About
A brief overview of who I am and what I do.
About me
I am Dr. Deniz Mengüllüoğlu, a wildlife biologist and conservation scientist working at the interface of ecological research, long-term monitoring, and applied conservation. My work focuses on understanding wildlife populations, their habitats, and the ecological processes that sustain healthy ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on wild felids and large carnivores.
My scientific approach is grounded in long-term field research and the integration of advanced monitoring technologies, laboratory-based analyses, and ecosystem-based conservation strategies. By combining empirical data with applied management perspectives, I aim to generate knowledge that is not only scientifically robust, but also directly relevant to conservation decision-making
At a Glance
Name: Dr. Deniz Mengüllüoğlu
Field: Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Biology
Primary Focus: Large carnivores and wild felids
Core Species: Eurasian lynx, Anatolian leopard, jungle cat, wolves, large mammals
Geographic Focus:
Türkiye, Europe, Southwest Asia
Research & Monitoring Methods:
GPS telemetry · camera trapping · non-invasive genetic monitoring · drone-based surveys · spatial ecology
Professional Roles:
Researcher · Conservation scientist · Consultant · Field ecologist
Affiliations:
IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group · IUCN SSC Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE) · Persian Leopard Working Group
ORCID: 0000-0001-5203-4147
Research Focus and Scientific Approach
My work goes beyond species detection or presence–absence monitoring. Instead, I seek to understand the ecological mechanisms that shape wildlife populations, including:
predator–prey dynamics,
habitat use and spatial ecology,
movement behaviour and landscape connectivity,
genetic population structure and evolutionary history, and
the functional roles of species within broader ecosystems.
This systems-based perspective forms the foundation of my conservation work and allows me to develop science-driven, realistic, and long-term solutions for species and their habitats.
Professional Activities
I conduct long-term ecological research on Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx dinniki) and other carnivore species, integrating field observations with spatial and genetic analyses.
I design and implement population monitoring programs across Türkiye, the Caucasus, and the Middle East, using a combination of GPS telemetry, camera trapping, non-invasive genetic monitoring, and drone-based survey methods.
In parallel, I provide scientific consultancy for protected area management, biodiversity monitoring programs, and rewilding initiatives, supporting institutions in translating ecological data into practical conservation actions.
As an active member of the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group, Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE), and the Anatolia–Iran Persian Leopard Working Group, I contribute to species conservation planning, Red List assessments, and expert-driven policy processes.
I also support research institutions and conservation projects through data analysis, scientific writing, methodological development, and conservation policy design.
Motivation and Conservation Vision
I view large carnivores not only as species of conservation concern, but also as key indicators of ecosystem integrity. Their presence, distribution, and population dynamics reflect the health, connectivity, and resilience of natural landscapes.
For this reason, my work focuses on:
conserving species within their ecological context,
balancing human–wildlife interactions,
safeguarding the long-term sustainability of habitats, and
ensuring that scientific knowledge is effectively applied in the field.
My goal is to generate tangible conservation impact—advancing ecological understanding while supporting practical solutions that help secure the future of both species and ecosystems.