Dr. Stuart Butchart

Biography

I am the Chief Scientist at BirdLife International, a role I have worked in since 2002. In this position, I lead BirdLife’s global Science Division, which develops BirdLife’s global scientific datasets and research priority-setting that underpins the Conservation Programmes implemented by the BirdLife Partnership, comprised of 120 national biodiversity conservation organisations around the world. My work provides a sound scientific basis for BirdLife’s policy and advocacy communication efforts. This includes identifying bird species worldwide that are closest to extinction by regularly assessing 11,000 bird species in accordance with the IUCN Red List, where I serve as the Red List Authority for birds. I also support BirdLife Partners in identifying important sites for biodiversity, including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, which are part of a wider network of Key Biodiversity Areas. My research covers a wide range of collaborative studies aimed at understanding the state of the world's birds and the sites and habitats they depend on, as well as the threats they face and the conservation solutions required. Additionally, I engage in research and data analysis to track global environmental trends and quantify the impact of conservation efforts.

Research Interests