Ralph Buij

Ralph Buij is a Researcher in Animal Ecology at Wageningen University, focusing on avian migration, conservation biology, and human-wildlife interactions. His work spans studies on raptors, protected area dynamics, and the health implications of illegal wildlife trade. He collaborates internationally on projects in Africa and Europe, addressing threats to biodiversity such as poisoning and wind energy impacts. Buij co-supervises PhD candidates exploring urban wild meat value chains, vulture ecology, and solar panel effects on biodiversity. His research integrates field data with technological tools like eDNA and GPS tracking to inform conservation policies.

Key contributions include documenting population declines in African savanna raptors and assessing risks of wind turbines to migratory birds. He has published on topics ranging from eagle migration patterns to zoonotic disease transmission in wildlife markets. Media engagements highlight his expertise in wildlife conservation challenges, such as vulture poisoning and goose management in the Netherlands.

Current projects include analyzing health risks in urban wild meat chains (Nairobi and Lagos) and managing goose populations through adaptive flyway strategies. He leads initiatives to balance renewable energy development with biodiversity protection, emphasizing evidence-based policy solutions.