The mission of the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (known as the WildCRU) is to achieve practical solutions to conservation problems. We do this through original scientific research of the highest calibre. Vitally, we also train committed conservation scientists to conduct research, and to put scientific knowledge into practice. We participate in the implementation of many conservation projects and embrace the need to educate and involve a wider public to achieve lasting solutions.

Since 1986 WildCRU has grown to become renowned worldwide. Our success is reflected in a range of achievements but most importantly, our work has made a difference. It has and will continue to help to solve problems for the benefit of wildlife, the environment and mankind.

Today, we are sited at Tubney House, but remain part of Oxford University's Zoology Department, with close college links to Lady Margaret Hall and to the University's Field Centre at Wytham.

We have changed our logo to reflect WildCRU’s essential values of empiricism, analysis and dissemination. Our new logo symbolises that trinity – the vulpine head reminds us of our wellgrounded roots in fieldwork, the pen of our scholarship and the book of our determination to communicate our findings. For the time being it can only be found on our new printed works and the front page of this website. In time it will be incorporated into a new web-site better able to disseminate our research and work with collaborators.

New Postgraduate Diploma in International Wildlife Conservation Practice

WildCRU is delighted to announce the launch of a new course in practical wildlife conservation.  This is a postgraduate diploma of the University of Oxford, run jointly by WildCRU (Department of Zoology) and the Department for Continuing Education, aims to equip conservation practitioners with the necessary scientific and professional skills to make a sound contribution to biodiversity conservation in the developing world.

The eight month course will teach conservation practitioners the techniques to monitor wildlife populations and their habitats, research the ecology and behaviour of endangered species, with a special emphasis on wild felids in particular and carnivores in general, and disseminate findings to scientists, policy-makers and the general public.   Building on WildCRU’s international expertise, students will master techniques in data collection, analysis and reporting, with an focus on conservation issues and action in the developing world. 

We aim to increase the effectiveness of participants in monitoring biodiversity, implementing conservation actions, and engaging with stakeholders ranging from local communities to national governments and international donor organisations.

This postgraduate diploma, with its particular emphasis on conserving wild felids, and the problems of carnivore conservation in general, has been made possible by a generous grant from the Panthera Foundation (http://www.panthera-foundation.org).  The Panthera Foundation has provided funds for custom-built accommodation and teaching facilities, preparation of the course including a recently-completed four-month pilot session, and its implementation over the next four years.  Students may often secure from their own countries the funding to attend this postgraduate diploma, but the donation includes funds to sponsor students from developing countries who may not otherwise be able to attend.

News Stories
- WildCRU vaccinates the rarest wolf against rabies
- Professor David Macdonald elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh March 2008
- WildCRU director wins both American and British Mammal Society medals

Research Summary

WildCRU has contributed exciting results to some of the most topical areas of research in modern animal biology. Our cross-cutting research encompasses the fields of animal behaviour, ecology, physiology, biochemistry, parasitology, epidemiology and genetics, coupled with a strong thrust in social sciences including public health, environmental economics and development.