As scientists, we take a data-driven approach to developing and implementing effective conservation solutions. Our research covers a wealth of topics, species and landscapes, reflecting the breadth of conservation challenges faced across the world. WildCRU’s core work draws on a wide range of natural science disciplines, including ecology, behaviour, epidemiology, genetics, parasitology, biochemistry and physiology. Given the multi-faceted and human-centred nature of conservation, our research also involves other disciplines such as spatial analysis and modelling, economics and social sciences. This integrated approach provides the necessary expertise for developing workable conservation solutions.

You can browse our current programmes and projects by research theme, species or location below.

OUR RESEARCH COVERS 9 KEY THEMES

Click on a box to learn more about each theme and explore WildCRU work relating to this topic.

CHANGING LANDSCAPES

Considering how conservation can be ethical, humane and improve outcomes for people and wildlife.

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COMMUNICATING CONSERVATION

Studying and creating evidence-based communication to support conservation efforts.

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CONFLICT AND COEXISTENCE

Researching, understanding and helping reduce human-wildlife conflict.

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CONSERVATION RECOVERY

Investigating ecological and social issues to support species and ecosystem recovery.

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CONTROVERSIAL CONSERVATION

Understanding diverse perspectives and sharing evidence to inform decisions.

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ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

Discovering and sharing crucial information to underpin conservation.

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HEALTH, WELFARE AND ETHICS

Supporting improved outcomes for people and wildlife in conservation.

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INCENTIVISING CONSERVATION

Exploring both financial and non-financial ways to support conservation.

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WILDLIFE USE AND MISUSE

Assessing the dynamics and impacts of wildlife use to help foster sustainability.

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OUR RESEARCH INVOLVES NUMEROUS SPECIES

Some of WildCRU’s research is species-specific, and some involves numerous taxa across entire landscapes.

Currently we are working on a range of species including butterflies, Andean bear, giant armadillo, leopard, spotted and striped hyaena, serval, caracal, African and Asian elephants, Himalayan and grey wolves, short-eared dog, Borneo bay cat and flat-headed cat, dhole, red deer and Eurasian lynx.

Species which have had a particular focus in our long-term and programmatic research include:

African Wild dogs

Clouded leopards

Ethiopian wolves

European Badgers

Hedgehogs

Jaguars

Lions

Mink

Scottish wildcats

Tigers

WE WORK IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD

WildCRU research spans scales from local to global, including vast landscapes and regions such as the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. For example, our landscape modelling spans continents including South America, sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. This scale of research is not depicted on the map which only shows place-based research. Select a country to find out more about our place-based research by individual country.

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Connecting Landscapes Decision Support System

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Bridging science and policy for land-use planning in Bhutan

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Farming and Wildlife Programme

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Scottish Wildcat Programme

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Mink: Research, Management, and Restoration

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Botswana Coexistence Programme

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Carnivore population monitoring in Botswana and Zimbabwe

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Long Shields Guardian Programme

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Investigating human-elephant conflict in NW Zimbabwe

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Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme

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Clouded leopard reintroduction project

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MorphoCam

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Conserving African wild dogs under climate change  

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Southeast Asian Felids

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Population genomics of Sunda clouded leopards

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Lion Landscapes

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Conservation of the Titicaca grebe

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Changing carnivore communities & human-wildlife conflict in East Africa

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Water management to support African wild dog conservation

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Large carnivore survey of Ethiopia

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Bornean Carnivore Programme

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Lion conservation in West, Central and Horn of Africa

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The Himalayan Wolves Project

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Transboundary Landscape Connectivity and Wildlife Economy in KAZA

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Wild deer in Scotland

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WILDCRU RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES

WildCRU programmes combine research and conservation implementation activities, working in collaboration with communities, local and national authorities and other stakeholders. They have permanent staff in-situ and most have been running for many years if not decades.

Animal Welfare in Conservation

Badger Programme

Biodiversity and Behavioural Science

Bornean Carnivore Programme

Botswana Coexistence Programme

Carnivore population monitoring in Botswana and Zimbabwe

Ecology and Conservation of European Hedgehogs

Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme

Farming and Wildlife Programme

Lion conservation in West, Central and Horn of Africa

Lion Landscapes

Long Shields Guardian Programme

Mink: Research, Management, and Restoration

Morally Contested Conservation

Scottish Wildcat Programme

Southeast Asian Felids

WILDCRU RESEARCH PROJECTS

WildCRU projects involve research staff and students, covering a broad array of topics and disciplines, all contributing new and vital knowledge to inform conservation.

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