International recognition for Durrell’s work overseas saving endangered species

Thursday 16 January 2014

A Durrell biologist nominated for the Nobel Prize of the conservation world says the accolade is a recognition of the vision of Gerald Durrell.

Professor Carl Jones MBE, who has been working with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust since 1985, has been nominated for the biennial US$250,000 Indianapolis Prize, which will be awarded in America in September.

He is one of 39 nominees recognised for dedicating their lives to saving endangered species for a broad range of species including chimpanzees, snow leopards, sea turtles, giant pandas, bats, swans and many more. He was also nominated in 2012.

"Having worked my whole career with Durrell, pursuing their objectives if I win the cash of course I would give most it to Durrell but I’ll keep a little back to celebrate!" he said.

"What is really nice about being nominated is if you look at the other nominees and winners in the past, is that they work with pandas and gorillas, the really spectacular animals. And the fact that we’ve been recognised for our work with the ‘underdogs’ is a great accolade. I think it is wonderful."

Professor Jones was instrumental in establishing a wildlife sanctuary on the Mascarene Islands off Madagascar and has rescued five species of bird including the Mauritius Kestrel, which had dwindled to just four individuals in 1974 to an estimated 1,000 in 2005. However, his work at Durrell involves him working with other areas of conservation such as reptiles and the pink pigeon programmes. He is also involved in the development of the zoo.