A BIOLOGIST at the University of York who specialises in research into the impacts of human activities on wild animal species has been elected a fellow of the Royal Society, one of the world’s top scientific honours.

Professor Chris Thomas, of the university’s department of biology, is among 44 new fellows.

Election to the fellowship of the Royal Society is recognised worldwide as a sign of the highest regard in science. Candidates must be proposed by at least two existing fellows and are assessed by sectional committees in each major field of science.

Professor Thomas has developed a scientific basis to understand how species respond to the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats and he is a world leader in research on the ecological impacts of climate change.

He and his collaborators have demonstrated that the world’s wildlife is moving rapidly towards the poles and to higher altitudes, in response to global warming.

He has determined that climate change is likely to endanger many species, and he has pioneered approaches to the conservation of biodiversity under climate change.

He said: “I’m thrilled to have been elected to the fellowship of the Royal Society. I have been very lucky to have such excellent colleagues and students over the past 30 years, and I see this as recognition for their contributions as much as for myself.”