We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Laurence Jarvis as our new Head of Conservation. Laurence will lead Froglife’s practical conservation activities to create and restore habitats across the UK, scientific research on the conservation of UK amphibians and reptiles and coordinate the Toads on Roads project which helps move tens of thousands of toads to safety across the UKs road network every year.
Laurence joins us from FERA where, as Field Wildlife Ecotoxicologist, he acted as Study Director and Project Manager for ecotoxicology fieldwork. Prior to FERA Laurence worked at the Field Studies Council, TCV and completed a PhD on habitat preferences of the great crested newt.
Laurence joins Froglife as we build on the momentum of our recent research into common toad declines which made national headlines at the end of 2016. Laurence will be expanding on this work to find out more about the causes of these declines and what can be done to address them including the use of road mitigation tunnels. He will also work closely with Froglife’s partners on the Garden Wildlife Health Project to further investigate amphibian and reptile disease.
Kathryn Wormald, Froglife Chief Executive Officer says “Froglife are delighted to welcome Laurence to the team. Laurence’s combination of scientific and practical experience makes him well placed to make a big impact in this diverse role at an exciting time for our conservation work”.
Since 1989 Froglife has been at the heart of efforts to conserve native amphibians and reptiles. Throughout this time Froglife have initiated a number of national and regional projects, and remained a central voice for public advice on issues surrounding reptile and amphibian conservation. Over the last 5 years Froglife has focused on developing its scientific research capabilities and is now a well-respected authority on amphibian and reptile conservation in the UK. The new Head of Conservation will continue to expand on this over the coming years, with support from Esmée Fairbairn who help fund this position.
Laurence’s appointment is effective immediately.