Professor David Macdonald

Honorary Director

WildCRU-Oxford University

Professor Cristian Bonacic

Director of Fauna Australis

Email: bona@uc.cl

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2175-076X

Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

Mr. Jerry Laker

Director of the Kod Kod field station

About the Director

I am Dr. Cristian Bonacic (DVM, MSc, PhD), the founding director of the Fauna Australis Wildlife Laboratory since 2001, a leading research group in applied conservation under the Department of Ecosystems and The Environment at the Catholic University of Chile (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile).

I earned my DVM from the University of Chile, graduating with distinction, and an MSc in Wildlife Management and Control from the University of Reading, England, also with distinction (1995-1996). My Ph.D. in Zoology was completed at Oxford, England (1996-2000). My experience at The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at Oxford inspired me to establish my research group in Chile. I also lead the Department of Ecosystems and the Environment at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, where I oversee the graduate Conservation and Wildlife Management program within the School of Agriculture and Forestry.

I have received several awards and prestigious grants from European, British, American, and Chilean agencies, allowing me to research and collaborate in conservation efforts across South America. I maintain strong networks with scientists and conservationists in the UK, Canada, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, Peru, and the USA. In 2007, I received the prestigious Whitley Commendation for my conservation and animal welfare efforts in protecting the Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) in the Andes, presented by HRH Princess Anne. In 2000, I was honored with the first Lama Award from the South American Camelids Medicine Association at Ohio State University.

I have been an integral part of the Wildlife Trust Alliance, Adjunct research of CERC at Columbia University, and The Center for Economic and Society (CEES). I also served as the vice president of The Chilean Wildlife Veterinary Association and was a founding member of The Chilean Ecology Society, The IUCN Deer Specialists group, and The Society for Conservation Biology, among others.

My contributions include a forum paper in Science (Globalization in Conservation) and scientific papers across various disciplines, such as Conservation Biology, Biological Conservation, and Animal Welfare. I have published book chapters with major international editorial houses and authored works on South American Camelids, including a chapter in the UFAW Handbook for Farm Animal Welfare (Wiley) and two editions of The Encyclopedia of Mammals (Blackwell). I’m also the co-author of Wild Cats of America and the main author of several key conservation publications.

I developed a software, Live Andes (Live-Andes.org), for data sharing and spatial analysis of endangered species, now registered by the university.

Since 2012, I have collaborated with Dr. Adrian Treves from the Nelson Institute. I hosted his Senior Specialist grant from the Fulbright Commission in 2012 and have co-authored papers with him that are currently under review. In 2015, I was appointed a full professor (tenure) and took a sabbatical at The Nelson Institute, funded by The Tinker Foundation. The following year, I received an Award for my contributions to Veterinary Science from The Board of Veterinarians of Chile. Currently, I serve as a Board member of the Asia Pacific Network for Forestry Education, the contact person for Chile of the Ecosecurity Network, and the Convenor of the next Innovation for Conservation International Biodiversity Network.

My commitment to conservation and wildlife extends beyond academia and research. I have continually engaged in collaborations that span continents and cultures, aiming to enhance our understanding and protection of the natural world. Through my work, I strive to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical conservation efforts, ensuring that our findings translate into real-world benefits for ecosystems and their inhabitants.

In 2015, I was appointed as a full professor (tenure) and took a sabbatical at The Nelson Institute, funded by The Tinker Foundation. The following year, I received an Award for my contributions to Veterinary Science from The Board of Veterinarians of Chile. Currently, I serve as a Board member of the Asia Pacific Network for Forestry Education, the contact person for Chile of the Ecosecurity Network, and the Convenor of the next Innovation for Conservation International Biodiversity Network.

My commitment to conservation and wildlife extends beyond academia and research. I have continually engaged in collaborations that span continents and cultures, always aiming to enhance our understanding and protection of the natural world. Through my work, I strive to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical conservation efforts, ensuring that our findings translate into real-world benefits for ecosystems and their inhabitants.

Professional Summary

Education (DVM, MSc, DPhil Oxon)

• Ph.D. in Zoology, Oxford University, England (2000).
• MSc in Wildlife Management and Control, University of Reading, England (1996).
• DVM, University of Chile (1991).
• Chair Professor of Biodiversity and Sustainability, Department of Ecosystems and The Environment, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
• Head of Department (2008-2010 and 2016-2018).
• Academic committees: Member (founder) of the Centre for Local Development, 
• Founder member of the College of Science and Technology, 
• Member of the committee for The Network of Natural Laboratories, 
• Founder member of the academic committee for The School of Veterinary Medicine, 
• Coordinator of the MSc (founder) natural resources. 
• Founder and director of The Fauna Australis Wildlife Laboratory, 
• Board member of Qualitas UC (natural resources accreditation board)
• Board Member of the National Red List Committee (representing Academia).
• Collaborated with international academic institutions across multiple continents (IBN, formerly Wildlife Trust Alliance, APFNet Mechanism for Forest Education, Ness Ecosecurity Network), IUCN SSC, and two specialist groups).
• Tinker Visiting Professor (2015/2016), The Nelson Institute.
• Adjunct Professor, Columbia University (2001/2015).
• Alumni and member of The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), Oxford.
• Awarded the Whitley Commendation for the sustainable use of the vicuña in The Andes.
• Awarded The Chilean Veterinary College award for contribution to science 
• The Lama Award of the American Association of SACs.

Profesional Experience

Research and Collaborations

Focus areas: wildlife conservation, ecology of endangered animals, conservation and emerging diseases, ecosystem management interdisciplinary research, forest ecology, human and animal interactions (ethics and animal wellbeing), people and nature, and capacity building for conservation.
Collaborated with institutions in the UK, Canada, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, Peru, and the USA.
Mentorship and Education
Fostered new generations of conservationists in Chile and internationally. Over 40 alumni are now active conservationists and professors in 8 countries in Latam.
Project management: PI of 46 grants and funding from national and international agencies, government funding, private funding, and private companies.

Duties and Academic Activities