Curriculum Vitae

Profile Summary

I am a wildlife biologist specializing in wild felid and large carnivore ecology, genetics, population monitoring, and conservation. My work integrates long-term field research through GPS telemetry, camera trapping, dietary and genetic monitoring, and advanced lab and analytical tools to understand the ecology, behavior, and conservation needs of predators, particularly felids and large carnivores.

Additionally, I have led and contributed to major research, conservation planning, rewilding/restoration and ecological monitoring programs across Europe, Türkiye, and South-west Asia, working with research institutions, government agencies, companies and international research and conservation networks.

Key Accomplishments

  • Led long-term monitoring and ecological research on Eurasian lynx and other carnivores leading to peer-reviewed publications and conservation reports.
  • Directed advanced monitoring technology pilots and ecosystem analytics for NEOM Nature Reserve, integrating AI and multi-sensor data workflows.
  • Provided high-level scientific consultancy for protected area planning and national biodiversity assessments.
  • Generated evidence directly used for species conservation planning and reporting under multiple international frameworks.
  • Principal Investigator on multi-institutional funded projects on lynx phylogenomics, post-fire wildlife responses, and carnivore ecology.

Work Experience

Senior Fauna Expert (2025)

Earth Link & Advances Resources Development, UAE / Contracted through Biosphere Consult Company

  • Surveyed mammalian, avian, reptilian, amphibian, and insect fauna in the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve, KSA.
  • Assessed conservation status, invasive species, and ecosystem condition.
  • Conducted statistical and ecological analyses for conservation scoring of reserves and regional biodiversity reporting.
  • Provided scientific consultancy for conservation planning.

Visiting Scientist (July - September 2025)

Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, GERMANY

  • Performed phylogenomic analysis of Caucasian lynx populations in Western Anatolia.
  • Developed research concepts and collaborations for southern Eurasian lynx genomics.
  • Contributed to peer-reviewed manuscripts and ongoing comparative genomics projects.

Senior Specialist - Conservation & Monitoring Technology (2023-2024)

NEOM Nature Reserve, KSA / Contracted through AESG & ISEC

  • Led the Technology Pilots Project and tested seven pilot technologies and their 23 use cases (including AI solutions) for long-term monitoring of ecosystems, habitats and extant and re-introduced wildlife.
  • Supported development of NEOM's Nature Intelligence Hub providing statistical and analytical tools for monitoring populations of of terrestrial and marine species and habitats.
  • Curated and visualized GPS telemetry data of monitored species within NEOM Nature Reserve (NR; e.g. Soothy falcon, sea turtles, sharks etc.)
  • Developed research and conservation projects for Arabian wolf and sand cat populations within NEOM NR.
  • Supported NR's Land and Marine Departments in conservation and monitoring technology for their various activities.

Large Mammal Expert (2022-2024)

Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye / Contracted through Turkish Nature Research Society

  • In "Izmir Biological Atlas and Database Project", conducted large mammal surveys across İzmir Province using camera trapping, distance sampling, and systematic transects.
  • Assessed population densities, distribution patterns, and habitat associations within 10km x 10km grid cells.
  • Contributed to building the İzmir Biological Atlas Database, integrating field observations into GIS-based biodiversity layers.
  • Produced analytical reports summarizing species status, threats, and conservation recommendations.

Biologist Consultant (2021-2022)

Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), Saudi Arabia / Contracted through Geotech Overseas KSA

  • Contributed to the “Nature and Horticulture GIS-Based Database for AlUla” project by designing and structuring a comprehensive GIS database and supporting the development of associated web and mobile applications covering nature, wildlife, flora, horticulture, seed banks, ranger activities, and visitor management.
  • Led the conceptual development of wildlife monitoring dashboards, providing statistical and analytical tools to assess movement patterns, space use, and home-range dynamics of reintroduced wildlife species.
  • Collaborated closely with multiple stakeholders involved in nature, wildlife, and horticulture data collection, developing tailored database schemas and ensuring seamless data harmonization, migration, and interoperability across newly established GIS systems.

Post-doctoral Scientist (2020–2021)

Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin

  • Performed mitogenomic, spatial and dietary analyses on Eurasian lynx populations in Anatolia and south-eastern Europe.
  • Led the Jungle Cat Research Project applying genetic and dietary sampling, and capture and GPS collaring methods on the westernmost population of Felis chaus throughout it's range.
  • Prepared and published peer-reviewed papers on Caucaisan lynx phylogeography (Mengüllüoglu eta l. 2021a), spatial ecology and density (Mengüllüoglu et al. 2021b), Eurasian lynx comparative-ecology (Melovski et al. 2022) and -reproduction timing (Mattison et al. 2022).

Pre-2020 Work Experience

At various research institutions, companies and NGOs

  • 2012–2014 – Wildlife Expert (AECOM Turkey) - Conducted soaring bird migration and collision monitoring at multiple wind power plants (Mersin, Samsun, Manisa, Kırklareli) and performed ecological impact assessment for Istanbul Highway & 3rd Bridge.
  • 2011–2012 – Research Assistant (TÜBİTAK Project 110O563, METU Biodiversity & Conservation Lab) - Performed live capture, tracking, camera trapping and radio/GPS telemetry monitoring of re-introduced fallow deer (Dama dama).
  • 2009–2012 – Wildlife Expert (Yeşerim Forestry Consultancy Ltd.) - Completed wildlife surveys, big mammal tracking with non-invasive methods, assessment of core areas and threats, and prepared wildlife reports and wildlife management plans for Konya Bozdağ, Kütahya Türkmenbaba, İzmir Bayındır Ovacık, Muğla Köyceğiz Wildlife Reserves.
  • 2009 – Wildlife Expert (DAD – Turkish Nature Research Society) - Conducted wildlife surveys and big mammal tracking using non-invasive methods (camera trapping), prepared mammal lists and contributed to wildlife report production for Tuzla & Akyatan Lagoons Management Planning Project.
  • 2009 – Bioarchaeology Lecturer & Student Guide (METU Archaeology Museum / TÜBİTAK Project) - Provided guidance and bioarchaeology lectures to elementary school students at METU Archaeology Museum.
  • 2008–2009 – Wildlife Assistant (Kaçkar Mountains Sustainable Forest Use & Conservation Project, TEMA / EU-funded) - Supported forestry and conservation coordination, organized trainings and meetings, assisted with project communication materials, conducted wildlife inventories and big mammal tracking surveys via invasive & non-invasive methods, and contributed to human–wildlife conflict mitigation.
  • 2009 – Project Executive (DAD – Turkish Nature Research Society) - Determined distribution, behavior, population size & threats of White-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) at Köyceğiz Dalyan SEPA; carried out fieldwork, line transects, point counts and predator status assessment.
  • 2008 – Project Executive (DAD – Turkish Nature Research Society) - Led literature research and determined distribution, behavior, population size, structure & breeding capacity of Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio porphyrio), identifying threats at Göksu Delta SEPA.

Education

Doctor of Natural Sciences, Dr.rer.nat in Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics (2013-2019)

Freie Universitaet Berlin & Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin GERMANY

Thesis Title – Foraging ecology, spatial behaviour and genetic diversity of Caucasian lynx in Anatolia

Grading – Dissertation: Magna cum laude (with great distinction), Oral defense: Summa cum laude (with highest honor)

Master of Science, M.Sc. in Biological Sciences (2008-2010)

Middle East Technical University, Ankara, TÜRKIYE

Thesis Title – An inventory of medium and large mammal fauna in pine forests of Beypazari through camera trapping

Grading – GPA: 3.71/4.00 (High Honour)

Bachelor of Science, B.Sc. in Biology (2003-2008)

Middle East Technical University, Ankara, TÜRKIYE

Grading – GPA: 3.04/4.00 (Honour)

 

Grants

Principal Investigator – Research on Balkan lynx maternal lineage (2023-2025)

Funding: EuroNatur Foundation, Germany
Focus: GPS collaring, foraging ecology, population monitoring, phylogenomics

 

Principal Investigator – The Jungle Cat Project (2021-2023)

Funding: International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC), Canada
Focus: GPS collaring, population monitoring, genetic monitoring

 

Principal Investigator – Post-fire Research and Awareness Project (2020-2022)
Funding: Rufford Foundation 
Focus: Post-forest fire wildlife assessment, lynx and wildlife population monitoring and density estimation

 

Doctoral Fellowship (2015-2019)
Funding: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) – Research Grant for Doctoral Candidates and Young Academics and Scientists
Focus: Spatial ecology, genetic diversity, and phylogeography of Eurasian lynx in Anatolia

 

Principal Investigator – Human–Lynx Conflict Project (2014-2015)
Funding: Rufford Foundation 
Focus: Camera trapping, GPS-collaring, DNA sampling, prey density estimation, conflict mitigation

 

Principal Investigator – Anatolian Leopard Presence Study (2008-2009)
Funding: Panthera Foundation – Kaplan Scholars Program
Focus: Camera trapping, sign surveys, historical record validation of Panthera pardus tulliana

Professional Memberships

  • IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group (CatSG), Commission Member (2021-Present), Supporting global conservation assessment, Red List evaluations, and taxonomic/management guidance for wild felids.
  • IUCN SSC Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE), Commission Member (2020-present), Contributing to European large carnivore conservation strategies, coexistence frameworks, and technical guidelines.
  • Persian Leopard Working Group (PeLeWG), Steering Committee Member (2023-present), Collaborating on regional conservation planning, population assessments, and human–wildlife conflict mitigation for Panthera pardus tulliana.
  • Eurolynx Database & Research Collaboration, Collaborator (2021-present), Contributing to a range-wide collaborative effort to compile ecological, demographic and spatial data for all Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) populations across Europe and Southwest Asia. Supporting comparative research on movement ecology, reproduction, life history traits and many more.
  • Turkish Nature Research Society, Executive Board Member (2010-2012), Supporting wildlife research, conservation planning, and community-based biodiversity projects.
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