Dr Orly Razgour
Orly is a conservation biologist and molecular ecologist, researching biodiversity responses to global environmental change [http://globalchangegenetics.org]. Orly is a great believer in multidisciplinary and applied research. Combining molecular and modelling tools to study the ecological and evolutionary consequences of global change, and in particular climate change. Her research focuses on bats because of their high taxonomic and ecological diversity, their potential role as bio-indicators, and their great conservation need. Orly worked with bats in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. During her PhD she worked with one of the rarest UK bats, the grey long-eared bat, Plecotus austriacus.
Orly is a NERC Independent research fellow at the University of Southampton, and works in collaboration with researchers and conservation organisations from across Europe. She aims to bring her experience in bat genetic and ecological research to advise on the scientific agenda of BwB, and her experience of applying conservation research to generating evidence-based management plans for southern African bats.
Orly is a NERC Independent research fellow at the University of Southampton, and works in collaboration with researchers and conservation organisations from across Europe. She aims to bring her experience in bat genetic and ecological research to advise on the scientific agenda of BwB, and her experience of applying conservation research to generating evidence-based management plans for southern African bats.
Get to know Orly
What is your favourite quote?
“if society is ever to become free, it will be so through liberated individuals, whose free efforts make society”
Emma Goldman
What sparked your interest in bats?
It all started when I had to choose a project for my undergraduate dissertation. As part of my course in the Darrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology we were given the opportunity to do a six weeks research project in the Peruvian Amazon forest. I was always interested in mammals, but I wanted to do an original project on taxa that hasn't been studied in previous years. Bats seemed like the perfect candidates. Little did I know then that they will become such an important part of my life! Working with bats in the Amazon forest was not an easy task but I was immediately fascinated by their diversity and distinct ecological roles.
When you are out and about what do you enjoy doing?
Walking along wild coast lines with my partner and my dog, camping out and catching waves in the sea.
If you had more time on your hands what would you do?
Without a doubt, travel the world. I love travelling, exploring new places and meeting new people. I love the freedom of not knowing what I will do or where I will be tomorrow and the excitement of discovery. As an ecologist I am always interested in exploring different ecosystems and habitats and the wildlife they support. Travelling is a great way to experience the diversity of life and the diversity of human culture.
I lived in southern Africa as a kid, something that has left a very strong impression on me and contributed to forming my adult self. So if I had more time on my hands I would travel again to Africa, to explore its biodiversity, culture and societies from my adult point of view.
“if society is ever to become free, it will be so through liberated individuals, whose free efforts make society”
Emma Goldman
What sparked your interest in bats?
It all started when I had to choose a project for my undergraduate dissertation. As part of my course in the Darrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology we were given the opportunity to do a six weeks research project in the Peruvian Amazon forest. I was always interested in mammals, but I wanted to do an original project on taxa that hasn't been studied in previous years. Bats seemed like the perfect candidates. Little did I know then that they will become such an important part of my life! Working with bats in the Amazon forest was not an easy task but I was immediately fascinated by their diversity and distinct ecological roles.
When you are out and about what do you enjoy doing?
Walking along wild coast lines with my partner and my dog, camping out and catching waves in the sea.
If you had more time on your hands what would you do?
Without a doubt, travel the world. I love travelling, exploring new places and meeting new people. I love the freedom of not knowing what I will do or where I will be tomorrow and the excitement of discovery. As an ecologist I am always interested in exploring different ecosystems and habitats and the wildlife they support. Travelling is a great way to experience the diversity of life and the diversity of human culture.
I lived in southern Africa as a kid, something that has left a very strong impression on me and contributed to forming my adult self. So if I had more time on my hands I would travel again to Africa, to explore its biodiversity, culture and societies from my adult point of view.