ARC is fortunate to partner with numerous professionals who have dedicated their careers to researching and protecting Tanzania’s diverse flora and fauna (in case you missed it, be sure to check out our Incredibly Unique Animals posts that explore the endemic animals of Tanzania). Every Tuesday for the next eight weeks, this blog series will take you behind the scenes to give you a candid portrayal of the lives of a diverse group of conservationists – you’ll learn about their current research, favorite species, and what inspires them to do their work. If this is your first time visiting this series make sure to check out our past interviews with Trevor Jones and Katarzyna Nowak – co-directors of the Udzungwa Elephant Project in Tanzania.
Today we introduce you to Dr. Simon Loader – one of the scientists behind the discovery and naming of the species for ARC’s New Species Award that is presented annualy at our Artists for Africa benefit.
Simon Loader was born in London, UK and has always been fascinated by biology, in particular evolutionary history of vertebrates. He studied zoology and continued his Masters and PhD studies in Taxonomy and Biodiversity at the Natural History Museum in London. During his undergraduate years he was a volunteer on a conservation project in Tanzania, working in an Eastern Arc rainforest, and this was a pivotal experience for guiding his future career. He currently lectures at the University of Basel in Switzerland, teaching and conducting research on amphibians and reptiles in Africa.
Did you always know you wanted to be a conservation biologist?
I would actually not call myself a conservation biologist. I am an evolutionary biologist, but this necessarily means an interest in conservation biology given the current losses of biodiversity. So increasingly, I am sadly becoming more and more of a conservation biologist.
What research are you currently working on?
Various projects, including describing new species, and investigating relationships among groups of amphibians and reptiles to understand broader evolutionary patterns on the continent of Africa.
What is the longest time you’ve spent researching one species?
Twelve years and still counting…
What has been the most rewarding discovery of your career?
Finding new species in the field is always a great thrill and privilege.
Do you have a favorite species? If so, which one?
I am not so focused on particular species, but I think the dwarf toads of Tanzania are pretty spectacular, in particular Nectophrynoides wendyae and Nectophrynoides vivparus.
What has been your favorite research site(s) you’ve worked on?
Nguru Mountains, Tanzania. A spectacular montane forest.
If you could tell people one thing about species extinction, what would it be? 
I am not sure how qualified I am to discuss this but from my anecdotal experience I observe changes to habitats and species numbers every year that I return to Africa to conduct fieldwork. Such changes all point to a reduction in abundance of species and presumably in some cases eventually to their extinction. It can be terribly depressing to visit some field sites. So, yes it is happening!
What inspires you to do this kind of work?
The simple but powerful idea that form the basis of evolutionary theory and its ramifications for how organisms came into existence, including ourselves.
When not in the field what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Visiting art galleries and music concerts. For recreation I play various sports.
What websites or blogs do you frequently visit?
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, Guardian Newspaper, and BBC.
What was the last book you read?
Blood Isles by Bryan Sykes
What is currently playing on your iPod?
50 Words For Snow by Kate Bush
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