Working to save threatened species - Dr Holly Sitters

Holly is an Ecologist working with a national conservation NGO to save threatened species. She is extremely passionate about identifying the early warning signs of decline in common species, so we can act before it's too late. 

Growing up in England, Holly was influenced by her father's love of bird life, enjoying family field trips admiring the wildlife. After studying Ecology in Scotland, Holly moved to Australia and started her career at the Broome Bird Observatory. She became interested in justice for First Nations People and worked in community development programs in Alice Springs. 

Holly returned to Ecology, deciding to further her study with a PhD and later became a Research Fellow at Melbourne University, focussing on wildfire ecology. 

During her school years, Holly remembers being disgusted by the idea of eating animal flesh, so she went vegetarian. After going vegan in 2017, Holly embarked on her own research mission, reading many books, watching documentaries and googling animal rights organisations. 

Holly quickly joined her local Animal Justice Party group and welcomed a strong sense community. Holly, now the Ballarat Sub-Regional Group Leader, ran as the AJP candidate for Ripon in the last state election and is excited for the next opportunity to represent animals in an election.

In this episode, Holly discusses scientists and their role in advocacy, vegan book recommendations and her experience presenting at the recent Victorian Inquiry into Victoria's recreational native bird hunting arrangements. 

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