Dr Chris Boland

Dr Chris Boland obtained his PhD in Ornithology at the Australian National University. His research focused on the evolutionary ecology of Rainbow Bee-eaters, but included side-projects on White-winged Choughs, Superb Fairy Wrens, Albatross, Red-tailed Tropicbirds, Emus, and Gouldian Finches. He then lectured for five years at the ANU in animal behavior, conservation, evolutionary ecology, genetics and human biology. He has since worked on numerous high-profile wildlife conservation projects in Australia: Chris was the project manager of the Yellow Crazy Ant Control Program on Christmas Island, Indian Ocean, described as the most successful invasive species control program in Australia’s history (here he also conducted research on Abbotts Booby and Christmas Island Frigatebirds). He then became the Science Manager for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, which is Australia’s largest single-species recovery program. Since 2012, Chris has worked as the head of Terrestrial Ecology with Saudi Aramco where he has continued to conduct research aimed at conserving Saudi Arabia’s biodiversity. He has published around 25 manuscripts in peer-reviewed scientific journals, primarily about birds. He is the author of two books, including his most recent book The Birds of Saudi Arabia.