Dr. Jim Labisko is a Lecturer in Biodiversity at the Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London. He was awarded his PhD from the University of Kent in 2016, where his research examined the evolutionary relationships of Seychelles’ sooglossid frogs (family Sooglossidae), a globally significant amphibian lineage that remains central to his research.

With more than a decade of experience in surveying, monitoring, and researching herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles), his work sits at the intersection of behavioural ecology, biogeography, and evolutionary biology. He integrates these disciplines to investigate the mechanisms driving evolutionary diversification and adaptation, with direct applications to biodiversity conservation.

This integrative framework led to the development of the first bioacoustic monitoring programme for amphibians in Seychelles, implemented in collaboration with partners including the Seychelles Islands Foundation, Island Conservation Society, the Island Biodiversity and Conservation Centre at the University of Seychelles, and the Seychelles Department of Environment.

In addition to his academic research, Dr. Labisko provides consultancy and expert advice on biodiversity impacts associated with infrastructure development and environmental policy in Seychelles. He also works on ecological monitoring and mitigation strategies for bat populations in the context of infrastructure projects.

He has contributed to more than fifteen peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and technical reports, including six as first author.