Simon Pooley
@s-pooley.bsky.social
Lambert Reader in human-wildlife coexistence. Into crocodiles, wetlands, okapi, wildfires, guitar music, diversity & just getting along.
My response to a comment on my diversity article "#Conservation and #Coexistence at a Crossroads" is now available as early view in Conservation Biology, here:
conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15231739...
conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15231739...
November 19, 2025 at 12:34 PM
My response to a comment on my diversity article "#Conservation and #Coexistence at a Crossroads" is now available as early view in Conservation Biology, here:
conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15231739...
conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15231739...
Enjoyed discussing my new #okapi book in an online seminar for Animal History Group last week. It was recorded and will at some point be be hosted by @sochistnathist.bsky.social. #animalhistory
November 18, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Enjoyed discussing my new #okapi book in an online seminar for Animal History Group last week. It was recorded and will at some point be be hosted by @sochistnathist.bsky.social. #animalhistory
A curious thing I share about #okapi is their long history with the U.S., esp. New York: @amnh.org, Bronx Zoo, @wcs.org. Deals w Belgian Congo, Lang's Congo trip, Gilman's philanthropy, #Warhol & Anne Eisner Putnam's art, & Madison Square Gdns where Mr G, the only circus okapi, died. Book out today
November 11, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Rare sight on the Thames near me, darters chasing a shoal of fish
November 8, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Rare sight on the Thames near me, darters chasing a shoal of fish
These leaves stickered and starred the dull autumn Thames today. Greenish-yellow ash, yellow sycamore with pink-red stems, field maple & white poplar, their undersides startlingly white.
November 3, 2025 at 6:21 PM
These leaves stickered and starred the dull autumn Thames today. Greenish-yellow ash, yellow sycamore with pink-red stems, field maple & white poplar, their undersides startlingly white.
I enjoyed giving this talk at ZSL last week, for Black History Month. Looking forward to my Animal History Group talk on 12 November, which will focus on another major theme in my book. In other good news, I have just heard from Johns Hopkins UP that there is going to be an audiobook.
November 3, 2025 at 5:19 PM
I enjoyed giving this talk at ZSL last week, for Black History Month. Looking forward to my Animal History Group talk on 12 November, which will focus on another major theme in my book. In other good news, I have just heard from Johns Hopkins UP that there is going to be an audiobook.
Advance copies of Discovering the Okapi have arrived, meaning I've finally seen the back cover of my JHUP book, with the postcard my gradfather sent my mom when she was 10 years old. Very pleased with what JHUP have produced!
October 26, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Advance copies of Discovering the Okapi have arrived, meaning I've finally seen the back cover of my JHUP book, with the postcard my gradfather sent my mom when she was 10 years old. Very pleased with what JHUP have produced!
I look forward to launching my book at ZSL's Huxley Lecture Theatre on 2nd December. I'll discuss behind the scenes research, in addition to the key topics of my book. I will show images of key characters - human and okapi - from the book, and many in addition to those shown in the book.
October 24, 2025 at 3:04 PM
I look forward to launching my book at ZSL's Huxley Lecture Theatre on 2nd December. I'll discuss behind the scenes research, in addition to the key topics of my book. I will show images of key characters - human and okapi - from the book, and many in addition to those shown in the book.
It is great to get some critical responses to my okapi book. Both are from scholars I greatly respect.
I was nervous asking Jonathan Kingdon, as he is such an authority on African mammals - and has told me such interesting things about okapi!
I was nervous asking Jonathan Kingdon, as he is such an authority on African mammals - and has told me such interesting things about okapi!
July 9, 2025 at 9:10 PM
It is great to get some critical responses to my okapi book. Both are from scholars I greatly respect.
I was nervous asking Jonathan Kingdon, as he is such an authority on African mammals - and has told me such interesting things about okapi!
I was nervous asking Jonathan Kingdon, as he is such an authority on African mammals - and has told me such interesting things about okapi!
I'll be launching my book Discovering the Okapi at ZSL / London Zoo on December 2nd.
This fascinating animal went from being an international sensation, with 15 seconds of fame in the 1980s, to vanishing from public attention. I hope to win back attention for #okapi
This fascinating animal went from being an international sensation, with 15 seconds of fame in the 1980s, to vanishing from public attention. I hope to win back attention for #okapi
July 6, 2025 at 2:15 PM
I'll be launching my book Discovering the Okapi at ZSL / London Zoo on December 2nd.
This fascinating animal went from being an international sensation, with 15 seconds of fame in the 1980s, to vanishing from public attention. I hope to win back attention for #okapi
This fascinating animal went from being an international sensation, with 15 seconds of fame in the 1980s, to vanishing from public attention. I hope to win back attention for #okapi
Celebrating world giraffe day yesterday, it was good to learn from GCF that some are recovering, but worth remembering the baseline and how little of the original range survives.
Of course, their only living relative, the okapi, hangs on only in northeastern DRC.
Of course, their only living relative, the okapi, hangs on only in northeastern DRC.
June 22, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Celebrating world giraffe day yesterday, it was good to learn from GCF that some are recovering, but worth remembering the baseline and how little of the original range survives.
Of course, their only living relative, the okapi, hangs on only in northeastern DRC.
Of course, their only living relative, the okapi, hangs on only in northeastern DRC.
Rainy day problem solved. What a beautiful book cover.
Wonderful clear writing on complex subjects, told with fascinating, emblematic case studies. Good stuff
@jackashby.bsky.social
Wonderful clear writing on complex subjects, told with fascinating, emblematic case studies. Good stuff
@jackashby.bsky.social
May 24, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Rainy day problem solved. What a beautiful book cover.
Wonderful clear writing on complex subjects, told with fascinating, emblematic case studies. Good stuff
@jackashby.bsky.social
Wonderful clear writing on complex subjects, told with fascinating, emblematic case studies. Good stuff
@jackashby.bsky.social
Join me at Birkbeck University of London, in Bloomsbury, on Friday 6 June to discuss the future of human-wildlife coexistence, whether with badgers or beavers in the UK, or crocs, big cats or elephants in Australia, the Americas, Asia or Africa.
Details and booking link here
lnkd.in/enJHamNz
Details and booking link here
lnkd.in/enJHamNz
May 21, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Join me at Birkbeck University of London, in Bloomsbury, on Friday 6 June to discuss the future of human-wildlife coexistence, whether with badgers or beavers in the UK, or crocs, big cats or elephants in Australia, the Americas, Asia or Africa.
Details and booking link here
lnkd.in/enJHamNz
Details and booking link here
lnkd.in/enJHamNz
Interested in human-wildlife #coexistence? Want to discuss the challenges of realising a positive vision for #wildlife conservation? Join us in Bloomsbury, London, for a free public workshop I'm giving on June 6, during Birkbeck's Social Science Week
www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event...
www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event...
May 9, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Interested in human-wildlife #coexistence? Want to discuss the challenges of realising a positive vision for #wildlife conservation? Join us in Bloomsbury, London, for a free public workshop I'm giving on June 6, during Birkbeck's Social Science Week
www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event...
www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event...
I had fun presenting my #okapi research at the
@nhm-london.bsky.social
cultures of collections showcase Isabel Davis last week. Hoping that some of their famous okapi remains may get exhibited again, even stories I've recorded in my book shared.
@nhm-london.bsky.social
cultures of collections showcase Isabel Davis last week. Hoping that some of their famous okapi remains may get exhibited again, even stories I've recorded in my book shared.
May 5, 2025 at 10:59 AM
I had fun presenting my #okapi research at the
@nhm-london.bsky.social
cultures of collections showcase Isabel Davis last week. Hoping that some of their famous okapi remains may get exhibited again, even stories I've recorded in my book shared.
@nhm-london.bsky.social
cultures of collections showcase Isabel Davis last week. Hoping that some of their famous okapi remains may get exhibited again, even stories I've recorded in my book shared.
First global #crocodiles attack prevention survey launched!
If you live or work in areas with croc attacks, especially if involved in attempts to prevent attacks, please complete this survey. #conservation
The link works on computers and mobile phones: ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/blvTJ6kg
If you live or work in areas with croc attacks, especially if involved in attempts to prevent attacks, please complete this survey. #conservation
The link works on computers and mobile phones: ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/blvTJ6kg
April 29, 2025 at 5:27 PM
First global #crocodiles attack prevention survey launched!
If you live or work in areas with croc attacks, especially if involved in attempts to prevent attacks, please complete this survey. #conservation
The link works on computers and mobile phones: ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/blvTJ6kg
If you live or work in areas with croc attacks, especially if involved in attempts to prevent attacks, please complete this survey. #conservation
The link works on computers and mobile phones: ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/blvTJ6kg
So proud of my mum Elsa Pooley launching her latest book around S Africa at the moment. A labour of love over many years, the culmination of her passion and mission to persuade people to garden successfully with indigenous South African plants.
www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/book/south-a...
www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/book/south-a...
March 24, 2025 at 8:44 PM
So proud of my mum Elsa Pooley launching her latest book around S Africa at the moment. A labour of love over many years, the culmination of her passion and mission to persuade people to garden successfully with indigenous South African plants.
www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/book/south-a...
www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/book/south-a...
Why history matters for conservation - Ndumo Game Reserve as case study - and the importance of celebrating the achievements as well as the challenges
March 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Why history matters for conservation - Ndumo Game Reserve as case study - and the importance of celebrating the achievements as well as the challenges
Questions for the South African government, Questions for Ramsar the international wetlands convention
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
March 23, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Questions for the South African government, Questions for Ramsar the international wetlands convention
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
I'm pleased to share that my okapi book will be published in October this year. The website page is still in development but has the essential details on content and intention here:
www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/...
I'm looking forward to cover designs
www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/...
I'm looking forward to cover designs
March 9, 2025 at 11:07 AM
I'm pleased to share that my okapi book will be published in October this year. The website page is still in development but has the essential details on content and intention here:
www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/...
I'm looking forward to cover designs
www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/...
I'm looking forward to cover designs
In this paper I outline my attempts to engage
@ramsarconv.bsky.social Ramsar South Africa with the case of Ndumo Game Reserve since 2021. I question the efficacy of Ramsar when its own aims are ignored by a signatory in the case of Ndumo, a proclaimed Ramsar site. koedoe.co.za/index.php/ko...
@ramsarconv.bsky.social Ramsar South Africa with the case of Ndumo Game Reserve since 2021. I question the efficacy of Ramsar when its own aims are ignored by a signatory in the case of Ndumo, a proclaimed Ramsar site. koedoe.co.za/index.php/ko...
February 25, 2025 at 10:53 AM
In this paper I outline my attempts to engage
@ramsarconv.bsky.social Ramsar South Africa with the case of Ndumo Game Reserve since 2021. I question the efficacy of Ramsar when its own aims are ignored by a signatory in the case of Ndumo, a proclaimed Ramsar site. koedoe.co.za/index.php/ko...
@ramsarconv.bsky.social Ramsar South Africa with the case of Ndumo Game Reserve since 2021. I question the efficacy of Ramsar when its own aims are ignored by a signatory in the case of Ndumo, a proclaimed Ramsar site. koedoe.co.za/index.php/ko...
Why history matters for conservation, and how to use it
In my opening papers of our Ndumo special issue, I use this case study to make the case for the uses of historical information and data in conservation research, planning & management.
bioone.org/journals/afr...
In my opening papers of our Ndumo special issue, I use this case study to make the case for the uses of historical information and data in conservation research, planning & management.
bioone.org/journals/afr...
February 11, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Why history matters for conservation, and how to use it
In my opening papers of our Ndumo special issue, I use this case study to make the case for the uses of historical information and data in conservation research, planning & management.
bioone.org/journals/afr...
In my opening papers of our Ndumo special issue, I use this case study to make the case for the uses of historical information and data in conservation research, planning & management.
bioone.org/journals/afr...
We published a special issue on Ndumo Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, S. Africa - the scientific research done there, past and present, and our hopes for the future. This biodiverse small game reserve is a Ramsar wetland of international importance, one of Africa's oldest. bioone.org/journals/afr...
February 11, 2025 at 7:55 AM
We published a special issue on Ndumo Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, S. Africa - the scientific research done there, past and present, and our hopes for the future. This biodiverse small game reserve is a Ramsar wetland of international importance, one of Africa's oldest. bioone.org/journals/afr...
First sunshine of the year here today
January 2, 2025 at 7:58 PM
First sunshine of the year here today