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The Global Wild Cat
Conservation Organization
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Luke Hunter, PhD
President and Chief Conservation Officer
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Luke Hunter is the President and Chief Conservation Officer of Panthera. Before joining Panthera, Hunter worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society as the head of their Great Cats Program and he taught wildlife ecology at universities in Australia and South Africa. He has worked on the ecology and conservation of carnivores for more than two decades, starting with his doctoral and post-doctoral work on re-establishing populations of lions and cheetahs in areas where they had been wiped out by people in South Africa. That research helped develop protocols which now act as the standard for large cat restoration, and have resulted in over 45 new populations of wild lions across Southern Africa. 

At Panthera, he oversees the planning and execution of the organization’s field programs around the globe, and supervises the scientific priorities of Panthera’s work. He is especially focused on developing and scaling up solutions to widespread retaliatory killing of big cats by rural communities, and on improving the protection of wild cat habitat. He also works on reducing the impacts of legal recreational hunting on leopard and lion populations in Africa; in the Brazilian Pantanal to reduce the conflict between ranchers and jaguars; and in Iran on Persian leopards and the last surviving Asiatic cheetahs. Hunter supervises graduate students working on wild cats around the world, focusing especially on initiating comprehensive studies on very poorly studied species such as African golden cats and Sunda clouded leopards. 

Luke Hunter has written extensively about wild cats and their conservation, publishing widely in both scientific journals and popular media, including for Slate, The Huffington Post and National Geographic. He has published seven books including Cheetah (2003), Cats of Africa: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation (2006) and Field Guide to Carnivores of the World (2011), which has been translated into Chinese, French and German editions. His most recent book, Wild Cats of the World, was released in 2015.
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"I think the naysayers who think [conserving cats] doesn’t matter because it’s too late are really missing the point. It just isn’t too late. In many of these species we are facing a real crisis and a real challenge, but we can succeed. I think if we stop today it would be too late. The point is we’re not going to…"
Dr. Luke Hunter, President & Chief Conservation Officer, Panthera
Dr. Luke Hunter was featured in the CBS 60 Minutes program, ‘In Search of the Jaguar,’ filmed through Panthera’s Pantanal Jaguar Project.
Popular Articles Featuring Dr. Hunter
External
Popular Article
2016-09-23 21:00:00
Mane attraction: Some lion 'kings' are turning out to be queens
Source: Yahoo! News
External
Popular Article
2016-09-23 21:00:00
It's the Lion Queens: Scientists baffled as five lionesses grow a mane and start acting like males
Source: Daily Mail
External
Popular Article
2016-09-16 14:59:42
Zoo Helping Conservation Efforts Worldwide
Source: BC Local News
External
Video
2016-09-07 15:18:24
Cecil Summit Public Outreach Panel
Source: WildCRU
External
Popular Article
2016-08-14 11:08:22
Así Desaparecen Los Leones
Source: El Colombiano
External
Popular Article
2016-07-01 15:20:35
Angry Tweets Won’t Help African Lions
Source: The New York Times
External
Popular Article
2016-06-30 15:36:59
Plight of African Lions Persists 1 Year After Cecil Killing
Source: Associated Press
External
Popular Article
2016-06-30 12:02:07
Plight of African Lions Persists 1 Year After Cecil Killing
Source: The Washington Post
External
Popular Article
2016-06-08 11:00:42
Wildlife Tourism Faces Dark Days—but Revenue Soars
Source: Scientific American
External
Popular Article
2016-04-22 15:14:03
Viral Photos Don't Show Lions Mating, Just Males Bonding
Source: National Geographic
External
Popular Article
2016-04-18 16:18:33
No, Those Aren't Male Lions Mating. One Is Likely a Female.
Source: National Geographic
External
Popular Article
2016-04-04 17:58:55
New Report Confirms Global Carnivore Conservation at Risk
Source: Phys.org
External
Popular Article
2016-03-30 15:05:38
South African Lion Faces Death After Escaping Game Park
Source: Here & Now
External
Popular Article
2016-03-28 15:23:12
American dentist Walter Palmer shot dead Cecil the Lion – did he also kill trophy hunting of African wildlife?
Source: The Age
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Popular Article
2016-03-22 13:53:12
For the Love of Big Cats: How Panthera is Saving our Furry Felines Around the World
Source: Photographers Without Borders
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Popular Article
2016-03-04 13:18:55
Long Live the King
Source: Africa Geographic
External
Popular Article
2016-02-19 15:22:01
02/19/16: Media Roundtable Week In Review; Jay Solomon; Big Cat Conservation; Dover Quartet
Source: WJCT News
External
Popular Article
2016-02-10 11:57:05
Naples Zoo Lecture Series: Saving the World's Most Persecuted Cat
Source: Naples Zoo
External
Popular Article
2016-02-04 16:37:57
Video Captures Rare Glimpse of ‘El Jefe,’ Perhaps the Only Remaining Wild Jaguar in the U.s.
Source: The Washington Post
External
Popular Article
2016-02-03 16:58:48
Only Known Jaguar in U.S. Filmed in Rare Video
Source: National Geographic
External
Popular Article
2016-02-02 20:36:30
Once Thought Extinct, 'Lost' Group of Lions Discovered in Africa
Source: National Geographic
External
Popular Article
2016-01-25 12:48:45
Panthera President to Speak at Bruce Museum
Source: Westfair Communications
External
Popular Article
2016-01-23 18:59:04
The Dish: GMA co-host Lara Spencer shops on Greenwich Avenue
Source: Greenwich Times
External
Popular Article
2016-01-21 20:07:36
Endangered Lion Talk at 
Bruce Museum
Source: Greenwich Sentinel
External
Popular Article
2016-01-15 13:37:57
'Canned' African Lion Hunts Might Get Wiped out
Source: CNBC
External
Popular Article
2016-01-13 13:35:10
The Endangered Lion: A Talk with Panthera’s President Dr. Luke Hunter
Source: The Greenwich Post
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Popular Article
2015-12-24 12:28:41
Secrets of the World’s 38 Species of Wild Cats
Source: National Geographic Cat Watch
External
Popular Article
2015-12-22 12:36:23
U.S. adds African lions to endangered species list in wake of Cecil's death
Source: Mashable
External
Popular Article
2015-12-21 20:41:16
Australia's ABC Sydney Interviews Dr. Luke Hunter
Interview begins at 4:21.
Source: 702 ABC Sydney
External
Popular Article
2015-12-21 19:55:27
The Obama Administration Just Made It Virtually Impossible for Hunters to Import African Lion Trophies
Source: Vice
External
Popular Article
2015-12-21 19:53:29
U.S. Wildlife Agency Gives Legal Protection to African Lions
Source: Reuters
External
Popular Article
2015-12-21 16:52:40
African Lions Finally Gain Endangered Species Act Protection
Source: Scientific American
External
Popular Article
2015-12-21 15:54:57
U.S. Adds African Lions To Endangered Species List
Source: WBUR
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Popular Article
2015-12-21 15:32:22
After Cecil Furor, U.S. Aims to Protect Lions Through Endangered Species Act
Source: New York Times
External
Popular Article
2015-12-21 14:41:09
Victory for Lions or Too Little Too Late
Source: Examiner.com
External
Popular Article
2015-11-10 11:41:05
Cause for Worry
Source: Deccan Herald
External
Popular Article
2015-11-04 11:20:55
Phantom of the Forest: Could the Cougar Again Haunt Eastern U.S. Woodlands?
Source: National Geographic
External
Popular Article
2015-10-27 17:14:51
Lions, Pride of Africa, Vanishing in West Africa
Source: Associated Press
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Popular Article
2015-10-27 15:05:31
Lions, Pride of Africa, Vanishing in West Africa
Source: Seattle Times
External
Popular Article
2015-10-27 11:26:15
Lions in Peril: Big Cats Face 50 Percent Decline in Next 20 Years
Source: Scientific American
External
Popular Article
2015-10-27 11:25:16
Lions Are Disappearing Across Africa
Source: Live Science
External
Popular Article
2015-10-27 11:23:25
Half of Africa’s Lions Will Likely Be Gone in 20 Years
Source: Yahoo News
External
Popular Article
2015-10-27 11:16:38
​African Lion Populations Could Be Cut in Half by 2035
Source: CBS News
External
Popular Article
2015-10-27 11:14:09
East, West Africa Could Lose 50% of Their Lions by 2035
Source: Science Magazine
External
Popular Article
2015-10-27 10:47:37
Africa’s Most Iconic Predator — the Lion — is Declining Almost Everywhere
Source: The Washington Post
External
Popular Article
2015-10-27 10:19:48
Half of Africa’s Lion Populations Could Disappear in Next 20 Years
Source: Mongabay
External
Popular Article
2015-10-26 16:42:33
African Lion Population Is Dwindling, Study Finds
Source: New York Times
External
Popular Article
2015-08-03 21:00:00
How to Save the Lions
Source: Slate
External
Popular Article
2012-08-02 11:01:13
Captive Lion Reintroduction, a 'Conservation Myth'
Source: Huffington Post
External
Popular Article
2012-06-26 13:23:22
How to Live With Lions
Source: Huffington Post
External
Popular Article
2010-07-01 10:30:40
The Fading Call of the Wild
Source: The Hill's Congress Blog
External
Popular Article
2009-08-04 16:06:55
Dave Salmoni: Tormenting Lions for TV
Source: Huffington Post
Books by Dr. Hunter
External
Books
2015-09-30 21:00:00
Wild Cats of the World
Source: Bloomsbury USA
External
Books
2011-09-06 21:00:00
Carnivores of the World
Source: Island Press
External
Books
2007-01-11 00:00:00
Cheetah
Source: Struik Publishers
External
Books
2006-09-21 01:00:00
Cats of Africa: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation
Source: Johns Hopkins University Press
External
Books
2002-10-31 21:00:00
Watching Wildlife: Central America
Source: Lonely Planet Publications
External
Books
2001-11-30 21:00:00
Lonely Planet Watching Wildlife: Southern Africa
Source: Lonely Planet Publications
External
Books
2000-12-14 21:00:00
Cheetahs
Source: Struik Publishers
Press Releases Featuring Dr. Hunter
Blog
Press Release
2016-09-08 21:00:00
The Cecil Summit Reveals a Renewed Commitment to Save the African Lion
Blog
Press Release
2016-09-01 21:00:00
The Cecil Summit: Charting A Future For Conservation Of The African Lion
Blog
Press Release
2016-07-27 12:00:50
World’s Largest Wildlife Facing Extinction Crisis
Blog
Press Release
2016-06-30 09:37:40
Beyond Cecil: Africa’s Lions in Crisis One Year After Infamous Trophy Hunt
Blog
Press Release
2016-04-04 11:28:23
New Report Confirms Global Carnivore Conservation at Risk
Blog
Press Release
2015-12-21 11:51:10
Panthera and WildCRU Commend U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for Science-Based Ruling to Increase Protection for Lions under Endangered Species Act
Blog
Press Release
2015-10-26 16:08:26
New Study Suggests Half of Lion Populations Lost in Key Regions of Africa
Scientific Publications Featuring Dr. Hunter
External
Scientific Publications
2016-07-26 21:00:00
Saving the World's Terrestrial Megafauna
Source: BioScience
External
Scientific Publications
2016-04-01 18:08:58
Global Priorities for National Carnivore Conservation Under Land Use Change
Source: Scientific Reports
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Scientific Publications
2016-01-14 17:26:08
Life After Cecil: Channelling Global Outrage into Funding for Conservation in Africa
Source: Conservation Letters
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Scientific Publications
2015-08-27 05:26:22
An adaptive management approach to trophy hunting of leopards
External
Scientific Publications
2015-07-31 21:00:00
Striking a Balance Between Long-term Research and Implementing Effective Conservation
Source: The Wild Felid Monitor
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Scientific Publications
2015-07-31 21:00:00
Striking a Balance Between Long-term Research and Implementing Effective Conservation
Source: The Wild Felid Monitor
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Scientific Publications
2015-03-31 21:00:00
Who Bites the Bullet First? The Susceptibility of Leopards (Panthera pardus) to Trophy Hunting
Source: PLoS ONE
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Scientific Publications
2015-03-31 21:00:00
Density-Dependent Natal Dispersal Patterns in a Leopard Population Recovering from Over-Harvest
Source: PLoS ONE
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Scientific Publications
2015-01-31 21:00:00
To Kill, Stay or Flee: The Effects of Lions and Landscape Factors on Habitat and Kill Site Selection of Cheetahs in South Africa
Source: PLoS ONE
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Scientific Publications
2014-03-31 21:00:00
Long-distance natal dispersal in leopard reveals potential for a three-country metapopulation
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Scientific Publications
2013-12-31 21:00:00
The Lion in West Africa Is Critically Endangered
Source: PLoS ONE
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Scientific Publications
2013-08-31 21:00:00
The Trophy Hunting of African Lions: Scale, Current Management Practices and Factors Undermining Sustainability
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Scientific Publications
2013-07-31 21:00:00
Notes on the distribution and status of small carnivores in Gabon
Source: Small Carnivore Conservation Journal
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Scientific Publications
2013-07-31 21:00:00
Creating Larger and Better Connected Protected Areas Enhances the Persistence of Big Game Species in the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Biodiversity Hotspot
Source: PLoS ONE
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Scientific Publications
2013-04-30 21:00:00
Failure of research to address the rangewide conservation needs of large carnivores: leopards in South Africa as a case study
Source: Conservation Letters
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Scientific Publications
2013-02-28 21:00:00
Conserving large carnivores: dollars and fence
Source: Ecology Letters
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Scientific Publications
2012-12-31 21:00:00
Walking with lions: why there is no role for captive-origin lions Panthera leo in species restoration
Source: Oryx
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Scientific Publications
2012-12-31 21:00:00
No science, no success and still no need for captive-origin lion reintroduction: a reply to Abell & Youldon
Source: Oryx
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Scientific Publications
2012-11-30 21:00:00
Mills, D., Isoke, S., Plumptre, A., Slotow, R., and L. Hunter (2012) Systematic survey efforts of the African golden cat – Part 2. Results from Uganda. Cat News 57:16-19.
Mills, D., Isoke, S., Plumptre, A., Slotow, R., and L. Hunter (2012) Systematic survey efforts of the African golden cat – Part 2. Results from Uganda. Cat News 57:16-19.
Source: Cat News
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Scientific Publications
2012-04-30 21:00:00
Reproductive success of female leopards Panthera pardus: the importance of top-down processes
Source: Mammal Review
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Scientific Publications
2012-04-01 01:00:00
Balme GA, Hunter L, Braczkowski AR (2012) Applicability of Age-Based Hunting Regulations for African Leopards. PLoS ONE 7(4): e35209. doi:10.1371/
journal.pone.0035209
Balme GA, Hunter L, Braczkowski AR (2012) Applicability of Age-Based Hunting Regulations for African Leopards. PLoS ONE 7(4): e35209. doi:10.1371/

journal.pone.0035209
Source: PLoS ONE
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Scientific Publications
2011-08-31 21:00:00
Rabinowitz, A., Hunter, L., Smith, J. (2011) Tiger Conservation:
Trust Tradition Science. Science 333(6051) pgs:1785-1924
Source: Science
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Scientific Publications
2010-09-01 01:00:00
Bringing the Tiger Back from the Brink – the Six Percent Solution
Source: PLoS Biology
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Scientific Publications
2009-12-01 02:00:00
Lion status updates from five range countries in West and Central Africa
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Scientific Publications
2009-05-31 21:00:00
Gebresenbet, F. H. Bauer, L. Hunter, K. Gebretensae (Eds). 2009. Proceedings of the National Lion Conservation Workshop. National Lion Conservation Workshop: Addis Ababa 12 June 2009.
Gebresenbet, F. H. Bauer, L. Hunter, K. Gebretensae (Eds). 2009. Proceedings of the National Lion Conservation Workshop. National Lion Conservation Workshop: Addis Ababa 12 June 2009.
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Scientific Publications
2009-05-31 21:00:00
Lion Conservation Workshop in Ethiopia
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Scientific Publications
2009-05-31 21:00:00
Packer, C., M. Kosmala, H.S. Cooley, H. Brink, L. Pintea, D. Garshelis, G. Purchase, M. Strauss, A. Swanson, G. Balme, L. Hunter, K. Nowell. 2009. Sport hunting, predator control and carnivore...
Packer, C., M. Kosmala, H.S. Cooley, H. Brink, L. Pintea, D. Garshelis, G. Purchase, M. Strauss, A. Swanson, G. Balme, L. Hunter, K. Nowell. 2009. Sport hunting, predator control and carnivore...
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Scientific Publications
2009-05-01 01:00:00
Balme, G.A., L.T.B. Hunter, and R. Slotow. in prep. Impact of conservation interventions on the dynamics and persistence of a persecuted leopard (Panthera pardus) population. Biological Conservation.
Balme, G.A., L.T.B. Hunter, and R. Slotow. in prep. Impact of conservation interventions on the dynamics and persistence of a persecuted leopard (Panthera pardus) population. Biological Conservation.
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Scientific Publications
2008-12-31 22:00:00
Balme, G.A., L.T.B. Hunter, and R. Slotow. 2009. Evaluating Methods for Counting Cryptic Carnivores. Journal of Wildlife Management 73(3):433-441.
Balme, G.A., L.T.B. Hunter, and R. Slotow. 2009. Evaluating Methods for Counting Cryptic Carnivores. Journal of Wildlife Management 73(3):433-441.
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Scientific Publications
2008-12-31 22:00:00
Slotow, R. and L.T.B. Hunter. 2009. Reintroduction decisions taken at the incorrect social scale devalue their conservation contribution: the African lion in South Africa. In Hayward, M and Somers, M...
Slotow, R. and L.T.B. Hunter. 2009. Reintroduction decisions taken at the incorrect social scale devalue their conservation contribution: the African lion in South Africa. In Hayward, M and Somers, M...
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Scientific Publications
2008-12-01 03:00:00
Treves, A, A. Plumptre, L.T.B. Hunter, and J. Ziwa. 2009. Identifying a potential lion Panthera leo stronghold in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, and Parc National des Virunga, Democratic...
Treves, A, A. Plumptre, L.T.B. Hunter, and J. Ziwa. 2009. Identifying a potential lion Panthera leo stronghold in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, and Parc National des Virunga, Democratic...
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Scientific Publications
2008-12-01 03:00:00
Hunter, L. and A. Rabinowitz. 2009. Felid reintroduction using captive founders: poor science and worst practices. Cat News 51:28-29.
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Scientific Publications
2008-03-01 03:00:00
Jowkar, H., S. Ostrowski, and L. Hunter. 2008. Asiatic Cheetah cub recovered from a poacher in Iran. Cat News 48:13.
Jowkar, H., S. Ostrowski, and L. Hunter. 2008. Asiatic Cheetah cub recovered from a poacher in Iran. Cat News 48:13.
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Scientific Publications
2007-03-31 21:00:00
Hunter, L. T .B., K, Pretorius, L. C. Carlisle, M. Rickleton, C. Walker, R. Slotow,...
Hunter, L. T .B., K, Pretorius, L. C. Carlisle, M. Rickleton, C. Walker, R. Slotow,...
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Scientific Publications
2006-12-01 02:00:00
Balme, G.A., L.T.B, Hunter, and R. Slotow. 2007. Feeding habitat selection by hunting leopards (Panthera pardus) in a woodland savanna: prey catchability versus abundance. Animal Behavior 74(3):589-...
Balme, G.A., L.T.B, Hunter, and R. Slotow. 2007. Feeding habitat selection by hunting leopards (Panthera pardus) in a woodland savanna: prey catchability versus abundance. Animal Behavior 74(3):589-...
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Scientific Publications
2004-12-31 21:00:00
Thomas, P., G. Balme, L. Hunter, and J. McCabe-Parodi. 2005. Using scent attractants to non-invasively collect hair samples from cheetahs, leopards and lions. Animal Keepers Forum 32(7/8):342-348.
Thomas, P., G. Balme, L. Hunter, and J. McCabe-Parodi. 2005. Using scent attractants to non-invasively collect hair samples from cheetahs, leopards and lions. Animal Keepers Forum 32(7/8):342-348.
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Scientific Publications
2004-12-31 21:00:00
Ray, J.C., L. Hunter,...
Ray, J.C., L. Hunter,...
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Scientific Publications
2003-12-01 02:00:00
Mortality in a protected leopard population, Phinda Private Game Reserve: A population in decline?
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Scientific Publications
1999-12-31 21:00:00
Hunter, L. T. B. and R. Slotow. 2000. The socio-ecology of re-introduced lions in small reserves: comparisons with established populations and the implications for management in enclosed conservation...
Hunter, L. T. B. and R. Slotow. 2000. The socio-ecology of re-introduced lions in small reserves: comparisons with established populations and the implications for management in enclosed conservation...
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Scientific Publications
1998-12-01 02:00:00
Hunter L. 1999. Large felid restoration: Lessons from the Phinda Resource Reserve, South Africa, 1992-1999. Cat News:20-21.
Hunter L. 1999. Large felid restoration: Lessons from the Phinda Resource Reserve, South Africa, 1992-1999. Cat News:20-21.
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Scientific Publications
1998-09-30 21:00:00
Hunter, L.T.B. 1998. Early post-release movements and behavior of reintroduced cheetahs and lions, and technical considerations in large carnivore restoration. University of Pretoria.10:72-82.
Hunter, L.T.B. 1998. Early post-release movements and behavior of reintroduced cheetahs and lions, and technical considerations in large carnivore restoration. University of Pretoria.10:72-82.
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Scientific Publications
1997-12-01 02:00:00
Hunter, L.T.B. 1998. Do male cheetahs commit infanticide? Cheetah News:4-5. Zoological Society of San Diego.
Hunter, L.T.B. 1998. Do male cheetahs commit infanticide? Cheetah News:4-5. Zoological Society of San Diego.
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Scientific Publications
1996-12-31 21:00:00
Hunter, L.T.B. & J.D. Skinner. 1998. Vigilance in African ungulates: the role of predation pressure. Behaviour 135:195-211.
Hunter, L.T.B. & J.D. Skinner. 1998. Vigilance in African ungulates: the role of predation pressure. Behaviour 135:195-211.
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Scientific Publications
1996-12-31 21:00:00
Hunter, L.T.B. & J.D. Skinner. 1997. Effect of habitat type on performance of intraperitoneal and external radiotransmitters in lions. Journal of Wildlife Research 2(3):213-216.
Hunter, L.T.B. & J.D. Skinner. 1997. Effect of habitat type on performance of intraperitoneal and external radiotransmitters in lions. Journal of Wildlife Research 2(3):213-216.
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Scientific Publications
1993-12-31 21:00:00
Hunter, L.T.B. and J.D. Skinner. 1995. A case of cannibalism in male cheetahs. African Journal of Ecology. 33:169-171.
Hunter, L.T.B. and J.D. Skinner. 1995. A case of cannibalism in male cheetahs. African Journal of Ecology. 33:169-171.
Videos and Podcasts Featuring Dr. Hunter
Blog
Blog
2015-10-05 00:00:00
MSNBC Interviews Panthera President Dr. Luke Hunter on 'Blood Lions' Documentary
External
Video
2015-08-03 18:44:52
CNN: Want to End Trophy Hunting? Pay Up
External
Video
2010-09-30 14:32:02
CBS "60 Minutes" In Search of the Jaguar
External
Video
2010-05-03 18:46:49
Zoo Talkin’ Radio: Interview with Luke Hunter
External
Video
2009-06-05 18:46:02
The Leopard Hunter