Thomas Ziegler

Thomas Ziegler is an Adjunct Professor at the Zoological Institute, University of Cologne, and Curator of the Aquarium/Terrarium/Insectarium at Cologne Zoological Garden. He coordinates biodiversity and conservation projects in Vietnam and Laos, focusing on amphibians and reptiles, and serves as an expert under Germany’s Federal Nature Conservation Act. His work spans over 100 new vertebrate species discoveries and collaborations with institutions like the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR) in Vietnam.

• Education: Biology degree (1989–1994) and diploma (1994–1996) from Rhineland Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn; PhD (2000) from the same university.

Research interests center on systematics, natural history, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles, particularly in Southeast Asia. His projects address habitat loss, wildlife trafficking, and the establishment of conservation programs for endangered species like the Philippine Crocodile and Psychedelic Gecko.

Scientific awards include the Albertus Magnus Apprenticeship Award (2010). He also contributes to editorial boards of journals like ZooKeys and Der Zoologische Garten.

Grants and leadership highlight his role in funding initiatives such as the Melinh Station for Biodiversity in Vietnam, which serves as a rescue center and environmental education hub. He collaborates with local and international NGOs, including the IUCN Specialist Groups for Amphibians, Crocodiles, and Monitor Lizards.