Dr. Emiliano Donadio
Rewilding Director
Emiliano originates from Patagonia, Argentina. He earned a B.Sc. in Biology from the National University of La Plata, followed by an M.S. in Zoology and a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Wyoming, USA. After completing his graduate studies, he joined Argentina’s National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) as an Assistant Research Scientist. Five years later, in 2019, he left that position to become the Science Director of Fundación Rewilding Argentina, where he helped design, evaluate, and monitor large-scale conservation and ecosystem restoration initiatives.
Throughout his career, Emiliano has led and supervised numerous research and conservation projects, including wildlife reintroductions. He has contributed to landmark conservation initiatives such as the reintroduction of the jaguar to the Iberá Wetlands in northeastern Argentina. His research has focused on the ecology and conservation of more than 20 species, including pumas, jaguars, several fox species, tapirs, guanacos, vicuñas, huemul deer, pampas deer, marsh deer, lesser rheas, and Andean condors. He has also led the capture, handling, and collaring of most of the large mammal species found in the Southern Cone of South America.
Emiliano has authored or co-authored more than 50 publications, including peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters, and is co-author of a book on rewilding. He is also committed to science communication, having delivered numerous public lectures, written articles for newspapers and magazines and participated in documentaries. In addition, he has co-supervised several M.Sc. and Ph.D. students and has served on graduate program evaluation committees at Yale University, the University of North Texas, the University of Wisconsin, the University of Wyoming, Imperial College London, the National University of Costa Rica, and the National University of Córdoba (Argentina).
Over the course of his career, Emiliano has received several prestigious honors, including a Fulbright Fellowship. His research has been supported by organizations such as National Geographic, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the Rufford Foundation, among others. He is currently a National Geographic Explorer.
