Professor Russell Hill at Durham University, leads the Earthwatch-supported Primate and Predator Project at the Lajuma Research Centre in the Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa. His main research interests are in the behavioural ecology of primates and other large mammals.  He integrates interdisciplinary approaches to human-wildlife conflict, a major area for conservationists across the world, including southern Africa, where much of Professor Hill’s research has taken place.

The Project aims to better understand the ecology of species living in the richly biodiverse region of the Soutpansberg Mountains, and examines the threat of human activities to conservation efforts and the challenges that living alongside wildlife creates for local livelihoods.

“Collaboration with Earthwatch has been absolutely fundamental to the success of our project. It has been particularly important in supporting our community-based work since long-term engagement is critical for developing sustainable conservation outcomes.”