Background
My research at the RSPB has largely been focused on the ecology of declining species in the UK (including bittern, song thrush, house sparrow and wood warbler), and the causes of their population declines.
Currently, my work is focused on the problems faced by Afro-Palearctic migrants, especially issues arising on their wintering and stopover grounds. Field studies in Africa have so far concentrated on wood warbler and turtle dove, although work on other species is being developed. I also oversee the satellite tagging of turtle doves in the UK. A developing area of work is investigating the socioeconomic drivers of land use change in Africa and testing solutions which are beneficial to people and biodiversity.
I manage a team of one full-time Senior Research Assistant and a number of shorter-term research assistants and students. In addition, I manage researchers in Ghana and Burkina Faso, who are undertaking work on European migrants.
I have been involved in ornithological research for more than 20 years and have developed various field (including ringing, radio-telemetry and nest-finding) and analytical skills.
External Activities
- 2013 to present: Associate Editor of Bird Study
Partners and Collaboration
- Japheth Roberts, Ghana Wildlife Society
- Dr Hervé Lormée, Office National da la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage
- Dr David Edwards, University of Sheffield
- Dr Adama Nana, Naturama, Burkina Faso
Contact

Dr John Mallord
Senior Conservation Scientist, Conservation Science
RSPB Centre of Conservation Science, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3QZ