Carnivore Research Malawi (CRA Project)

Carnivore Research Malawi (CRM) was established in 2011 by Dr. Emma Stone to study and conserve carnivores in Malawi, focusing on the growing human-wildlife conflict outside protected areas. Key to this, is understanding both the ecology and resource requirements of carnivores occurring in anthropogenic habitats as well as the human dimensions and social cultural aspects of human wildlife interactions (HWI). The core work of CRM is the Urban Hyaena Research Project, established in 2013. The project aims to assess the behavioural ecology and conservation biology of spotted hyaena populations living outside protected areas.

I joined the CRM Team in 2023 as Head of Research and Conservation (this role also meant leading the ABC and CRA Teams). My role was ensuring projects across programs were delivered on time and within budgets as well as reporting to funders and donors on activities; sending out newsletters; maintaining and building partnerships; working with various stakeholders and government departments; writing and implementing policies; and ensuring research activities were conducted to appropriate standards. The main research I oversaw during this time was a study on spotted hyaena behaviour, focusing on what drives their boldness and how this may influence conflicts with communities. Another key role was to ensure funding for the CRM Wildlife Assistance Helpline as well as getting our training programme for the Malawi Department of National Parks and Wildlife back up and running.