- Scientific Advisor for Channel 4 documentary series "Foxes Live"
- Interviews with BBC 1 Countryfile, BBC Autumnwatch, BBC Radio Berkshire, BBC Radio Bristol, BBC South Today
Philip Baker

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+44 (0) 118 378 4566
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Lecturer
Programme Director for BSc Zoology
Areas of interest
Vertebrate ConservationTeaching
- Part 1: Mammal diversity, behaviour and conservation
- Part 1: Introduction to Zoology
- Part 2: Field Course to RSPCA Mallydams Field Centre, Sussex
- Part 3: Urban Ecology
- MSc: Quantitative Methods 1
- MSc: Quantitative Methods 2
- MSc: Vertebrate Survey and Assessment
- MSc: Mammal Conservation
Research centres and groups
Scientific Advisory Panel, The Mammal Society
National Collaborators:
- Prof. Mike Bruford, University of Cardiff
- Dr Dawn Scott, University of Brighton
- Dr Richard Yarnell, Nottingham Trent University
Research projects
- Funding from NERC, People's Trust for Endangered Species
- Behavioural ecology of mammals
- Urban ecology
- Human-wildlife conflict with particular reference to foxes (Vulpes vulpes)
- Conservation biology
- Population monitoring for management and conservation with particular reference to hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)
Websites/blogs
Selected publications
Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2008) The fox. In: Mammals of the British Isles: handbook, 4th edition (Eds. S. Harris & D.W. Yalden), pp. 407-423. The Mammal Society, Southampton.
Molony, S.E., Baker, P.J., Garland, L., Cuthill, I.C. & Harris, S. (2007) Factors that can be used to predict release rates for wildlife casualties. Animal Welfare, 16, 361-367.
Soulsbury, C.D., Iossa, G., Edwards, K.J., Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2007) Allelic dropout from a high-quality DNA source. Conservation Genetics, 8, 733-738.
Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2006) Does culling reduce fox (Vulpes vulpes) density in commercial forests in Wales? European Journal of Wildlife Research, 52, 99-108. doi: 10.1007/s10344-005-0018-y
Baker, P.J., Furlong, M.J., Southern, S. & Harris, S. (2006) The potential impact of red fox predation in agricultural landscapes in lowland Britain. Wildlife Biology, 12, 39-50.
Baker, P.J.& Harris, S. (2006) Still shooting in the dark. Animal Welfare, 15, 89-90.
Molony, S.E., Dowding, C.V., Baker, P.J., Cuthill, I.C. & Harris, S. (2006) The effect of translocation and temporary captivity on wildlife rehabilitation success: an experimental study using European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus). Biological Conservation, 130, 530-537. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2006.01.015
Webbon, C.C., Baker, P.J., Cole, N.C. & Harris, S. (2006) Macroscopic prey remains in the winter diet of foxes Vulpes vulpes in rural Britain. Mammal Review, 36, 85-97. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2907.2006.00069.x
Baker, P.J., Bentley, A.J., Ansell, R.J. & Harris, S. (2005) Impact of predation by domestic cats Felis catus in an urban area. Mammal Review, 35, 302-312. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2907.2005.00071.x
Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2005) Shooting in the dark. Animal Welfare, 14, 275-278.
Baker, P.J., Funk, S.M., Harris, S. & Bruford, M.W. (2004) Polygynandry in a red fox population: implications for the evolution of group living in canids? Behavioral Ecology, 15, 766-778. doi: 10.1093/beheco/arh077
Baker, P., Funk, S., Harris, S., Newman, T., Saunders, G. & White, P. (2004) The impact of human attitudes on the social and spatial organisation of urban foxes (Vulpes vulpes) before and after an outbreak of sarcoptic mange. In: Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium on Urban Wildlife Conservation, May 1-5 1999 (Eds W.W. Shaw, L.K. Harris & L. VanDruff), pp. 153-163. Tucson, Arizona.
Baker, P.J.& Harris, S. (2004) Red foxes. The behavioural ecology of red foxes in urban Bristol. In: Biology and conservation of wild canids (Eds D.W. Macdonald & C. Sillero-Zubiri), pp. 207-216. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Baker, P.J., Harris, S., Robertson, C.P.J., Saunders, G. & White, P.C.L. (2004) Is it possible to monitor mammal population changes from counts of road traffic casualties? An analysis using Bristol's foxes as an example. Mammal Review, 34, 115-130. doi: 10.1046/j.0305-1838.2003.00024.x
Moberly, R.L., White, P.C.L., Webbon, C.C., Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2004) Modelling the costs of fox predation and preventive measures on sheep farms in Britain. Journal of Environmental Management, 70, 129-143. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2003.11.005
Sadlier, L.M.J., Webbon, C.C., Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2004) Methods of monitoring Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and Badgers (Meles meles): are field signs the answer? Mammal Review, 34, 75-98. doi: 10.1046/j.0305-1838.2003.00029.x
Webbon, C.C, Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2004) Faecal density counts for monitoring red fox numbers in rural Britain. Journal of Applied Ecology, 41, 768-779. doi: 10.1111/j.0021-8901.2004.00930.x
Baker, P.J., Ansell, R.J., Dodds, P.A.A., Webber, C.E. & Harris, S. (2003) Factors affecting the distribution of small mammals in urban areas. Mammal Review, 33, 95-100. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2907.2003.00003.x
Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2003) A review of the diet of foxes in rural Britain and a preliminary assessment of their impact as a predator. In: Conservation and conflict - mammals and farming in Britain (Eds F. Tattersall & W.M. Manly), pp. 120-140. Linnean Society Occasional Publication No. 4, Westbury Publishing, Otley.
Baker, P.J., Harris, S. & Webbon, C.C. (2003) Hunting and fox numbers in the United Kingdom - a reply. Nature, 423, 400.
Moberly, R.L., White, P.C.L., Webbon, C.C., Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2003) Factors associated with fox Vulpes vulpes predation of lambs in Britain. Wildlife Research, 30, 1-9.
Newman, T.J., Baker, P.J., Simcock, E., Saunders, G., White, P.C.L. & Harris, S. (2003) Changes in red fox habitat preference and rest site fidelity following a disease-induced population decline. Acta Theriologica, 48, 79-91.
White, P.C.L., Newton-Cross, G., Moberly, R.L., Smart, J.C.R., Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2003) The current and future management of wild mammals hunted with dogs in England and Wales. Journal of Environmental Management, 67, 187-197. doi:10.1016/S0301-4797(02)00225-6
Baker, P.J., Webbon, C.C. & Harris, S. (2002) Effect of British hunting ban on fox numbers. Nature, 419, 34.
Moberly, R., White, P., Webbon, C., Baker, P., & Harris, S. (2002) Fox predation on sheep farms in Britain: preliminary results from a questionnaire survey. Proceedings of the Sheep Veterinary Society, 25, 7-10.
Newman, T.J., Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2002) Nutritional condition and survival of red foxes infected with sarcoptic mange. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 80, 154-161.
Ansell, R.J., Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2001) The value of gardens for wildlife - lessons from mammals and herpetofauna. British Wildlife, 13, 77-84.
Baker, P.J., Harris, S., Robertson, C.P.J., Saunders, G. & White, P.C.L. (2001) Differences in the capture rate of cage-trapped foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and their implications for rabies contingency planning in Britain. Journal of Applied Ecology, 38, 823-835.
Baker, P.J., Newman, T.J. Harris, S. (2001) Bristol's foxes - forty years of change. British Wildlife, 12, 411-417.
Harris, S. & Baker, P. (2001) Urban foxes, 2nd edition. Whittet Books, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
Baker, P.J., Funk, S.M., White, P.C.L. & Harris, S. (2000) Flexible spatial organization of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) before and during an outbreak of sarcoptic mange. Animal Behaviour, 59, 127-146.
Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2000) Interaction rates between members of a group of red foxes. Mammal Review, 30, 239-242.
Robertson, C.P.J., Baker, P.J. & Harris, S. (2000) Ranging behaviour of juvenile red foxes and its implications for management. Acta Theriologica, 45, 525-535.
Baker, P.J., Robertson, C.P.J., Funk, S.M., White P.C.L. & Harris, S. (1998) Potential fitness benefits of group living in the red fox, Vulpes vulpes. Animal Behaviour, 56, 1411-1424.
Publications
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Bearman-Brown, L.
ORCID: 0000-0002-5869-483X and Baker, P. (2022) An estimate of the scale and composition of the hedgehog (erinaceus europeaus) rehabilitation community in Britain and the Channel Islands. Animals , 12 (22). ISSN: 2076-2615 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani12223139
- Gazzard, A. and Baker, P. (2022) What makes a house a home? Nest box use by West European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) is influenced by nest box placement, resource provisioning and site-based factors. PeerJ , 10 ISSN: 2167-8359 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13662
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Gazzard, A.
ORCID: 0000-0003-0604-7160 , Yarnell, R.
ORCID: 0000-0001-6584-7374 , Baker, P. (2022) Fine-scale habitat selection of a small mammalian urban adapter: the West European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Mammalian Biology , 102 pp. 387-403. ISSN: 1618-1476 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42991-022-00251-5
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Gazzard, A.
ORCID: 0000-0003-0604-7160 , Boushall, A. , Brand, E. , Baker, P. (2021) An assessment of a conservation strategy to increase garden connectivity for hedgehogs that requires cooperation between immediate neighbours: a barrier too far?. PLoS ONE , 16 (11). ISSN: 1932-6203 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0259537
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Bearman-Brown, L.
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Wilson, L.
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Evans, L.
ORCID: 0000-0001-8649-0589 , Baker, P. (2020) Comparing non-invasive surveying techniques for elusive, nocturnal mammals: a case study of the West European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Journal of Vertebrate Biology , 69 (3). ISSN: 0139-7893 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.25225/jvb.20075
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Moore, L.
ORCID: 0000-0002-3562-8709 , Petrovan, S. , Baker, P. , Bates, A.
ORCID: 0000-0001-7854-5260 , Hicks, H.
ORCID: 0000-0003-1325-2293 , Perkins, S.
ORCID: 0000-0002-7457-2699 , Yarnell, R.
ORCID: 0000-0001-6584-7374 (2020) Impacts and potential mitigation of road mortality for hedgehogs in Europe. Animals , 10 (9). pp 0. ISSN: 92775 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani10091523
- Bearman-Brown, L. , Baker, P. , Scott, D. , Uzal, A. , Evans, L. , Yarnell, R. (2020) Over-winter survival and nest site selection of the west-european hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in arable dominated landscapes. Animals , 10 (9). ISSN: 2076-2615 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani10091449
- Gazzard, A. and Baker, P. (2020) Patterns of feeding by householders affect activity of hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) during the hibernation period. Animals , 10 (8). ISSN: 2076-2615 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani10081344
- Schaus, J. , Uzal, A. , Gentle, L. , Baker, P. , Bearman-Brown, L. , Bullion, S. , Gazzard, A. , Lockwood, H. , North, A. , Reader, T. , Scott, D. , Sutherland, C. , Yarnell, R. (2020) Application of the Random Encounter Model in citizen science projects to monitor animal densities. Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation , 6 (4). pp. 514-528. ISSN: 2056-3485 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/rse2.153
- Williams, B. , Baker, P. , Thomas, E. , Wilson, G. , Judge, J. , Yarnell, R. (2018) Reduced occupancy of hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in rural England and Wales: the influence of habitat and an asymmetric intra-guild predator. Scientific Reports , 8 (1). ISSN: 2045-2322 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-30130-4
- Williams, B. , Mann, N. , Neumann, J. , Yarnell, R. , Baker, P. (2018) A prickly problem: developing a volunteer-friendly tool for monitoring populations of a terrestrial urban mammal, the West European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Urban Ecosystems , 21 (6). pp. 1075-1086. ISSN: 1083-8155 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11252-018-0795-1
- Baker, P. , Thompson, R. , Grogan, A. (2018) Survival rates of cat-attacked birds admitted to RSPCA wildlife centres in the UK: implications for cat owners and wildlife rehabilitators. Animal Welfare , 27 (4). pp. 305-318. ISSN: 0962-7286 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.7120/09627286.27.4.305
- Yarnell, R. , Pacheco, M. , Williams, B. , Neumann, J. , Rymer, D. , Baker, P. (2014) Using occupancy analysis to validate the use of footprint tunnels as a method for monitoring the hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus. Mammal Review , 44 (3-4). pp. 234-238. ISSN: 1365-2907 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mam.12026
- Scott, D. , Berg, M. , Tolhurst, B. , Chauvenet, A. , Smith, G. , Neaves, K. , Lochhead, J. , Baker, P. (2014) Changes in the distribution of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in urban areas in Great Britain: findings and limitations of a media-driven nationwide survey. PLoS ONE , 9 (6). pp 0. ISSN: 1932-6203 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099059
- Thomas, R. , Baker, P. , Fellowes, M. (2014) Ranging characteristics of the domestic cat (Felis catus) in an urban environment. Urban Ecosystems , 17 (4). pp. 911-921. ISSN: 1083-8155 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11252-014-0360-5
- Edwards, C. , Soulsbury, C. , Statham, M. , Ho, S. , Wall, D. , Dolf, G. , Iossa, G. , Baker, P. , Harris, S. , Sacks, B. , Bradley, D. (2012) Temporal genetic variation of the red fox, Vulpes vulpes, across western Europe and the British Isles. Quaternary Science Reviews , 57 pp. 95-104. ISSN: 0277-3791 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2012.10.010
- Thomas, R. , Fellowes, M. , Baker, P. (2012) Spatio-temporal variation in predation by urban domestic cats (Felis catus) and the acceptability of possible management actions in the UK. PLoS ONE , 7 (11). pp. e49369. ISSN: 1932-6203 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0049369
- Soulsbury, C. , Iossa, G. , Baker, P. , White, P. , Harris, S. (2011) Behavioral and spatial analysis of extraterritorial movements in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) . Journal of Mammalogy , 92 (1). pp. 190-199. ISSN: 0022-2372 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1644/09-MAMM-A-187.1
- Iossa, G. , Soulsbury, C. , Baker, P. , Harris, S. (2010) A taxonomic analysis of urban carnivore ecology. In: Gehrt, S. , Riley, S. , Cypher, B. , (eds.) Urban carnivores. Ecology, conflict, and conservation. John Hopkins University Press pp. 173-184. ISBN: 9780801893896
- Baker, P. , Soulsbury, C. , Iossa, G. , Harris, S. (2010) Domestic cat (Felis catus) and domestic dog (Canis familiaris). In: Gehrt, S. , Riley, S. , Cypher, B. , (eds.) Urban carnivores, Ecology, conflict, and conservation. John Hopkins University Press pp. 157-172. ISBN: 9780801893896
- Harris, S. , Baker, P. , Soulsbury, C. , Iossa, G. (2010) Eurasian badgers (Meles meles). In: Gehrt, S. , Riley, S. , Cypher, B. , (eds.) Urban carnivores. Ecology, conflict, and conservation. John Hopkins University Press pp. 109-120. ISBN: 9780801893896
- Soulsbury, C. , Baker, P. , Iossa, G. , Harris, S. (2010) Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). In: Gehrt, S. , Riley, S. , Cypher, B. , (eds.) Urban carnivores. Ecology, conflict, and conservation.. John Hopkins University Press pp. 63-75. ISBN: 9780801893896
- Baker, P. , Thomas, R. , Newson, S. , Thompson, V. , Paling, N. (2010) Habitat associations and breeding bird community composition within the city of Bristol, UK. Bird Study , 57 (2). pp. 183-196. ISSN: 0006-3657 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00063650903490270
- Dowding, C. , Shore, R. , Worgan, A. , Baker, P. , Harris, S. (2010) Accumulation of anticoagulant rodenticides in a non-target insectivore, the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Environmental Pollution , 158 (1). pp. 161-166. ISSN: 0269-7491 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2009.07.017
- Dowding, C. , Harris, S. , Poulton, S. , Baker, P. (2010) Nocturnal ranging behaviour of urban hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus, in relation to risk and reward. Animal Behaviour , 80 (1). pp. 13-21. ISSN: 0003-3472 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2010.04.007
- Iossa, . , Soulsbury, . , Baker, . , Edwards, . , Harris, . (2009) Behavioral changes associated with a population density decline in the facultatively social red fox. Behavioral Ecology , 20 (2). pp. 385-395. ISSN: 1045-2249 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arn149
- Soulsbury, . , Iossa, . , Baker, . , Harris, . (2008) Environmental variation at the onset of independent foraging affects full-grown body mass in the red fox. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B , 275 (1649). pp. 2411-8. ISSN: 0962-8452 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2008.0705
- Soulsbury, . , Baker, . , Iossa, . , Harris, . (2008) Fitness costs of dispersal in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology , 62 (8). pp. 1289-1298. ISSN: 0340-5443 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00265-008-0557-9
- Iossa, . , Soulsbury, . , Baker, . , Harris, . (2008) Body mass, territory size and life history tactics in a socially monogamous canid, the red fox Vulpes vulpes. Journal of Mammalogy , 89 (6). pp. 1481-1490. ISSN: 0022-2372 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1644/07-MAMM-A-405.1
- Iossa, . , Soulsbury, . , Baker, . , Harris, . (2008) Sperm competition and the evolution of testes size in terrestrial mammalian carnivores. Functional Ecology , 22 (4). pp. 655-662. ISSN: 0269-8463 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2435.2008.01409.x
- Baker, . , Boitani, . , Harris, . , Saunders, . , White, . (2008) Terrestrial carnivores and human food production: impact and management. Mammal Review , 38 (2-3). pp. 123-166. ISSN: 0305-1838 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2907.2008.00122.x
- Baker, . , Molony, . , Stone, . , Cuthill, . , Harris, . (2008) Cats about town: is predation by free-ranging pet cats Felis catus likely to affect urban bird populations?. Ibis , 150 pp. 86-99. ISSN: 0019-1019 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2008.00836.x
- Spencer, . , Harris, . , Baker, . , Cuthill, . (2007) Song development in birds: the role of early experience and its potential effect on rehabilitation success. Animal Welfare , 16 (1). pp. 1-13. ISSN: 0962-7286
- Soulsbury, . , Iossa, . , Baker, . , Cole, . , Funk, . , Harris, . (2007) The impact of sarcoptic mange Sarcoptes scabiei on the British fox Vulpes vulpes population. Mammal Review , 37 (4). pp. 278-296. ISSN: 0305-1838 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2907.2007.00101.x
- Baker, . , Dowding, . , Molony, . , White, . , Harris, . (2007) Activity patterns of urban red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) reduce the risk of traffic-induced mortality. Behavioral Ecology , 18 (4). pp. 716-724. ISSN: 1045-2249 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arm035
- Baker, . and Harris, . (2007) Urban mammals: what does the future hold? An analysis of the factors affecting patterns of use of residential gardens in Great Britain. Mammal Review , 37 (4). pp. 297-315. ISSN: 0305-1838 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2907.2007.00102.x