Ben Klinkenberg

Career Overview

I have a keen interest in human-wildlife interactions and how these shape opinions of species and support for conservation. My research area involves reviewing social aspects of human-wildlife conflict to create conservation-based solutions to mitigate conflict and allow for coexistence. I believe that the social aspect plays a key role in conservation and should be used as more of a standard for success when reviewing reintroductions and other conservation efforts.

I am co-chair of the Friends of Robinswood Hill volunteer group who help with conservation efforts and community engagement with nature on Robinswood Hill and Gloucester. I am also involved with a community orchard and natural space project in Hempstead, Gloucester. I also created and run an animal and landscape photography competition for the students at the university.

Teaching and supervision

Applied Animal Health and Disease
Animal Trade and Welfare
Conservation Biology
Epidemiology
Human Behaviour Change for Animals
Reviewing literature
Wildlife Conflict
Undergraduate dissertation supervision
Tutoring of 2nd and 3rd year students on the BSc Zoology programme

As well as guest lecturing for modules:

Anthrozoology
Contemporary issues in Anthrozoology

Throughout my teaching, I have been nominated multiple times for StAR awards by students in the categories of most supportive tutor and inspirational lecturer between 2020-2023.

Research interests

I am interested in human-wildlife interactions and how these shape conflict or coexistence within a world with an increasing human population and increasing awareness of the need to conserve.

I am keen to understand and evaluate management and conflict mitigation strategies, working to decolonise wildlife management and involve local populations in solutions.

I am interested in the collection and use of citizen science to create large datasets and the reliability of this data.

Current research includes: