We still have some seats for our talk this Friday, do join us in person and stay for the drinks reception afterwards, or join online. Register here oxfordbiodiversitynetwork.bookwhen.com 🍃

Our new study shows that island populations of grey long-eared #bats have distinct DNA haplotypes compared to mainland populations, reflecting long-term isolation & independent evolutionary trajectories: link.springer.com/article/10.1... @iccs.bsky.social @jesusoxford.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk

This Friday's lecture from Cristina Banks-Leite looks to be a thought-provoking one, so sign up to attend on-line, or in-person (followed by a drinks reception) oxfordbiodiversitynetwork.bookwhen.com @ecioxford.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk @oxfordgeography.bsky.social

Women play vital, but often overlooked, roles in wildmeat systems worldwide. A review of 300+ studies across 54 countries highlights women's influence from household consumption to market trade, yet their voices are rarely heard in decision-making. 👉 doi.org/10.1002/pan3... @biology.ox.ac.uk

NEW: An Oxford-led study has found that reptiles confined to islands face double jeopardy - they’re more likely to go extinct than mainland species, yet remain largely overlooked by researchers. Read more ⬇️

Reptiles confined to islands are facing a double jeopardy 🦎 New research from @ricardonature.bsky.social shows that 30% of island reptiles are threatened with extinction (compared to 12.1% of reptiles overall) - but only 6.7% of reptile-focused research since 1960 has studied them 👇 bit.ly/3LqQo1F

"ICN reminded me that even with the best intentions, we must keep reflecting and refining how we engage...Whose voices are missing? Whose knowledge do we prioritize? Are we listening deeply enough before deciding what’s best?" iccs.org.uk/rethinking-c...

Join us this Friday when @julespretty.bsky.social will be leading an important discussion on 'How Story Creates Agency for the Nature and Climate Crises' oxfordbiodiversitynetwork.bookwhen.com @ecioxford.bsky.social @oxfordgeography.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk @iccs.bsky.social

Our new paper (brilliantly led by @theflyingpat.bsky.social) shows that birds & bats can naturally suppress rice pests in West African rice landscapes - offering a sustainable solution as global rice demand grows. www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/research-rev... @jesusoxford.bsky.social @iccs.bsky.social

A lovely post from Nelson Mandela University about this year's Interdisciplinary Conservation Network (ICN). news.mandela.ac.za/News/Global-...

PhD opportunity: Examining the role of public acceptance on the success of island restoration initiatives 🏝️🐀🤝 w. @rspb.bsky.social * Project outline: e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/project?item... * Deadline: Sunday 14th December 2025 * How to apply: e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/applications... Happy to answer questions!

Our team launched a new business briefing today at the European Business and Nature Summit in Helsinki 🌿 It explores how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can support robust, evidence-based biodiversity strategies — helping organisations understand their full impacts on nature and take effective action.

Extremely proud to have been part of the 2025 ICN workshop held in George, SA! This collaboration between NMU and @ox.ac.uk brought young conservationists together to discuss important topics in #conservation. Visit @iccs.bsky.social for updates and blog posts from participants. I am inspired! ❤️

Great blog to start the week: reflections from @sonakshis.bsky.social on the 2025 Interdisciplinary Conservation Network. "The highlight of ICN for me was the people. Their presence reminded me of what interdisciplinarity truly looks like and what it takes to build it." iccs.org.uk/what-interdi...

1 day left to apply ⏰ The Masterclass in Mitigating Illegal Wildlife Trade is a free course aimed at practitioners, policy makers and researchers based in West Africa, wishing to learn about combating wildlife trafficking 📆 Deadline: 17th October ✅ Apply here: https://ow.ly/k6hN50Xc6PM

So happy that the first chapter of my PhD has been published! We explored where women exist in tropical wild meat systems, what they do & why. Huge thanks to my co-authors and my wonderful supervisory team 🙌

Returning to reality after a special week at Nelson Mandela University for #ICN2025 @iccs.bsky.social @ox.ac.uk 🇿🇦 I got to meet 30 fellow conservation ECRs from all over the world, where we learnt from each other, heard about exciting research projects, shared stories and made new friendships.

Applications are still open for the next Masterclass on Mitigating Illegal Wildlife Trade. Find out more about the course and apply here. https://ow.ly/qxGK50XaJM8 Feel free to ask any questions via the comments below or email (see address in the link above) #masterclass #westafrica

A great example from earlier this year of research carried out by the Masterclass on Mitigating Illegal Wildlife Trade course co-leader, Dan Challender, and colleagues, exposed a disconnect between the media and public perceptions of wild meat in the wake of COVID-19 https://ow.ly/F1Zt50X3mnX

"We often focus on hunters... But there's a whole range of other people involved." Hear about the complexities of the #wildlifetrade from the course leaders of the Masterclass on Mitigating Wildlife, Amy Hinsley and Dan Challender, alongside E.J. Milner-Gulland https://ow.ly/tAHV50X3mql

🚨Women are central to tropical wild meat systems, yet too often overlooked🚨 A new paper led by @jasminwillis.bsky.social, Dr Lauren Coad, @orchiddelirium.bsky.social & @ejmilnergulland.bsky.social reviewed 334 studies across 54 countries, finding women occupy 36 roles, from harvesting to trade.

In case you missed it last week, the next Masterclass on Mitigating Illegal Wildlife Trade is now open for applications 🎉. Find out more here https://ow.ly/qS0y50X3min 📆 Deadline: 17th October #IllegalWildlifeTrade #WestAfrica

The Masterclass on Mitigating Illegal Wildlife Trade is back! Aimed at practitioners, researchers and policymakers in West Africa addressing illegal wildlife trade. Led by Oxford academics and colleagues. Apply here tinyurl.com/mu5d7f4f #illegalwildlifetrade

In case you missed the Nature Impacts webinar earlier this month you can catch it on YouTube now! @biology.ox.ac.uk @iccs.bsky.social

On the 26th September we will be hosting a one-day conference to showcase the work of the participants in our Shaping the Future of AI for Conservation workshop. If you are interested in attending/presenting on 26th Sept, please fill in the form below by 12th Sept. forms.office.com/e/eL7vfFtPQY

As we begin moving into our new base in the Life and Mind Building, @ejmilnergulland.bsky.social has been taking a look at her books and reflecting on those that have shaped her academic career. Read it on the @iccs.bsky.social website 👇 iccs.org.uk/e-j-milner-g...

'It is easier to take action when you know you are not acting alone.' Collective action on climate is crucial. Scientists play an important role in driving change, write @biology.ox.ac.uk's Dr Tristram Wyatt and Cardiff University's Aaron Thierry ⬇️ #OxfordClimate

“Ensuring that laws and policies that apply to wildlife harvest and trade are well designed and are understood by key actors including harvesters, traders and law enforcement agents is critical to ensuring that wildlife trade is both legal and sustainable.” iccs.org.uk/new-study-hi...

A new study has developed a framework to help agricultural sectors better contribute to global biodiversity targets without causing unintended harms. The study estimates that this could take the sector most of the way towards biodiversity targets 👇 bit.ly/45KLggw

🦇 Why do bats matter and why protect them? These are question we often get asked. Apart from the joy of watching bats, they also play a hugely important role in ecosystems. They reproduce very slowly and are highly sensitive to changes in the environment:

"The value of qualitative approaches to impact evaluation in biodiversity conservation" is a fantastic new output from the 2023 Interdisciplinary Conservation Network (ICN). Read it here: conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... Find out more about ICN here: iccs.org.uk/catalysing-c...

"If policymakers want to reduce demand for wild meat, they will need to employ trustworthy communication strategies and increase the availability of safe meat alternatives." www.biology.ox.ac.uk/article/medi... @ejmilnergulland.bsky.social @danchallender.bsky.social @julietwright.bsky.social

Join us for a webinar on Thursday 4th September to explore NATURE Impacts — a new initiative from @ox.ac.uk, in collaboration with @wwf.org.uk, aimed at supporting countries in halting and reversing nature loss by 2030. www.eventbrite.com/e/introducin...

SCCS 2026 has opened for applications! 📣Spread the word! It will be our 25th conference in Cambridge and will take place between 31 March – 2 April 2026. Check out the website for more info and to apply: www.sccs-cam.org.

"This fellowship...has reinforced my belief that conservation must be inclusive, community-driven, and evidence-based. As I continue my work back in Cameroon, I carry with me the insights, networks, and renewed energy inspired by my time in Oxford" iccs.org.uk/fanny-djomka...

Congratulations to @natduffus.bsky.social, who has been commended in the @mplsoxford.bsky.social Impact Awards! Nat has been recognised in the Early Career Policy Impact category for raising awareness of the ecological outcomes of Biodiversity Net Gain 👇 bit.ly/4eSmRZe

"We need more nuanced, intersectional research that considers both ecological and social outcomes, and that recognises the complexity of conservation on IP&LC lands." iccs.org.uk/what-enables...

A new global index proposes a hopeful shift: measuring how people & nature thrive together. The Nature Relationship Index, co-developed by Oxford Martin's Biodiversity and Society Programme , could reshape how we define progress. Read more: www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/news/new-glo...

Melissa Felipe Cadillo describes how universities can act as key brokers to include local residents in decisions on nature recovery in urban environments: www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-07...

New publication: "Enabling conditions for conservation on Indigenous and community lands" @stephaniebrittain.bsky.social conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

👋 Hello BlueSky! I’m Dr Stephanie Brittain, a Lecturer in Conservation Science at @dice-kent.bsky.social & a Research Fellow @iccs.bsky.social @ox.ac.uk. I’m also President of the SCB SSWG (Social Science Working Group) @society4conbio.bsky.social scbsocialscience.org #ConSocSci

🌍 A global study has examined how legal uncertainties threatens biodiversity and the people who rely on it.  This new research shows how clearer laws & traceability systems can reduce illegal wildlife trade. Read more: https://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/news/legal-grey-areas-in-wildlife-trade

New paper just published in @consletters.bsky.social ‼️ Our perspective explores the legal uncertainties in wildlife trade, and how to resolve them 🦜 A product of @iccs.bsky.social Interdisciplinary Conservation Network, this works draws insights from a brilliant group of ECRs and mentors

Very useful blog on safety in the field, with the focus on marginalised communities. Thank you @zoomingbio.bsky.social and @britishecologicalsociety.org for this piece; mandatory reading for anyone teaching and organising field courses. 🧪 #academicsky #DEI methodsblog.com/2025/06/17/s...

Join us on 12th June 5pm - Jesus College, Ship Street Centre for a thought-provoking discussion on decolonising environmental research, challenging traditional paradigms to foster a more inclusive and equitable approach to environmental studies. All Welcome! envres.web.ox.ac.uk/decolonising...

"We not only shared a common passion for conservation but also confronted comparable circumstances, challenges, and opportunities simultaneously. A perfect reflection of “I am not alone”!" This is what @bashyalreshu.bsky.social had to say about ICN 2023. Only two days left to apply for 2025!

We're really looking forward to hosting‪ @helinajolly.bsky.social on July 4th for our last lecture of the term. In person or online. Please register here: ‪ oxfordbiodiversitynetwork.bookwhen.com @wildcru.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk @ecioxford.bsky.social @oxfordgeography.bsky.social

Join us online this #LondonClimateWeek for a panel discussion featuring Indigenous Wampis leaders, followed by a Q&A on rights-based and non-market mechanisms, including direct funding for Indigenous peoples and local communities. 📅 23 June | 3:30–5:30pm 📍 Online us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Should Ecology be more proactive & vocal on one of the key issues of our times? What systemic & institutional changes are needed for the ecological community to be at the forefront of the response? If these are questions that speak to you, this new paper may be of interest lnkd.in/eXfXG4xM

The recording for last week's event "Counting on Nature: How should we value nature in our food systems?" is now available to watch! Catch up on the discussion w/ Constance McDermott, Rohit Kaushish, Vassilis Gkoumas, & Henry Leveson-Gower. Watch here: buff.ly/RDQkraW @oxfutureoffood.bsky.social