Big Cats: The (Natural) History Of A Fascination

Big cats are one of planet earth’s most iconic animal families.

The pinnacle of natural selection, they occupy a unique place in human culture and imagination. Despite this, big cats are under threat like never before, as they struggle to adapt to the Anthropocene. Join big cat conservationist Dr Jonny Hanson for an interactive exploration of this story, including the science of big cats, their conservation and our fascination with them.

Told through the medium of Jonny’s own fascination – from tracking leopards in Africa as a teenager and working with most big cat species in captivity, through to work on snow leopard conservation and rewilding Ireland – this live show will leave you even more fascinated by big cats.

Book your tickets here.

Mountain Ghost: The Science of Snow Leopards

Today, International Snow Leopard Day 2021, join conservationist Dr Jonny Hanson for an interactive and engaging exploration of the science of snow leopards. From natural selection and camera trapping to social surveys and ecosystem services, learn about the natural history of and threats to this elusive big cat, its coexistence with local communities, and the significance of its mountain home for the world and all its inhabitants. Drawing on Jonny’s experience of working with snow leopards in captivity, his research on snow leopard conservation in the field, and his ongoing involvement in snow leopard conservation, this talk blends science and adventure, humour and wonder, in this inspiring profile of the Mountain Ghost.

Dr Jonny Hanson YouTube channel launched

This is the trailer for my new YouTube channel, where you can watch all of my videos.

Thanks to the Northern Ireland Science Festival, Jubilee Community Benefit Society, the Snow Leopard Conservancy and everyone else who has played a part.

Tax dodging and conservation

With tackling tax loopholes making global headlines, as nations seek to simultaneously finance post-COVID and green economy investments, it’s worth taking a fresh look at the significance of this for conservation, as we seek to stem the loss of genes, species and ecosystems by investing in the global public good that is biodiversity. My blog from 2014, and my subsequent editorial in Oryx, delve deeper.