People For Wildlife founder, Dr. Daniel Natusch, is a leading conservation expert and field biologist. He has worked in conservation research, policy, and development, and currently chairs the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Snake Specialist Group. Daniel has advised many of the world’s largest companies on ways to improve their sourcing of nature-based raw materials and has worked around the world to align several sectors with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr Patrick Aust specialises in integrating conservation biology with agriculture and sustainable development. He has worked on many African species, from crocodiles to lions, and consults for organisations including CITES, IUCN, and the International Multistakeholder Association for Reptile Conservation (IMARC). Patrick is driven to find practical approaches to prevent species loss, and much of his work has focused on developing new food production systems that enhance food security, reduce poverty, foster livelihood diversification and raise the standard of living for vulnerable communities in Africa and Asia.

Dr Benjamin Muller has over 12 years field experience in conservation, wildlife biology, and research projects. His range of field expertise include acoustic ecology, behavioural ecology, and long-term field monitoring; with experience in fundraising, policy guidance, and developing grant applications. Prior to joining the PFW team, Ben was working in Toamasina, Madagascar, as a program coordinator for The Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group, where he lead his team in developing and implementing a long term management program of targeted invasive species.

Originally from the UK, Sophie Buckman lived and worked in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for 20 years. During her career, she contributed to a wide range of organisations, including NGOs, film production companies, community groups, and emergency response services, gaining extensive experience in logistics, event management, and creative design. Since relocating to Australia in 2020, Sophie has brought her multi-disciplinary expertise to People For Wildlife, where she oversees administration, logistics, creative/graphic design and communications. She plays a key role in keeping operations running smoothly and fostering connections with local communities to support PFW's initiatives.

Having lived and worked across Cape York Peninsula for more than 25 years, Warren Strevens brings extensive experience and invaluable local knowledge to the PFW team. He spent 10 years as ranger coordinator for the NPARC/Apudthama land and sea ranger program, gaining extensive experience in operational planning, land management and wildlife protection, and an unequalled understanding of the opportunities and challenges we face daily on the Apudthama landscape. Warren also helped establish the Western Cape Turtle Threat and Abatement Alliance and has developed monitoring programs for flatback, green, hawksbill, olive ridley and freshwater turtles across Cape York.

An internationally recognised expert on biodiversity and development, Dilys Roe has over 25 years of experience working at the interface of policy, research, and practice. Her passions are wildlife, biodiversity conservation, and justice and equity. She strives to expand understanding of sustainability to include issues around animal welfare and human health as well as the conventional ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Dilys is chair of the IUCN Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group (SULi), a network of over 300 experts in wildlife management and sustainable use. She is also Chair of the Collaborative Partnership on Sustainable Wildlife Management; a member of the UK government Darwin Expert Committee (DEC) and Illegal Wildlife Trade Advisory Group; and the Scottish First Minister’s Environment Council.

Mandy Deans has many years managerial experience in both commercial and not-for-profit organisations. With skills including strategic planning, risk assessment, marketing, facilitation and economic and business development and event management, Mandy now mentors those wishing to become Trustees in not-for-profits. As a Trustee for Uplift In Kind and the Aircraft Owner’s and Pilot’s Association in New Zealand, she continues this pro bono work in the aviation sector.

John Ryan, based in Victoria, is a retired accountant with decades of financial expertise. He now serves on the executive board of PFW managing the organisation’s accounts and ensuring financial transparency. Combining his professional skills with a passion for travel, John helps guide strategic decisions while keeping operations financially strong, supporting the charity’s mission to protect to preserve habitats for future generations.