Dr Astrid
Andersson
Dr Astrid Andersson is a National Geographic Explorer who applies scientific tools to combat wildlife crime. Dr Andersson has developed forensic techniques that detect laundering of poached wildlife in legal markets, and has been facilitating the use of microchip technology to protect animals at risk of illegal trapping in national parks. Her postdoctoral research at HKU leverages genomics to understand the trade routes through which Hong Kong’s urban cockatoos were introduced to the city.
Her 10+ years’ work with multiple counter-trafficking NGOs and in the HKU Conservation Forensics Laboratory has allowed her to become extremely familiar with Hong’s Kong’s main legal and illegal wildlife trades, as well as the grey area between the two, and how to galvanize interdisciplinary collaboration to mitigate wildlife crime – between academics, NGOs, government, and the private sector.
She is also part of the Hong Kong Wildlife Trade Working Group, and has recently authored scientific papers on the trade of hippo teeth, shark fins and pangolin consumption. Her work has been covered by multiple journalism outlets, including CNN, Reuters, and SCMP.
Photo Credit: Un Jeong/National Geographic