Professor Alexandra Zimmermann
Associate Professor, Wildlife Conservation Research Unit
About
Professor Alexandra Zimmermann specialises in human–wildlife conflict and coexistence, with a focus on the social, cultural, political and institutional dimensions of conservation challenges. Her work examines conflicts with and about wildlife, which often arise when communities live in close proximity to species such as large cats, wolves, bears, elephants and other wildlife. Her research integrates conflict resolution, social science, conservation practice and policy to support more constructive solutions among stakeholders.
She leads research on human–wildlife conflict at the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit in the Department of Biology at Oxford, and is also the founding Chair of the IUCN SSC Human–Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence Specialist Group, a global expert advisory body on the topic. She frequently advises governments, intergovernmental organisations, foundations and NGOs on conflict resolution strategy, capacity building and policy development. Her expertise lies in conflict theory, dispute negotiation and the design of governance approaches that support long-term coexistence. She is the lead author of the book Negotiating coexistence: the art and science of resolving conflicts in conservation (Oxford University Press).
Expertise
- Conservation
- Biodiversity
- Conflict between humans and wildlife
- Environmental conflict analysis and mediation
Selected publications
- Negotiating coexistence: the art and science of conflict resolution in conservation (2026)
- IUCN SSC Guidelines on Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence (2023)
- Levels of conflict over wildlife: understanding and addressing the right problem (2020)
- An interdisciplinary review of current and future approaches to improving human–predator relations (2016)
- Effectiveness of intervention methods against crop-raiding elephants (2011)
- Human-Felid Conflict: A Review of Patterns & Priorities Worldwide (2009)
Media experience
Dr Zimmermann has experience of radio and TV interviews.
Languages
English, German, French