Anna Nekaris

Anna Nekaris is a Professor of Ecology, Conservation, and Environment at Anglia Ruskin University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, within the Department of Life Sciences. Her research focuses on nocturnal mammals, particularly slow lorises, emphasizing conservation biology, venomous mammals, and mitigating wildlife trade impacts. She has supervised numerous PhD students across institutions and holds editorial roles in journals like Folia Primatologica and Endangered Species Research.

Education: MA/PhD in Anthropology (Washington University), BA in Anthropology (University of Missouri), and a Primatology Certificate (Université Louis Pasteur, France).

Research interests include conservation of cryptic species, ecology of venomous mammals, and the intersection of wildlife trade with social media and farming practices. She has contributed to over 300 peer-reviewed publications and received grants totaling £60,000+ annually from organizations like the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and Cleveland Zoo.

Her work spans conservation education, green branding, and wildlife-friendly farming. Notable achievements include founding the Little Fireface Project and advising on documentaries like BBC’s Life of Mammals.

Awards: Fellow of the Linnean Society.

Advising: Over 30 PhD/MPhil students since 2003, focusing on primate behavior, ecology, and conservation. Grants include leveraging marketing approaches to combat wildlife trade and biodiversity-friendly agriculture.

Labs/Teams: Director of the Little Fireface Project, a conservation initiative for slow lorises.