Esther S. Rubin, Ph.D.
Ecologist
Email: esrubin@consbio.org See CV [DOC]
Esther S. Rubin, Ph.D. is an ecologist with expertise in conservation biology, population biology, and behavioral ecology. Esther holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of California at Davis. After her undergraduate studies, she worked as a zoo keeper at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, where she gained experience working with a variety of exotic species and conducted research on the behavior of ungulate neonates. A keen interest in conservation and desire to conduct research related to species recovery led her to return to the University of California at Davis, where she completed a Ph.D. degree in Ecology, with an emphasis on conservation ecology. Esther’s doctoral research focused on the ecology and population biology of an endangered population of bighorn sheep in the Peninsular Ranges of southern California.
While working on her dissertation research, Esther worked for the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), monitoring the abundance, distribution, and reproductive status of this endangered population of bighorn sheep. During this time, she was invited to be on the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Recovery Team for this population, and played a key role in writing the Recovery Plan for these bighorn sheep. After receiving her Ph.D. degree, Esther worked as a post-doctoral researcher with the Zoological Society of San Diego for 5 years, where she investigated in greater detail the habitat use, behavior, and risk of lion predation of bighorn sheep in the Peninsular Ranges. She continues to work closely with CDFG, USFWS, California Department of Parks and Recreation, and other Recovery Team members to guide recovery actions for this population.
Esther has presented numerous educational programs to a wide variety of audiences, ranging from grade school groups to university classes, with topics ranging from specifics related to bighorn sheep to animal behavior, ecology, and conservation. She is helping guide the research of graduate students investigating impacts of exotic species on native species and habitats, and on the habitat use of mule deer native to southern California. She serves as elected Secretary for the Desert Bighorn Council and Board member for South Coast Wildlands. Esther lives in San Diego North County with her husband, Jerry, and their two dogs, and enjoys hiking, camping, and native plant gardening.
