Xilona Blanco

Xilona Blanco

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Wildlife Conservationist πŸ†πŸŒΏ Ecoacoustics ~ Nature Tech 🌎 Rainforests & Communities 🐘🌳
Netherlands

Contact Xilona regarding:Β 
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Full-time jobs
Starting at EUR40k/year ~USD45.7k/year
Flexible work
Starting at EUR30/hour ~USD34.3/hour
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Internships
Starting at EUR2.8k/month ~USD3.2k/month
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Jobs verified_user 0% verified
  • Vivara Pro
    Nature Tech Specialist & Innovation Lead
    Vivara Pro
    Mar 2025 - Current (1 year 5 months)
    As lead specialist in conservation and nature technology, I manage and spearhead innovation strategy at Vivara Pro, positioning the company to become a champion in wildlife monitoring sensors and AI-driven ecological tools. ❯ Leveraging my technical expertise and strategic leadership, I drive the development of nature-based technologies that tackle the biodiversity crisis with cutting-edge, data-driven solutions. ❯ Not only working on the development, but also the direct application of these solutions for conservation decision-making. ❯ Working at the intersection of field ecology, data science, and emerging tech, I'm bridging the gap between experts, global partners, and cross-disciplinary stakeholders to deploy innovative biodiversity mon
  • EcoAssets Environmental
    Biodiversity & Conservation Ecologist
    EcoAssets Environmental
    Jan 2025 - Current (1 year 7 months)
    Providing strategic oversight on potential habitat and wildlife monitoring initiatives, I advise on project direction, feasibility, and alignment with conservation goals, while monitoring funding opportunities and project pipelines to inform future planning and international expansion. I also support the development of organizational strategy and governance, ensuring initiatives are evidence-based and scalable.
  • Eurofins MITOX Group
    Wildlife Field Services Technician (Principal Investigator)
    Eurofins MITOX Group
    Aug 2024 - Oct 2024 (3 months)
    Delivered specialized technical and field expertise in bird trapping, focal species observation, and habitat mapping: β€’ Conducted habitat analysis using advanced tools, including drones and GIS software (QGIS) both in the field and office, to document habitat characteristics and dynamics. β€’ Applied diverse trapping methods not limited to mist nets, lures, and camera traps; monitored and adapted techniques based on behavioral observations. β€’ Undertook extensive off-road driving across agricultural landscapes in challenging weather conditions to ensure timely fieldwork completion and project advancement. β€’ Engaged effectively with local stakeholders and the public, fostering trust during field operations. β€’ Ensured compliance with Good Labora
  • KCRE
    Field Research Assistant
    KCRE
    Nov 2023 - Dec 2023 (2 months)
    3 main projects at Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology: radio telemetry; herpetofauna surveys; and king cobra rescue. - Conducting a radio telemetry study on the Malabar Pit Viper. Tracking, searching for and locating individuals, and recording data for their spatial ecology; for PhD data collection. Diurnal and nocturnal surveys. Collection and handling of individuals for assessments. Supporting surgical procedures. - Herpetofauna study of species assemblages of Western Ghats. Observational transects in different habitat types. Surveying drift fence and pitfall traps. Observation, capture and identification. Collection of selected monitored species (e.g. venomous species). Diurnal and nocturnal surveys. - King Cobra rescue support. Re
  • Monitor Conservation Research Society
    Research Consultant
    Monitor Conservation Research Society
    May 2022 - May 2025 (3 years 1 month)
    On illegal wildlife trade in Latin American countries, with a majority focus on Jaguars. Many species are not adequately protected at national and international levels. Together with Monitor I work to provide the evidence needed to secure legal protection, to support enforcement efforts and to reduce the demand; especially to those lesser-known, often overlooked species. I provide my experience and expertise on Latin America as Monitor expand their work into the region. My work involves research, monitoring surveys, project proposals, and panellist for training workshops. Support from and commissioned by entities such as WWF, IFAW and local governments.
  • Ecologisch Adviesbureau Viridis BV
    Field Ecologist
    Ecologisch Adviesbureau Viridis BV
    Apr 2022 - Aug 2024 (2 years 5 months)
    Field flora and fauna surveys: breeding birds and bats; herpetofauna capture and relocation. Identifying and locating bat mating behaviour and territories, bird breeding territories and nests. Bat surveys conducted using acoustic and visual transects (including thermal imaging cameras) in rural-urban settings across the country. Night and dawn work.
  • Tropenbos International
    Programme Officer
    Tropenbos International
    Oct 2021 - Dec 2021 (3 months)
    My research was on strengthening the contribution of Community Forest Management and Productive Restoration as nature-based solutions through the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of forested landscapes in Bolivia, Colombia, and Suriname. I worked independently, but also in collaboration and consultation with international partners and member organisations, and in particular with IBIF-Bolivia. Through this, we contribute to achieving sustainable management of tropical forestlands for the benefit of people, conservation and sustainable development.
  • Tropenbos International
    Forested Landscapes Advisor
    Tropenbos International
    Nov 2020 - Sep 2021 (11 months)
    During this period, my research, involvement, and support was directed towards: The contribution of Community forestry and restoration to the Nationally Determined Contributions on local forested landscapes; Green Livelihoods Alliance (GLA) Vision of Collaboration and Equity; Youth in Climate Change related policy/decision making; and other activities related to Latin America
  • Wageningen University  Research
    Principal Investigator Ecoacoustics
    Wageningen University Research
    Jun 2020 - Aug 2022 (2 years 3 months)
    Measuring multi-species diversity in floodplain habitats via acoustic and geographical data collection. I also made an evaluation of the novel AudioMoth acoustic devices in its application for cross-taxon analysis. MSc thesis: Pioneering research for my academic department, I autonomously developed in-depth knowledge and extensive problem solving skills while also reaching out to acoustic experts, for the challenging acoustic collection, manipulation and analysis processes in my investigation. A thoroughly enjoyable and stimulating experience in the application of this technology for conservation, which I wish to take on in my career into ecoacoustics, soundscape ecology, and the like.
  • V
    Conservationist, Illustrator and Researcher
    Voices of the Maya Expedition
    Jan 2020 - Feb 2020 (2 months)
    I lived in a remote indigenous Mayan community, together with the expedition leader. Apart from immersing ourselves in the culture and daily life of this welcoming community, expedition objectives and activities included: - photography and film production - producing educational resources in Mayan languages (QΚΌeqchiΚΌ and Mopan) - books in production to be published soon (watch this space) - nature illustration, art tutoring for the youth and women, instructing workshops for school children to produce their own book illustrations - working with the community's Women's group - Delivering art, English, music and dental workshops to school children, women and the elderly - discussing biodiversity and NTFPs - exploring archaeological sites - as
  • Universidad Regional AmazΓ³nica Ikiam
    Ecoacoustics Researcher
    Universidad Regional AmazΓ³nica Ikiam
    Nov 2019 - Apr 2020 (6 months)
    Topic was awarded recognition at the Royal Geographic Society, Explore: Expedition and field research planning weekend -Extensive research, preparation and organisation of activities in part for my MSc thesis -Measuring species diversity in different forest cover types using AudioMoth acoustic devices, for conservation and management outcomes -Evaluating the use of AudioMoths in this type of study -Coordinating a BSc student assistant, and establishing good collaboration with Ikiam researchers I had been developing my research on forest biodiversity and the use of eco-acoustics in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The study areas included: mature forest, disturbed forest and chakra (an indigenous-owned agroforestry system, usually managed by women).
  • Plante
    Project Support & Graphic Designer
    Plante
    Aug 2019 - Mar 2025 (5 years 8 months)
    Electricity generated from living plants to power (IoT) sensors. I work on the technology, the maintenance, assemblage and installation of these biosystem units for domestic and international projects and in aid of research development. I also work on designing project logos, infographics and interpretative designs for marketable products; and on website development. Through developing and creating biosystems to generate carbon negative electricity, there is great potential to sustainably power sensors in remote locations, for example for those needed to monitor wildlife under forest canopy, making it a good alternative to solar-powered energy; and to ground-truth remote sensing data.
  • Waterschap Limburg
    Research Consultant, Project Manager
    Waterschap Limburg
    May 2019 - Jul 2019 (3 months)
    Predicting the future dynamics of rivers and streams in Limburg under different climate scenarios. Appointed as Manager to the team of 7 members, and contributed as an Ecological specialist. Project completed under the Academic Consultancy Training (ACT) programme at Wageningen University
  • Dorset Council UK
    Outdoor Environmental Education Instructor
    Dorset Council UK
    Apr 2018 - Aug 2018 (5 months)
    Delivering outdoor programmes based on wildlife, environment and science. Leading activities for learning and living in the outdoors, for both day and residential groups of youth. Archery, tree climb, traverse wall, low ropes, walks, natural art, bushcraft (fire lighting, shelter build), team building, mountain biking. Water sports supporting in MegaSUP, paddleboarding, coasteering and abseiling. Working within a 4-member team of instructors, and 4-members of permanent staff. Organisation and operations for residential groups, including extensive training, pre and post season tasks. Formal Assessments: Qualified Tree Climb Instructor ; In-house certified Archery Instructor
  • R
    Principal Consultant, Uromastyx relocation
    Richer Environments
    Sep 2017 - Oct 2017 (2 months)
    Relocation project: β€’ Sole handler in charge of the excavation and physical relocation of spiny-tailed agamas (Uromastyx) from active construction site in the Qatari desert. β€’ Ground truthing, verification of active presence from burrows. β€’ Using fibre optic camera to identify presence; measurement of burrow characteristics β€’ Capture, handling, measurements, sexing and identification of lizards; relocation and release into burrows at new previously vetted sites. β€’ Working with 2 other ecologist colleagues, and 10 general workers for excavation of burrows With Richer Environments, Environmental Consultants
  • C
    Associate Director
    CA Creative Media
    May 2017 - Jan 2020 (2 years 9 months)
    CA Creative Media CIC is a visual anthropological film and photography company which shares its assets with charitable organisations who echo the project's context. It has a strong ethos on woman’s health and rights, 21st century prejudices, education and human/wildlife conflict.
  • Warwickshire County Council
    Biological Records Assistant
    Warwickshire County Council
    Apr 2017 - Nov 2018 (1 year 8 months)
    For the Warwickshire Biological Records Centre (WBRC). Extracting and processing records from ecological reports related to planning applications. Independent work, ongoing communication with the assistant ecologist. Monthly contribution.
  • UNODC
    Research Consultant, Forest & Wildlife Crime Bolivia
    UNODC
    Mar 2017 - Apr 2017 (2 months)
    Resource Mobilization Strategy for Forest & Wildlife Crime in Bolivia -for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the Country Office of Bolivia. With my personal experience and knowledge of wildlife conservation and in the context of Bolivia, I was one of three contributors (all international) to research and develop a fundraising strategy to combat illegal forest activities and wildlife trade in Bolivia. Using our combined multilingual capabilities, we undertook extensive desk-based, remote research to identify and prioritize potential donors and opportunities for the immediate, medium and long term engagement. Weekly skype meetings. -- The document created aims to guide a coordinated resource mobilization effort through which th
  • Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi
    Wildlife custody centre Manager & Volunteers Coordinator
    Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi
    Jul 2016 - Sep 2016 (3 months)
    Responsible for managing all finances, resources and activities; reporting to the president. Overseeing local and international staff and volunteers: included training, work allocation and supervision. Assisting in daily animal husbandry duties.
  • Selfemployed
    International Dance Instructor
    Selfemployed
    Jan 2016 - Dec 2018 (3 years)
    I teach dance around my full-time career priorities in wildlife conservation. I specialise in Bachata and Salsa dance through classes and workshops. My bachata style is drawn from different dance backgrounds (belly-dance, flamenco, ballet) and I teach up to advanced levels. Classes are private or group, organised independently or in collaboration with dance schools. I have taught in UK, Bolivia and Qatar.
  • London Wildlife Trust
    Fundraising, Membership Recruitment
    London Wildlife Trust
    Dec 2015 - Mar 2016 (4 months)
    Approachable, engaging and encouraging the public; promoting conservation by communicating local and contemporary issues.
  • Dot Dot Dot Property Guardians
    Property Guardian and Volunteers Manager
    Dot Dot Dot Property Guardians
    Nov 2015 - Jun 2016 (8 months)
    Organizing activities, liaising with charities; endorsing environmental projects. Independent volunteering. Supervision of volunteers, communicating with management weekly and monthly reports
  • Foundation CONCETA Bolivia
    River Dolphin Research Assistant
    Foundation CONCETA Bolivia
    Aug 2015
    Measuring the distribution and abundance of Inia geoffrensis boliviensis for world-first species data bank. Undertaking visual-acoustic transects and collecting detailed geographical data, e.g. land cover, hydrology and geomorphological characteristics. Long hours of work, basic and rustic living conditions on a river boat traversing rivers Mamore and Itenez. Working within a team of 5 observers (Bolivian and Brazilian), and 4 onboard deckhands (local to communities). Research conducted by CONCETA Bolivia (NL) and supported by FAUNAGUA (Bolivia)
  • A
    Field Research Assistant
    AMANDES SRL
    May 2015 - Jun 2015 (2 months)
    Mammal observational transects; bat capture, ID and handling using mist nets; including Desmodus rotundus vampire species. Assessing control of vampire species. Social mammal surveys with rural villages. Herpetological and bird surveys. Setting up camp in remote areas of rugged terrain, travel every few days to different locations, managing own logistics and resources.
  • KWS Group
    Harvest Research Assistant
    KWS Group
    Sep 2014 - Oct 2014 (2 months)
    Manual work and using machinery. Field recording, seed cleaning, weighing trails samples, hand harvesting, threshing, preparation of seeds for drilling, and general warehouse duties. Health and safety in a manufacturing environment.
  • S
    Research Coordinator - Human-Tiger Conflict
    Sumatra Rainforest Institute SRI
    Jun 2013 - Aug 2013 (3 months)
    Designed and implemented a research project for my BSc (Hons) dissertation, including fieldwork and logistics. Interacted with local communities concerning resource competition and sensitive issues regarding rural communities and conflicts with tigers within the Leuser Ecosystem and Tiger Conservation Landscapes, in NW Sumatra. Managed a team of local counterparts to oversee surveys in bahasa Indonesian and local dialects and other data collection (qualitative and quantitative). Research formed a basis of SRI's work in addressing critical issues of negative tiger encounters. HQ in Medan. Field work in Batang Gadis National Park. While working under SRI, I assisted in visits to their other projects (reforestation, orangutans, sustainable co
  • A
    Field Research Assistant
    Agumbe Rainforest Research Station
    Jul 2012 - Aug 2012 (2 months)
    - Independent study on bat diet, involved guano seed collection and analysis - nocturnal acoustic amphibian surveys for MSc Thesis. - Creating an educational wildlife mural in the station library. [revisited in 2023]
  • Pugmarks Eco Tours
    Assistant
    Pugmarks Eco Tours
    Jul 2012
    Educational road-trip with Pugmarks staff. Conservation photography, visiting rural locations and investigating issues between tiger reserves and local communities
  • K
    Waitress, Bar maid, Kitchen porter, Catering
    KENT HOSPITALITY LTD
    May 2012 - Jul 2014 (2 years 3 months)
  • University of Kent
    President of the Conservation Society
    University of Kent
    Apr 2012 - Jul 2014 (2 years 4 months)
    President (2012/13) and Activities Officer (2013/14) for over 100 members and committee of 5. Delegation of tasks and active leadership, communication, team work, IT skills. Included planning, organising employability workshops, leading activities, establishing networks and outreach. Plus skills-training workshops. Vice President, PR Officer, and committee member for 3 other society committees.
  • University of Kent
    Student Ambassador
    University of Kent
    Mar 2012 - Jul 2014 (2 years 5 months)
  • Lloydbore Ltd
    Ecological Surveyor
    Lloydbore Ltd
    Mar 2012 - Jul 2014 (2 years 5 months)
  • The Abbots Mill Project CIC
    Director for Conservation, board member
    The Abbots Mill Project CIC
    Jan 2012 - Dec 2013 (2 years)
    Member on the Board of Directors for The Abbot's Mill Project. Creating an urban living centre in renewable energy education. Promoting biodiversity, recruiting volunteers, planning on-site activities
  • I
    Programme Officer, Reforestation
    Indonesian Rainforest Foundation
    Oct 2010 - Dec 2010 (3 months)
    Designed and created a detailed Scope Study for sustainable reforestation through developing eco-tourism livelihoods. Implemented by the Indonesian Rainforest Foundation. Collaborating and participating in meetings with villages and governmental groups to adopt more sustainable economic practices through ecotourism initiatives. Communication is ongoing and I revisited in 2013.
  • Xilona Art  Illustration
    Wildlife Artist
    Xilona Art Illustration
    Jan 2009 - Current (17 years 7 months)
    Wildlife, horses and people. Illustrations (scientific, commercial, children's book), portraiture, murals, signage and interpretation, landscape design and planning, crafts and logo design; body-paint; tutoring. I endeavour to use art in support of conservation, indigenous people and to promote the beauty of the natural world. I am self-taught and come from both and artistic and naturalist family background. I enjoy detail-orientated drawings, perfection, and realism developed through life-long practice and experience. Freelance, commission-based. Art Instructor in Doha, Qatar July-August 2017. Instagram: xilona.art ~ Facebook: Xilona Art & Illustration
Education verified_user 0% verified
  • Wageningen University  Research
    Master of Science
    Wageningen University Research
    Jan 2018 - Dec 2022 (5 years)
  • University of Kent
    Bachelor of Science with Honours
    University of Kent
    Jan 2011 - Dec 2014 (4 years)
  • Hockerill AngloEuropean College
    International Baccalaureate Diploma
    Hockerill AngloEuropean College
    Jan 2008 - Dec 2010 (3 years)
Projects (professional or personal) verified_user 0% verified
    Awards verified_user 0% verified
    • U
      Appreciation for the Fundraising Strategy for Forest & Wildlife Crime
      UN
      May 2017
      "UNODC Bolivia awards this certificate in recognition of your contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals"
    • A
      Appreciation for Outstanding Contribution towards CHI Al Shaqab
      Al Shaqab
      Mar 2017
    • University of Birmingham
      1st Place Bachata Freestyle Competition
      University of Birmingham
      Feb 2014
      Competition at an all-dayer Dance Festival & Valentine's Salsa Ball
    • I
      Rainforest Certificate of Appreciation
      Indonesian Rainforest Foundation
      Jun 2013
      "...expresses its gratitude and appreciation... for the generous contribution of your time effort and finances in developing the Sumatran Tiger Protection and Livelihood Programme in and around Batang Gadis National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia..."
    • E
      Platinum Award - Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering
      EV Employability and Volunteering Scheme
      Mar 2013
      Employability and Volunteering Scheme Given 433 hours of voluntary contribution to various projects in the second year of University
    • K
      Gold Award - KSCV
      Kent Union University of Kent
      Mar 2012
      Kent Student Certificate for Volunteering Undertaken relevant training and given 193 hours of voluntary contribution to various projects in the first year of University (between October 2011 and March 2012)
    • University of Kent
      Employability Points Award
      University of Kent
      Jan 2012
      Points calculated from volunteering and attending events which will make me more employable. Awarded a GulbCard Membership with the Gulbenkian Theatre and Cinema
    • Duke of Edinburgh
      Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award
      Duke of Edinburgh
      Jan 2010
      Accomplished the Gold Award with treks in the Pyrenees for training and Tuscany for the final expedition
    • D
      Highly Commended: DSWF Art Competition
      David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
      Jan 2004
      David Shepherd Wildlife Art Youth Competition