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
New Zealand’s annual cat-killing competition condemned after record death toll
A total of 371 cats were shot, along with a range of other non-native wild and domestic animal species that are considered a threat to native wildlife.
“It’s a moggy!” Expert weighs in as another big cat ‘spotted’ in English countryside
Does the latest video of a black cat in the UK countryside offer evidence there are big cats roaming the British Isles? James Fair investigates
Fighting fire from space: How AI could save millions of Australian animals from deadly wildfires
The new AI technology will make it possible to reliably detect wildfires in less than one hour, say scientists.
Prehistoric aurochs are back from extinction and spreading across Europe. And they could be heading to the UK
Tauros are the closest thing to the extinct aurochs. And they are coming to the UK.
Cocaine smuggling is a threat to critical bird habitats in Central America. Are anti-narcotic operations making the problem worse?
Cocaine trafficking poses a substantial threat to several bird species, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, finds study.
Who sank the mighty Spanish Armada? A tiny mollusc with a powerful gut, finds new study
Scientists say they have finally discovered the secret to the success of the wood-eating shipworm.
Jailed as spies in Iran, the scientists trying to save the super-rare Asiatic cheetah are finally free
Iran has released four conservationists who worked to save the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah before being sent to prison for espionage.
DNA confirms there IS a big cat roaming the British countryside
Could this be conclusive evidence that proves there are big cats roaming the British countryside?
A rare Australian marsupial is being genetically modified to save it from extinction. Here's how
Scientists are trying to genetically 'edit' the endangered northern quoll to make it resistant to the neurotoxin of the invasive cane toad.
Trophy hunting: Is it beneficial or detrimental to conservation and can killing wildlife for a trophy ever be justified?
Does allowing wealthy tourists to kill wild animals actually
help conservation? James Fair investigates the pros and cons of trophy hunting
What's the most dangerous animal in Africa?
James Fair takes a look at the contenders for Africa's most dangerous animal
Raptors in freefall: Birds of prey experiencing population collapse across Africa
Rampant development and climate changes are leading to raptors all but disappearing from large areas of the continent, according to new research.
10 most incredible marine life experiences for memories that will last a lifetime
Top photographers and experts reveal their most incredible underwater encounters
10 amazing mammal migrations
Here are some of the world’s most amazing migrations, from the best-known wildebeest in the Serengeti to the not so famous bearded pig in South East Asia – in 1983 the number migrating through the rainforests of Borneo was estimated at one million.
Where are the best places to see Africa's Big 5?
Planning a safari of a lifetime? We go in search of the best places to see Africa's Big Five
Deadliest apex predators in the wild: which mammals are the best killing machines?
Which dangerous apex predators are the best hunters and which famous predator has to work hardest to get a meal? The answers will surprise you!
Can wildlife trade ever be beneficial? A look at its positive side
Not all trade in wildlife is harmful – in fact the opposite can be true, says James Fair
Beaver protections should be reviewed, say MPs
Influential committee argues the UK should follow German model and allow local communities to control beavers without unnecessary bureaucracy
Ivory ban extended to hippos and four other species
UK government acts over concerns that making the trade in elephant ivory illegal could have knock-on impact on other wildlife that is vulnerable to poaching
HS2 in firing line for wildlife impacts
Wildlife conservationists say the company behind the multi-billion high-speed rail project has got its calculations on biodiversity losses badly wrong
Is it ever ok to swim with dolphins?
Swimming with captive dolphins is definitely a no-no, but ‘swim with’ trips with wild animals are a more complex issue, says James Fair
Are killer whales dangerous to humans?
In the wild orcas pose no threat to humans says James Fair
UK government's growth proposals threaten wildlife, claim conservationists
Prime Minister Liz Truss’ plans to increase the “the size of the pie” for everybody could end up engulfing our most precious nature reserves, say environmental groups.
Does the succession of King Charles III mean we’ve lost one of the great conservationists of our time?
As Prince Charles, the new King Charles III was perhaps one of the great conservationists of our time. But will he be able to continue that work as king?