Michael ‘t Sas-Rolfes

Research Associate

With a background that spans thirty years of training, research and practical experience in both commerce and conservation, Michael has developed specialist expertise in understanding the complexities of both legal and illegal markets for wildlife products, notably those of charismatic endangered species such as rhinos, elephants, big cats and bears.

His first degree was in Commerce at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, followed by postgraduate degrees in Environmental Resource Economics at University College London and Biodiversity, Conservation and Management at Oxford.

As part of his current interdisciplinary doctoral research, Michael is investigating methods for gaining a predictive understanding of wildlife trade dynamics, specifically using scenario analysis and participatory modelling to try and resolve questions about appropriate policies toward trade in endangered species.