Justin Raycraft

Justin Raycraft is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Lethbridge. He directs the Applied Research in Environmental Anthropology (AREA) Lab, focusing on human-environment interactions in the Tarangire ecosystem of northern Tanzania. His research explores how communities navigate conservation challenges while maintaining their livelihoods.

• Current faculty member at University of Lethbridge
• Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University (2022)
• Conducts ethnographic research in Tanzania since 2014

Dr. Raycraft specializes in human dimensions of conservation, political ecology, and environmental anthropology, with a focus on human-wildlife coexistence and community-based conservation. His work examines environmental governance, pastoralism, and climate change through collaborative and participatory research methods.

The 15 most recent publications reveal a consistent focus on East African conservation challenges, with key themes in human-carnivore conflict, local ecological knowledge, marine conservation, and extractive industry impacts. His research spans social-ecological systems, protected areas, and sustainability transitions.