David Roberts

Prior to moving to the University of Kent, Dr David Roberts was a senior scientist in the orchid section of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, for over eight years. During this time, he conducted extensive fieldwork in Africa, Madagascar and the Western Indian Ocean islands. Much of his initial work focused on taxonomy and the uses of museum specimens in relation to conservation, including modelling extinction, phenological responses to climate change and conservation status. Since moving to the University of Kent, David has expanded within these areas of research, as well as moving into areas such as wildlife trade and technology developments in support of conservation. Currently, his main areas of research are :

- new, extinct and rediscovered species
- plant conservation (especially orchids)
- wildlife trade (especially illegal online trade).

Dr David Roberts is a member of the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology.