James Fair
Wildlife journalist
James Fair writes about wildlife conservation and broader environmental issues for a wide range of publications, including BBC Wildlife and BBC Countryfile magazines. James started his career as a journalist in the early 1990s, then spent a number of years working on conservation projects in South America, including an ultimately doomed effort to reintroduce an orphaned Andean bear cub into the wild in Bolivia. In 1999, James joined BBC Wildlife as a commissioning editor, while later filling the roles of staff writer, environment editor and keyboard destroyer-in-chief. In 2018, he went freelance, and now takes on a range of news, feature and report writing assignments, and is also the editor of the membership magazine of the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES). In 2019, he published his second book, 100 Great Wildlife Experiences: What to see and where.
Recent articles by James Fair
The thylacine became extinct in the 1960s... or did it?
Tantalising sightings of this enigmatic Australian marsupial continue to inspire the belief that it could still be out there.
It has supermodel legs, walks like a camel, hunts like a cat and loves fruit. Meet one of the weirdest dogs on the planet
James Fair tracks down the enigmatic and strange maned wolf
The cruellest animal attractions in the world – from tiger selfies to civet coffee plantations
Cruelty to wild animals may not always be initially obvious, but it can take many forms. Here are just some of the ways they are used for profit
Rehoming centres or moggie exploitation: are cat cafes ever ethical? Whatever you think, they’re sweeping the UK
The number of cat cafes in the UK has risen significantly over the past year – but are they safe and ethical for the cats? James Fair takes a look
Raccoons among invasive species that could threaten British wildlife in next 10 years – new report
Pink salmon, pine wood nematodes and purple Asian clams also pose a potential threat, according to a recent report by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
Which deadly snakes are able to crush and eat people?
Being killed and swallowed whole by a snake is the stuff of nightmares, but how likely is it? And what snakes are capable of it?
10 deadliest ambush predators – the animals with killer techniques such as corpse camouflage and impalement
These ambush predators are happy to play the waiting game when it comes to hunting – but it doesn't mean they're any less deadly
10 deadliest countries for wildlife – including the one where Gustave the 'man-eating' crocodile lurks
If any of these countries are on your bucket list, make sure you take extra care with your travel plans.
This immense, 2-metre high, 700kg animal with huge antlers could soon return to the UK – here's how
It has been 3,000 years since the world’s largest deer species went extinct in the UK – now there are plans to bring the elk back.
"Why should animals be sacrificed for their wild cousins?" Can we still justify keeping animals in zoos through conservation?
Many people believe zoos have an important role to play in conserving species. We investigate if this really justifies keeping animals in captivity.
The world's most extraordinary and incredible marine life adventures: 10 deep sea, wild experiences for memories that will last a lifetime
Top photographers and experts reveal their most incredible underwater encounters
Huge outcry as Australia shoots 700 koalas from helicopters
The cull took place following a large bush fire that destroyed thousands of hectares of habitat in Budj Bim National Park, Victoria.
How much wildlife do cats ACTUALLY kill – and should we keep our pet cats indoors?
We may love our pets, but the truth is that they can be a real problem for wildlife, says James Fair
Dire wolf 'de-extinction': here's everything you need to know
Is the dire wolf really back from extinction? Here's what the experts think.
Rescue mission: 17 rare mountain bongos airlifted halfway around the world – see inside the epic journey
The large, striped antelopes were flown from Florida to the slopes of Mount Kenya in a bid to help save the Critically Endangered subspecies from extinction.
US State of the Birds: 2025 report reveals steep and widespread declines
The new report shows that North American bird populations have plummeted by 30 per cent since the 1970s.
De-extinction scientists just created a woolly mouse – and they say they’re on track to produce ‘mammoth’ embryos by 2026
Colossal Biosciences, the company that genetically engineered the woolly mouse, says it is an important step towards creating mammoth-like elephants.
10 long-lost animals de-extinction scientists are attempting to bring back from the grave
Which extinct animals are scientists most likely to be able to bring back? We take a look
"Lynx have become political pawns in the culture war”: backlash as Sweden plans to kill more than 100 animals
There are currently around 1,300 lynx living in Sweden.
Grassland restoration is delivering peace for humans and wildlife in southern Kenya
Researchers surveyed more than 1,500 households in the Chyulu Hills where 11,000 hectares of grassland have been restored.
Solar farms managed for nature boost bird abundance and diversity, new study finds
Research by the RSPB and the University of Cambridge has shown that well-managed solar farms can provide nature with "relief from the effects of agricultural intensification".
10 animals that can have virgin births: Discover some bizarre and amazing cases of asexual reproduction in the natural world
Believe it or not there are a number of animals from birds to lizards - capable of having virgin births. Here are 10
Rare black wolves caught on trail camera in Polish forest
Experts think the wolves picked up the abnormal appearance from interbreeding with domestic dogs.
We finally know why polar bears don't freeze in Arctic waters
A new study has revealed that polar bears have anti-icing properties in their fur.