a particular focus on the effects on marine biodiversity. Her work focuses on assessing plastic presence, local knowledge, and developing sustainable solutions. Stephanie holds an MSc in Life Sciences from the University of South Africa, where her dissertation examined the behavioural ecology of African clawless otters. She also earned her BSc Hons in Life Sciences, graduating cum laude, with an honours project on personality in Leopard Tortoises. Passionate about environmental sustainability, Stephanie is committed to advancing knowledge in marine biology and contributing to efforts to protect and preserve coastal ecosystems. Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn.

Interviews, Scientist