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
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
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.
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?
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.
Project plans to bring back the extinct thylacine
Restoring the thylacine or Tasmanian tiger – an extinct marsupial carnivore – could aid rewilding, but some Australian wildlife experts worry it could divert attention and resources from other conservation efforts.
Animals and plants named after Sir David Attenborough
Sir David Attenborough has over 40 species named after him, ranging from a prehistoric marine reptile to a native British flower only found in the Brecon Beacons of South Wales.
Is it time to kill the badger cull?
According to new research, the badger cull isn't working. Wildlife journalist James Fair takes a look at the science.
Hopes dashed for release of British conservationist in Iran
The fate of cheetah conservationist Morad Tahbaz, who was arrested in Iran, may be linked to potential deals with the US government
Can, and should, the royal estates be rewilded?
Prince Charles is a committed environmentalist, but when it comes to his own estate he could do a lot better. Here’s how the whole royal family can bump up their grades.
What is the fastest mammal?
How does Usain Bolt's top speed compare to the top speed of a cheetah and what is Britain's fastest land mammal? Our expert mammal guide looks at which is species is the fastest is the world and how fast they go!
The truth about canned hunting: what is it and how is it regulated?
Canned hunting is controversial and widely criticised, but what does it involve and how is it regulated? Our expert guide investigates the canned hunting trade in South Africa and the USA and how it differs from trophy hunting.
New vision for Exmoor National Park
Working alongside local farmers is key to reversing wildlife decline, says Exmoor National Park Authority.