Tubney House
is our new base

Making a Difference

The WildCRU was founded in 1986 by Professor David Macdonald. Previously, his research group, the Oxford Foxlot, had been determined to span the gulf between academic theory and practical problem solving to tackle the emerging biodiversity crisis. Finally, after a decade of effort, the WildCRU was formally launched with the establishment of Britain’s first University-based research fellowship in wildlife conservation at Lady Margaret Hall.

Since 1986 WildCRU has grown to become renowned worldwide. Its success is reflected in a range of achievements:

• Over 45 students have completed doctoral theses
• Our members have come from more than 30 countries and many have returned to hold influential roles in conservation
• In the last ten years we have published more than 300 scientific papers and 25 reports
• We have fostered over 100 fruitful collaborations
• Worldwide, our research has been used to advise policy-makers.

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 part of Oxford University's Zoology Department, with close college links to Lady Margaret Hall and to the University's Field Centre at Wytham.

David is WildCRU’s founder and director.  He is Professor of Wildlife Conservation at Oxford; a Fellow of Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford; and his recent roles include A.D. White Professor at Cornell University; Chairman of the IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group and Vice President of the Zoological Society of London, the Wildlife Trusts and the RSPCA.  He is currently Chairman of DEFRA’s Darwin Advisory Committee and on the Council of English Nature.  David is also known for his award-winning books and TV documentaries popularising natural history and conservation, such as, The Night of the Fox and Meerkats United.