Making a difference to a species at risk

Student with a passion for primates playing his part in protecting endangered chimps

Callum Carpenter’s life has changed immensely since joining the University of Derby, where he is studying for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in Wildlife Conservation. 

A keen wildlife enthusiast with a passion for primates, Callum is part of a small team utilising a groundbreaking method that could play a crucial role in safeguarding the critically-endangered West African chimpanzee from escalating threats and the risk of extinction.  

Led by Dr Joana Carvalho, a lecturer in Spatial Ecology and Bioscience at the University of Derby, and Environmental Science lecturer Alessia Bani, the team are using a range of traditional and emerging methods including the use of eDNA from air and soil samples to non-invasively detect the number of West African chimpanzees.   

Callum, who moved to Derby from his home in Brighton, said: “Since I began my MPhil project with the University of Derby in September 2024, my life has changed so much; I have met a fantastic group of friendly and supportive staff and fellow students who have made me feel very much at home while I am undertaking my project. 

“Additionally, studying at the University of Derby has provided me with the opportunity to conduct and oversee fieldwork in the little-known, yet beautiful and lively, Guinea-Bissau. 

“Being able to lead the data collection for this important project studying critically-endangered chimpanzees has been an unforgettable career-building experience. I feel very lucky and I’m feeling fortunate to be on this amazing journey.” 

Breaking new ground  

When an organism such as a chimpanzee moves through the environment, it constantly sheds genetic material, including skin cells, mucus and/or faeces.  

The DNA trace from this is known as eDNA. It can be collected from a range of environments and is being increasingly used to detect the presence of species and assess biodiversity, most commonly by taking samples from water.  

The University of Derby is a leader in using eDNA research to trace endangered or invasive species. In 2019, this technique was used to chart the presence of species including the white-clawed crayfish and the freshwater pearl mussel in the UK.  

Callum, who has been inspired by conservationists Sir David Attenborough and Jane Goodall, is delighted to be involved in further advances of eDNA methodology. 

He said: “This latest project specifically is looking at the use of new techniques for monitoring chimpanzee populations and perhaps creating new ‘best-practice’ guidelines for researchers who are seeking to monitor and calculate great ape populations.  

“This basically means that we’re using a few different methodologies – for example ‘nest counting’ - counting chimpanzee night nests along a line transect’, camera trapping, audio monitoring and eDNA sampling to detect chimpanzees and compare which methods work best. 

“As we’re studying all parks in Guinea-Bissau we’re hoping to create a country-wide estimate of their population, too, as they’re critically endangered.” 

Why Derby? 

Callum studied for a BSc in Zoology and an MRes in Primate Biology, Behaviour and Conservation before opting to join Derby to ‘really grow as a person’.  

“The opportunity to study at the University of Derby seemed, for me, like the natural next step on the ladder,” said Callum. 

“My role in this project brings so much more responsibility and depth to the work and has allowed me to really grow as a person. With the help from my amazing supervisors in Derby, I am managing the day-to-day field operations of the project here in Guinea-Bissau.  

“Being part of this project has given me so much opportunity to further my career path in this field and there are always new ideas for papers we can publish or side projects we can do with the data we collect.  

“I am seven months into this project, and I have experienced two rounds of independent fieldwork, working with locals here in Guinea-Bissau, collaborations with other researchers who are experts in their own areas of the primatology field as well as with international conservation organisations and other postgraduate students here at Derby.  

“My MPhil project has really opened a lot of doors to make new connections in the field and learn the ins-and-outs of primate research. 

“I would 100 per cent recommend Derby as a place to study; I feel like the only real limit to how far you can take a project or research idea in Derby is yourself.” 

Inspiring the next generation  

Callum says that he has received fantastic support from supervisors Dr Joana Carvalho and Dr Alessia Bani, but he has been inspired, too, by other University of Derby students.  

He said: “Dr Carvalho and Dr Bani have given me a lot of guidance and support throughout my studies, and that in itself has made me more confident in my ability. It pushes me, too, to be a better independent researcher.  

“I also get a lot of inspiration from the team of postgraduate students we have here at Debry, who are working on various eDNA projects. Everyone is so proactive and invested in using new technologies to aid in conservation projects – from primates to coral reefs, we are pushing new ground every day.”