Dr Rikki Gumbs

I am a Research Fellow at the Zoological Society of London’s Institute of Zoology, where I develop approaches to quantify and monitor the future of biodiversity under global change. I am particularly interested in generating research to place overlooked aspects of biodiversity into the prevailing conservation agenda. This includes overlooked dimensions of biodiversity, such as phylogenetic and functional diversity, underrepresented species, and understudied regions.

I am most passionate about the conservation of reptiles, particularly snakes, crocodylians, and chameleons, but our lab works across species to further the conservation of the overall Tree of Life. I am Co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Phylogenetic Diversity Specialist Group, which aims to support the inclusion of evolutionary information in conservation policy, planning and action.

I also work with ZSL’s EDGE of Existence programme, where I have led prioritisation research since 2020. I am incredibly lucky to be a part of the team that support, mentor, and train early-career conservationists as part of the EDGE Fellowship programme.