Conservation action is often grounded in our present or recent understanding of how species behave and/or their current geographic range. However, the rapid landscape changes associated with anthropogenic climate change pose a threat to many of the world’s endangered species.

I joined WildCRU in 2022, and my research focuses on how climate change is affecting the lion, Panthera leo. I’m aiming to rectify the relative deficit in both academia and conservation regarding the impact that rapid climate change will have on lions by predicting climatic risk across the species’ entire range.

This multi-faceted project includes:
(1) Ecological niche modelling: projecting models forward under contrasting climate scenarios to highlight areas at risk.
(2) Conservation palaeobiology: using palaeontological archives to reinforce estimations of climatic risk to populations and assess long-term changes to lion habitats.

(3) Behaviour and technology: using tracking and acoustic technology with machine learning to identify changes in lion behaviour under extreme weather conditions.

The project uses novel, interdisciplinary techniques, ranging from conservation palaeobiology to acoustic monitoring, and will provide holistic evidence on the climatic threats to lions. An avid supporter of science communication and community engagement, the results will be delivered to appropriate researchers and policymakers regarding strategies to “climate-proof” conservation.

If you wish to get in touch or follow my work, for collaborations, filmmaking/sci-comm opportunities, advice for prospective students or simply for interest, feel free to email or get in touch through one of my social media channels.