I have always been passionate about nature since I started birdwatching as a little boy. I spent my childhood holidays travelling with my family trying to see as many new birds, snakes, mammals, frogs, whatever was on show. Chasing these species allowed me to experience great natural places but also appreciate the enormity of the crisis facing many species and ecosystems. Over the last thirty years I have seen many of the places and species I fell in love with as a child completely altered and lost.  This is my driving motivation for conservation. All the science I lead and collaborate on is about understanding what makes biodiversity threatened and what actions can we do that best overcome these threats. 

I am involved in all the projects in RARES in different capacities, from supervision to being a volunteer. I serve on the Night Parrot Recovery Team, BirdLife Australia’s Research and Conservation Committee, and Bush Heritage Australia’s Science and Conservation Committee. I am Professor of Conservation Science based at the University of Queensland where I lead the Green Fire Science group. 

Contact James: james.watson@uq.edu.au