Professor Will Cresswell is a renowned expert in conservation biology and ornithology (the study of birds), with a particular focus on African ecosystems, at the School of Biology. His research delves into the population dynamics of migrant, endemic, and declining bird species, shedding light on the challenges these species face in their migratory and breeding habitats.
When we first meet, I warn him of my lack of knowledge in the subject area, ensuring he’s aware that he’s talking to a complete novice. In response, he assures me that what he does is simple, and this is what appeals to him; the ease with which he can communicate his work to people and engage many. Whilst I am still not sure that his work is as simple as he claims it to be, it is nevertheless inspiring and a story worth telling.
Will’s work has been instrumental in bridging the knowledge gaps surrounding African bird migration and the change in the patterns of migration. Up until quite recently a good proportion of the papers that have ever been written about what our migrant birds need when wintering in sub-Saharan Africa were written by Will and his research team. His efforts underscore the importance of addressing habitat changes and migration patterns to better understand species survival. The result of his passions in this academic field led him to A.P. (Tasso) Leventis, and the subsequent setting up of The A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute in Jos, Nigeria.
The A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI)
Established in 2002 by the Leventis Conservation Foundation, APLORI has become the foremost institution dedicated to advancing ornithology and conservation biology in the region. The Institute is a symbol of growing interest in conservation-focussed academic pathways in Nigeria. Through international partnerships with universities and conservation organisations, APLORI is fostering a new generation of researchers and conservationists equipped to tackle pressing ecological challenges, aiding in its mission to produce excellent scientific research and build capacity in the region.
The Institute was founded by friendship. When supervising a PhD student in Nigeria, Cresswell befriended A.P. Leventis, an alliance that led to the formation of APLORI, due of their common academic interests. They embarked on a mission to make ornithological research accessible in a region with huge potential but few opportunities for training and research. The Institute is located within Amurum Forest Reserve which has many of the bird species in Nigeria and which provides a living laboratory for the students and researchers based there. This has enabled development of a research portfolio that boasts of a wide range of areas critical to the survival of bird species in Africa. One significant focus is on developing practical conservation strategies. For example, simple interventions, such as preserving trees and bushes along farmland edges in open savannahs, can enhance survival rates for declining species, reversing population declines with minimal effort and cost. The benefits of this research extends beyond ecological insights. APLORI’s work has direct implications for biodiversity conservation, guiding policies and practices that support sustainable land use and ecosystem health.
Local Knowledge and Community Engagement
A testament to APLORI’s success is its emphasis on local knowledge and community engagement. Many APLORI alumni, now spread through Nigeria and West Africa, Cresswell shares, have begun to organise bird watching clubs, demonstrating the impact of this institute outside academia. APLORI also launched the Nigeria Bird Atlas Project (NiBAP, a citizen science project to map the distribution of Nigeria’s bird population) inculcating within the community a culture of bird watching. This fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the environment, emphasising a sense of place and belonging. Activities like birdwatching serve as accessible entry points for engaging people, building environmental awareness, and promoting sustainable practices.
Furthermore, APLORI’s commitment to capacity building addresses the historical gaps in conservation education in Nigeria. By training Masters and PhD students, the Institute is cultivating a new generation of scientists who are not only skilled researchers but also advocates for conservation within their communities.
A model to follow
Despite the logistical and historical challenges of conducting field research in Africa, institutions like APLORI demonstrate the immense potential for impactful conservation efforts. By combining cutting-edge research, practical strategies, and community engagement, APLORI is creating a model for how science can drive meaningful change for environments, species and people.
Featured Image: Recaptured Willow Warbler from Kvismaren. Acknowledgement: Thaddeus Pev