The University of Suffolk has added an Amazon expert to its new Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science degree course.

Dr Mark Bowler specialises in studying how human activity is affecting the Amazon. He also brings established links to San Diego Zoo Global in California where he is a research associate.

Dr Bowler’s recent projects in the Peruvian Amazon include; camera trapping in rainforest canopies to study tree-based wildlife, monitoring the effects of logging and hunting on wildlife populations and working with local people to find sustainable solutions to logging.

Starting in September, the degree will be run in association with a wide range of environmental and conservation organisations.

Read more: University of Suffolk launches new Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation degree

He said, “My Amazonian work is ongoing - I have a group of researchers and students in the field right now setting camera traps and audio recorders to look at wildlife distributions and hunting in remote parts of Peru. I can’t wait get the new students on the Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science degree working on these camera trap images and helping wildlife conservation abroad as well as in the UK.”

He added: “I’m excited to join the team and help develop this unique and innovative new course. We teach practical field skills and get out into the Suffolk countryside, so I’m looking forward to teaching with local experts and showing our students some of the best wildlife sites in Britain.”