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Senior Conservation Biologist leaves Durrell

5^th July 2010

Durrell sadly announces that due to the economic difficulties facing the organisation, which has already led to the loss of several positions, our Senior Conservation Biologist, Dr. Stephan Funk, will be leaving the Trust.

Dr.  Funk is a highly respected conservation scientist who has significantly contributed to Durrell over the past five years, establishing new areas of research and publishing Durrell’s work in key scientific journals.

Support to overseas projects

Dr. Funk has been involved in our pygmy hog project in India, several projects in the Caribbean – including St. Lucia whiptail lizard and blue iguanas – the translocation of reptiles in Mauritius, and contributed to describe a newly discovered carnivore species in Madagascar.  Jointly with Professor Fa, Dr. Funk has developed a new exciting approach to prioritise areas for global conservation planning.

Durrell’s Chief Conservation Officer, Professor John Fa, comments “I have always viewed Stephan as an exceptionally able and committed conservation scientist.  I am particularly proud to have collaborated with Stephan over the years and look forward to this continuing.  We wish Stephan great success as he moves on from Durrell.”

Training local staff and students

He also set up the Trust’s genetics programme and laboratory, giving technical training to members of staff and supporting the organisation’s conservation science programme.  His teaching role also extended to Durrell’s International Training Centre (ITC), teaching overseas students in many of Durrell’s courses, including teaching the MSc. Students of Imperial College.

Paul Masterton, Durrell’s CEO, also commented on Dr. Funk’s departure “Very sadly for Durrell our financial situation is forcing us to reduce costs and to lose staff.  Dr. Funk’s impressive and unique intellect will be greatly missed.  Our sincere thanks go to Stephan for all he has contributed to the Trust.”

Dr Funk added: “When my family and I moved to Jersey we wanted to make Jersey our home.  I also came here highly motivated to continue working for an organisation where my work can make a real change for conservation.  Unfortunately things turned out different.  This is in many ways the end of a dream, but at the same time an opportunity for a new beginning.  We met wonderful people around the Island and experienced a new way of life, so Jersey will always have a special place in our heart.”

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