SELECTED TALKs
2022
Anthropogenic resistance – considering human-wildlife conflict in conservation planning (accepted talk). In the co-organized symposium "Towards landscapes of coexistence between people and megafauna" at the 6th European Congress of Conservation Biology. Prague, Czech Republic
2021
A social-ecological framework for assessment of protected area effectiveness. In the co-organized symposium "Navigating the social-ecological effectiveness of protected areas" at the 30th International Congress for Conservation Biology (virtual)
2019
Identifying safe corridors for Persian leopards by combining top-down and bottom-up approaches in habitat and conflict mapping. 29th International Congress for Conservation Biology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2018
Integrating remote sensing and interview data for the identification of a leopard corridor in Alborz Mountains, Iran. 5th Regional Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology Asia Section, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
2017
Land-use practices influencing human-leopard conflicts in a human-dominated landscape. In the co-organized symposium “Human-carnivore conflict in regions undergoing land-use change” at the 28th International Congress for Conservation Biology, Cartagena, Colombia (travel grant by German Academic Exchange Service; DAAD)
2016
Decline in ungulate populations of Iran’s oldest national park calls for urgent actions against poaching. 6th World Congress on Mountain Ungulates, Nicosia, Cyprus
2015
Effects of poaching deterrence around ranger stations on predator and prey abundance in steppes of northeastern Iran. 10th International Conference on Behaviour, Physiology and Genetics of Wildlife, Berlin, Germany
Persian leopard prey preference indicates importance of prey catchability in comparison to availability. 89th Annual Meeting of German Society for Mammalian Biology, Hannover, Germany (joint-winner of Young Scientist Prize)
Leopard-prey distribution in the Iranian steppes suggests response to poaching intensity. 27th International Congress for Conservation Biology, Montpellier, France
Anthropogenic resistance – considering human-wildlife conflict in conservation planning (accepted talk). In the co-organized symposium "Towards landscapes of coexistence between people and megafauna" at the 6th European Congress of Conservation Biology. Prague, Czech Republic
2021
A social-ecological framework for assessment of protected area effectiveness. In the co-organized symposium "Navigating the social-ecological effectiveness of protected areas" at the 30th International Congress for Conservation Biology (virtual)
2019
Identifying safe corridors for Persian leopards by combining top-down and bottom-up approaches in habitat and conflict mapping. 29th International Congress for Conservation Biology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2018
Integrating remote sensing and interview data for the identification of a leopard corridor in Alborz Mountains, Iran. 5th Regional Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology Asia Section, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
2017
Land-use practices influencing human-leopard conflicts in a human-dominated landscape. In the co-organized symposium “Human-carnivore conflict in regions undergoing land-use change” at the 28th International Congress for Conservation Biology, Cartagena, Colombia (travel grant by German Academic Exchange Service; DAAD)
2016
Decline in ungulate populations of Iran’s oldest national park calls for urgent actions against poaching. 6th World Congress on Mountain Ungulates, Nicosia, Cyprus
2015
Effects of poaching deterrence around ranger stations on predator and prey abundance in steppes of northeastern Iran. 10th International Conference on Behaviour, Physiology and Genetics of Wildlife, Berlin, Germany
Persian leopard prey preference indicates importance of prey catchability in comparison to availability. 89th Annual Meeting of German Society for Mammalian Biology, Hannover, Germany (joint-winner of Young Scientist Prize)
Leopard-prey distribution in the Iranian steppes suggests response to poaching intensity. 27th International Congress for Conservation Biology, Montpellier, France
TEACHING
Theses supervision & mentorship
Levon Harutyunyan (2022 - present) The conservation geography of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in the southern Caucasus, Yerevan State University (PhD advisor)
Luka Kokiashvili (2022 - present) Understanding the distribution, population density, and interspecific competition of mountain ungulates in the Caucasus under climate change, Ilia State University (PhD advisor)
Kazem Shakeri (2022 - present) Assessment of management effectiveness of national parks in Northern Khorasan, Hakim Sabzevari University (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Katrin Kirchner (2021 - present) Assessing niche overlap between livestock and mountain ungulates in eastern Tajikistan, Humboldt-University Berlin (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Yutong Liang (2021 - present) Identifying priority areas for conservation of the Persian leopard and its prey considering human-wildlife conflict risk in the Caucasus Ecoregion, Humboldt-University Berlin (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Asef Rezaeian (2021 - present) Habitat connectivity assessment of the Persian leopard (Panthera pardus) in Eastern Alborz Mountains, Iran, Gorgan University (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Beni Balog (2021-present) Assessing the range dynamics of the imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) in Central Europe, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Suchana Dahal (2020-present) Spatial patterns of livestock grazing and its impacts on snow leopard distribution in Central Asia, Humboldt-University Berlin (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Sophia Zielosko (2020-2022) Reindeer, climate and vegetation: Development of Empetrum nigrum biomass on reindeer summer pastures in Finnmark, Humboldt-University Berlin (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Kristina Gackstetter (2020-2021) The geography of megafauna defaunation in the Caucasus, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Marina Frietsch (2020-2021), Exploring the social-ecological effectiveness of protected areas – A case study from North Luangwa, Zambia, Leuphana University Lüneburg (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Michaela Daberger (2020) Systematic prioritization of livestock grazing rights buyout in the last viable population of Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) in Iran, Humboldt-University Berlin (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Pauline Holz (2019-2021) Identification of conservation priority areas for Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) and prey species in the Caucasus Ecoregion, University of Potsdam (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Irina Kirsanova (2020) Management of protected areas and monitoring of the ungulate species in the southern Caucasus, University of Sustainable Development of Eberswalde (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Alfredo Romero-Muñoz (2020) Understanding geographies of threat: impact of habitat destruction and hunting on large mammals in the Chaco, Humboldt-University Berlin (PhD committee member)
Judith Rakowski (2019-2020) Exploring diversity and inclusion among protected area staff members in Armenia with a mixed-method approach, Humboldt-University Berlin (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Asuncion Semper-Pascual (2019) Understanding the immediate and time-delayed effects of deforestation on biodiversity in the Gran Chaco, Humboldt-University Berlin (PhD committee member)
Kyra Damp (2019) The causes and impacts of protected area downgrading, downsizing and degazettement (PADDD) in Kenya and the development of community-based conservation approaches, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Marco Davoli (2018-2019) Understanding spatial patterns of livestock depredation risk by wolves in the northern Apennines, Italy, Humboldt-University Berlin (research stay mentor funded by German Academic Exchange Service; DAAD)
Lena Hertrich (2018-2019) Habitat suitability of Eurasian lynx and its association with protection areas in the Lesser Caucasus, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Philipp Conrad (2018-2019) The potential to increase the efficiency and sustainability of cattle farming in the tropics through silvopastoral systems, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Anna Boermann (2018-2019) Occupancy modelling approach for mapping the distribution of the Persian leopard and its prey species in northern Zagros Mountain, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Hamed Abolghasemi (2018-2019) Participatory management planning for Mansour Abad Community Conserved Area, Iran, Klaus Toepfer Fellowship Programme (Transfer Project mentor)
Hadi Beygi Heidarlou, Long term trajectory of disturbance and recovery in the Iranian northern Zagros forests under various policies using Landsat time series, Humboldt-University Berlin (research stay mentor funded by the Iranian Ministry of Higher Education)
Clara Sichau (2016–2017) Spatial risk model of livestock predation by Persian leopard in the Alborz Mountains, Iran, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Benjamin Bleyhl (2016–2019) Fostering large carnivore recoveries: Persian leopards and their prey in the Caucasus, Humboldt-University Berlin (PhD mentor)
Corinna Van Cayzeele (2015–2017) Optimization of law enforcement practices in Golestan National Park using spatiotemporal patrolling data, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (MSc. thesis mentor)
Mahmood Soofi (2013–2017) Effects of anthropogenic pressure on large mammal species in the Hyrcanian forest, Iran, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (PhD mentor)
Tanja Lumetsberger (2013–2014) Diet of the Persian leopard in Golestan National Park, Iran; using scat analysis and biomass regression models, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (MSc. thesis mentor)
Julian Speicher (2012–2013) Population status and habitat use of the wild goat in Golestan National Park, Iran, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (MSc. thesis mentor)
Courses
Conservation Biogeography (BSc.), Humboldt-University Berlin, lead or co-lecturer 2017 – 2018 & 2020 - 2022
Field Methods in Biogeography (BSc.), Humboldt-University Berlin, lead or co-lecturer 2017 – 2019
Introduction to Biogeography (BSc.), Humboldt-University Berlin, co-lecturer 2016 – 2019
Conservation Science & Practice (excursion), Humboldt-University Berlin, lead lecturer 2018 – 2019
Zoogeography (MSc.), University of Tehran, guest lecturer 2021
Assessing Wildlife for Conservation (MSc.), Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, teaching assistant 2013
Levon Harutyunyan (2022 - present) The conservation geography of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in the southern Caucasus, Yerevan State University (PhD advisor)
Luka Kokiashvili (2022 - present) Understanding the distribution, population density, and interspecific competition of mountain ungulates in the Caucasus under climate change, Ilia State University (PhD advisor)
Kazem Shakeri (2022 - present) Assessment of management effectiveness of national parks in Northern Khorasan, Hakim Sabzevari University (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Katrin Kirchner (2021 - present) Assessing niche overlap between livestock and mountain ungulates in eastern Tajikistan, Humboldt-University Berlin (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Yutong Liang (2021 - present) Identifying priority areas for conservation of the Persian leopard and its prey considering human-wildlife conflict risk in the Caucasus Ecoregion, Humboldt-University Berlin (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Asef Rezaeian (2021 - present) Habitat connectivity assessment of the Persian leopard (Panthera pardus) in Eastern Alborz Mountains, Iran, Gorgan University (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Beni Balog (2021-present) Assessing the range dynamics of the imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) in Central Europe, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Suchana Dahal (2020-present) Spatial patterns of livestock grazing and its impacts on snow leopard distribution in Central Asia, Humboldt-University Berlin (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Sophia Zielosko (2020-2022) Reindeer, climate and vegetation: Development of Empetrum nigrum biomass on reindeer summer pastures in Finnmark, Humboldt-University Berlin (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Kristina Gackstetter (2020-2021) The geography of megafauna defaunation in the Caucasus, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Marina Frietsch (2020-2021), Exploring the social-ecological effectiveness of protected areas – A case study from North Luangwa, Zambia, Leuphana University Lüneburg (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Michaela Daberger (2020) Systematic prioritization of livestock grazing rights buyout in the last viable population of Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) in Iran, Humboldt-University Berlin (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Pauline Holz (2019-2021) Identification of conservation priority areas for Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) and prey species in the Caucasus Ecoregion, University of Potsdam (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Irina Kirsanova (2020) Management of protected areas and monitoring of the ungulate species in the southern Caucasus, University of Sustainable Development of Eberswalde (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Alfredo Romero-Muñoz (2020) Understanding geographies of threat: impact of habitat destruction and hunting on large mammals in the Chaco, Humboldt-University Berlin (PhD committee member)
Judith Rakowski (2019-2020) Exploring diversity and inclusion among protected area staff members in Armenia with a mixed-method approach, Humboldt-University Berlin (MSc. thesis supervisor)
Asuncion Semper-Pascual (2019) Understanding the immediate and time-delayed effects of deforestation on biodiversity in the Gran Chaco, Humboldt-University Berlin (PhD committee member)
Kyra Damp (2019) The causes and impacts of protected area downgrading, downsizing and degazettement (PADDD) in Kenya and the development of community-based conservation approaches, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Marco Davoli (2018-2019) Understanding spatial patterns of livestock depredation risk by wolves in the northern Apennines, Italy, Humboldt-University Berlin (research stay mentor funded by German Academic Exchange Service; DAAD)
Lena Hertrich (2018-2019) Habitat suitability of Eurasian lynx and its association with protection areas in the Lesser Caucasus, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Philipp Conrad (2018-2019) The potential to increase the efficiency and sustainability of cattle farming in the tropics through silvopastoral systems, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Anna Boermann (2018-2019) Occupancy modelling approach for mapping the distribution of the Persian leopard and its prey species in northern Zagros Mountain, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Hamed Abolghasemi (2018-2019) Participatory management planning for Mansour Abad Community Conserved Area, Iran, Klaus Toepfer Fellowship Programme (Transfer Project mentor)
Hadi Beygi Heidarlou, Long term trajectory of disturbance and recovery in the Iranian northern Zagros forests under various policies using Landsat time series, Humboldt-University Berlin (research stay mentor funded by the Iranian Ministry of Higher Education)
Clara Sichau (2016–2017) Spatial risk model of livestock predation by Persian leopard in the Alborz Mountains, Iran, Humboldt-University Berlin (BSc. thesis supervisor)
Benjamin Bleyhl (2016–2019) Fostering large carnivore recoveries: Persian leopards and their prey in the Caucasus, Humboldt-University Berlin (PhD mentor)
Corinna Van Cayzeele (2015–2017) Optimization of law enforcement practices in Golestan National Park using spatiotemporal patrolling data, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (MSc. thesis mentor)
Mahmood Soofi (2013–2017) Effects of anthropogenic pressure on large mammal species in the Hyrcanian forest, Iran, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (PhD mentor)
Tanja Lumetsberger (2013–2014) Diet of the Persian leopard in Golestan National Park, Iran; using scat analysis and biomass regression models, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (MSc. thesis mentor)
Julian Speicher (2012–2013) Population status and habitat use of the wild goat in Golestan National Park, Iran, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (MSc. thesis mentor)
Courses
Conservation Biogeography (BSc.), Humboldt-University Berlin, lead or co-lecturer 2017 – 2018 & 2020 - 2022
Field Methods in Biogeography (BSc.), Humboldt-University Berlin, lead or co-lecturer 2017 – 2019
Introduction to Biogeography (BSc.), Humboldt-University Berlin, co-lecturer 2016 – 2019
Conservation Science & Practice (excursion), Humboldt-University Berlin, lead lecturer 2018 – 2019
Zoogeography (MSc.), University of Tehran, guest lecturer 2021
Assessing Wildlife for Conservation (MSc.), Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, teaching assistant 2013
popular ARTICLES, technical report, public debates & MEDIA INTERVIEWs
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2014
2012
2011
2009
2008
- Ghoddousi A, Belbachir F, Durant S, Herbst M & Rosen T. Felis lybica (in press) The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Akramov U, Najmiddinov N, Ghoddousi A, Khanyari M, Moheb Z, Sepahvand P, Bhatnagar YV & Herrero J. (2022) Markhor Capra falconeri monitoring in Tajikistan shows population recovery. Oryx – Conservation news.
- Interview with Eteman newspaper. The death of the second cub of "Iran". May 2022. [in Farsi]
2021
- Ghoddousi A. Building landscapes of Coexistence – Antrhopogenic resistance helps determine where wildlife could safely move within a landscape. Conservation Frontlines III(2).
- Wüst D, Kitchener A, Ghoddousi A, Gerngross P, Barashkova A, Lanz T, Sliwa A, Krivopalova A, Shakula G, Breitenmoser-Würsten C & Breitenmoser U. Expediency of photographs to study the distribution of wildcats in south-west Asia. Cat News 72: 40-46.
- Interview with Popular Science website. A new mapping method could help humans and wildlife coexist.
2020
- Stein AB, Athreya V, Gerngross P, Balme G, Henschel P, Karanth U, Miquelle D, Rostro-Garcia S, Kamler JF, Laguardia A, Khorozyan I & Ghoddousi A. Panthera pardus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T15954A163991139
- Michel S & Ghoddousi A. Ovis vignei. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e. T54940655A54940728
- Michel S & Ghoddousi A. Ovis gmelini. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T54940218A22147055
2019
- Dickman A, Cooney R, Johnson PJ, Louis MP, Roe D & 128 signatories. Trophy hunting bans imperil biodiversity. Science 365(6456): 874
- Kehoe L, Reis T, Virah-Sawmy M, Balmford A, Kuemmerle T & 604 signatories. Make EU trade with Brazil sustainable. Science 364(6438): 341
- Interview with Etemad newspaper. Autumn and the increase in human-bear conflict. November 2019. [in Farsi]
- Interview with Etemad newspaper. Threats have overtaken efforts. September 2019. [in Farsi]
- Interview with Jam-e Jam newspaper. Wildlife interaction etiquette. July 2019. [in Farsi].
- Interview with Etemad newspaper. Persian lion; from silent extinction to return. May 2019. [in Farsi].
2018
- Ghaderi Mozafari Gh, Zeraatpishe A, Raeesi Chahartaghi N & Ghoddousi A. The first record of caracal in Bamu National Park, Iran. Cat News 68: 20
- Interview with bioGraphic. Patience, peace and Persian leopard. September 2018.
- Interview with Daneshmand magazine. Cheetah captive-breeding; the last call? September 2018. [in Farsi].
- Interview with Etemad newspaper. Eternity and one cheetah; livestock should be removed from habitats. September 2018. [in Farsi].
- Interview with Tehran Times. Threat poachers are posing to leopards. July 2018.
- Interview with Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA). Increase in the role of local communities in decision making reduces poaching. June 2018. [in Farsi].
- Interview with Shargh newspaper. Behind the scene of hunting permits. June 2018. [in Farsi].
2017
- Soofi M, Egli L, Ghoddousi A, Shokri S, Soufi M, Rabei K, Hadipour E, Hosseini M, Kiabi B & Waltert M. The population status and distribution of Caspian red deer (maral) Cervus elaphus in Iran. Deer Specialist Group News, 29: 3-15
2016
- Ghoddousi A, Kh Hamidi A, Ghadirian T & Bani’assadi S. The status of wildcat in Iran – a crossroad of subspecies? Cat News, Special Issue 10 Cats in Iran: 60-63
- Avgan B, Henschel P & Ghoddousi A. Caracal caracal. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T3847A102424310
- Ghadirian T, Akbari H, Besmeli M, Ghoddousi A, Kh Hamidi A & E Dehkordi M. Sand cat in Iran – present status, distribution and conservation challenges. Cat News, Special Issue 10 Cats in Iran: 56-59
2014
- Interview with National Geographic. For leopards in Iran and Iraq, land mines are a surprising refuge. December 2014.
- Joolaee L, Moghimi B, Ansari M & Ghoddousi A. First record of Pallas’s cat from Fars Province, Southern Iran. Cat News 60: 18-19
- Kh Hamidi A, Ghoddousi A, Soufi M, Ghadirian T, Jowkar H & Ashayeri Sh. Camera trap study of Persian leopard in Golestan National Park, Iran. Cat News 60: 12-14
- Ghadirian T, Sedaghati Khayat A, Talebi Otaghvar Y, Ghoddousi A, Pishvaei H, Riazifar A, Goudarzi F & Ghasemi M. Strategic conservation planning for Asiatic black bears in Iran based on IUCN guidelines. International Bear News 23(1): 8-11
2012
- Ghadirian T, Ghoddousi A, Abolghasemi H, Riazifar A, Nekoei G & Dehghani M. First camera-trap photos of Asiatic black bears in Bashagard region of Southeastern Iran. International Bear News 21(1): 15-17
2011
- Tavakkoli Mehr S, Talebi Y, Sedaghati Khayat A, Kh Hamidi A, Moshiri H & Ghoddousi A. School kid saved a female leopard and her cub. Cat News 55: 35
- Ghadirian T, Ghoddousi A, Soufi M, T Qashqaei A & Ghasemi M. Conservation of Asiatic black bear in its westernmost extent: Hormozgan province, southern Iran. International Bear News 20(3): 13-14
- Student highlight. International Bear News 20(3): 28-29.
2009
- Ghoddousi A, Ghadirian T & Fahimi H. Status of caracal in Bahram'gur Protected Area, Iran. Cat News 50: 10-13.
2008
- Ghoddousi A & Ashayeri D. Occurrence of Asian koel Eudynamys scolopacea in Iran, with a new record from Hengam Island, Persian Gulf. Podoces 3(1/2): 114-115
- Ghoddousi A, Kh Hamidi A, Ghadirian T, Ashayeri D, Moshiri H & Khorozyan I. Assessing the status of the Persian leopard in Bamu National Park, Iran. Cat News 49: 10-13
- Chalani M, Ghoddousi A, Ghadirian T & Goljani R. First Pallas's cat photo-trapped in Khojir National Park, Iran. Cat News 49: 7
- Ghoddousi A, Kh Hamidi A, Ghadirian T, Ashayeri D & Qashqai A. Persian leopard project in Iran. Wildlife Middle East News 3(3): 101-103
- Interview with Hamshahri newspaper. Persian leopard won't extinct, results of leopard population estimate in Bamu National Park. September 2008. [in Farsi].
- Ghoddousi A, Kh Hamidi A, Aghili A, Masoud R & Shamimi L. The leopard in Iranian Caucasus. Caucasus Environment March: 63-68, [in English and Russian].
- Abdoli A, Ghadirian T, Kh Hamidi A, Mostafavi H, Moshiri H, Pour'salem S & Ghoddousi A. First evidence of Persian leopard from Khaeez area, Southern Iran. Cat News 48: 17
- Ghoddousi A, Ashayeri D & Neinavaz E. An avifaunal survey of Varjin Protected Area, Alborz Mountains, Tehran, Iran. Podoces 2(2): 97-105
Col du Brevent, France (Photo: M. Gross)
