Bio

William (Bill) Durham is Bing Professor in Human Biology (Emeritus), Bass University Fellow in Undergraduate Education, and a Senior Fellow (Emeritus) in the Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford. He has been jointly appointed in Human Biology and Anthropology at Stanford since 1977, when he came from the Society of Fellows at the University of Michigan. Bill was an undergraduate Biology major at Stanford, Class of 1971, and received the Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award at graduation for his contribution to undergraduate education via the NSF-funded Student Air Pollution Research Project, the first student initiative nationally to receive NSF funding.

Bill’s career has focused on two main themes: (1) putting principles of evolution to work in efforts to sustain the biological and cultural diversity of our world; and (2) identifying social dimensions of environmental problems in Latin America and working with local leaders to help solve them. He has carried out fieldwork in Peru, Brazil, and Ecuador (especially Galápagos) in South America, and in El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica in Central America. In 1983, he was one of the first scholars to receive the MacArthur Prize Fellowship and has also received five five awards for research and teaching at Stanford, including one by vote of the students. Bill’s recent book, Exuberant Life: An Evolutionary Approach to Conservation in Galápagos (Oxford University Press, 2021) was named a Finalist for the 2022 PROSE Award from the Association of American Publishers.

Bill’s other publications include the books Scarcity and Survival in Central America (Stanford Press 1979; and in Spanish, by UCA Editores 1988), Coevolution: Genes, Culture, and Human Diversity (Stanford Press, 1991), The Social Causes of Environmental Destruction in Latin America (U. of Michigan Press, 1995, with M. Painter), Inbreeding, Incest and the Incest Taboo (Stanford Press 2004, with A. Wolf), and Ecotourism and Conservation in the Americas (CABI, 2008, with A. Stronza). In addition, he served as Editor in Chief for 16 volumes of the Annual Review of Anthropology between 1992 and 2008.

Bill was Founding Co-Director of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), a research organization that views tourism as a means to promote local livelihoods and environmental conservation. Along with Stanford Professors Rodolfo Dirzo and Larry Crowder, Bill has been Co-director of the Osa-Golfito Initiative (INOGO) in the Woods Institute, working with Costa Ricans to develop a sustainability strategy for the southern region of the country.

He has led more than 35 Stanford Alumni Association trips to Galápagos, Costa Rica, the Amazon, East Africa, and elsewhere.

Academic Appointments

Administrative Appointments

  • Co-Director, Osa and Golfito Initiative, Woods Institute (2012 - 2018)
  • Co-Director, Center for Responsible Travel (2003 - 2014)
  • Chair, Department of Anthropological Sciences (2003 - 2006)
  • Advisory Board Member, Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology, UCB (2001 - 2003)
  • Chair, Department of Anthropological Sciences (1997 - 2000)
  • Trustee, Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (1996 - 2002)
  • Associate Chair, Department of Anthropology (1992 - 1995)
  • Director, Program in Human Biology (1992 - 1995)
  • Editor, Annual Review of Anthropology (1991 - 2008)

Program Affiliations

  • Center for Latin American Studies

Contact

  • Academic
    EB.WHD@stanford.edu
    University - Emeritus faculty Department: Anthropology Position: Emeritus Faculty, Acad Council (650) 725-0605 (fax)

Additional Info

Links

Projects

  • The Osa-Golfito Initiative (INOGO), Woods Insttute for the Environment, Stanford University (January 1, 2011)

    A collaborative effort with Costa Rican researchers and community members to build a sustainable development strategy for the south-eastern region of the country.

    Location

    Costa Rica

    Collaborators

    • Daniel Villafranca, Director, RBA Consulting, of Costa Rica
  • The Galapagos Challenge, Anthropology, Stanford

    Research on the relationship between evolution and conservation, including both the evolutionary emergence of biodiversity in Galapagos and its vulnerability, and the evolution of social institutions to regulate human behavior for conservation.

    Location

    Galapagos Islands

2023-24 Courses

Stanford Advisees

All Publications

  • Exuberant Life: An Evolutionary Approach to Conservation in Galapagos Durham, W. H. Oxford University Press. 2021
  • Coevolution: Genes, Culture, and Human Diversity Durham, W. H. Stanford University Press. 1991
  • Urban wild meat markets in Cameroon: Actors and motives (vol 160, 106060, 2022) WORLD DEVELOPMENT Randolph, S. G., Ingram, D. J., Curran, L. M., Jones, J., Durham, W. H. 2023; 162

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.worlddev.2022.106147

    View details for Web of Science ID 000904450700007

  • Community-as-pedagogy: Environmental leadership for youth in rural Costa Rica ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION RESEARCH Selby, S. T., Cruz, A. R., Ardoin, N. M., Durham, W. H. 2020

    View details for DOI 10.1080/13504622.2020.1792415

    View details for Web of Science ID 000550174100001

  • Place-based education for environmental behavior: a "funds of knowledge' and social capital approach ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION RESEARCH Cruz, A. R., Selby, S. T., Durham, W. H. 2018; 24 (5): 627–47

    View details for DOI 10.1080/13504622.2017.1311842

    View details for Web of Science ID 000427553000001

  • Using web and mobile technology to motivate pro-environmental action after a nature-based tourism experience JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Wheaton, M., Ardoin, N. M., Hunt, C., Schuh, J. S., Kresse, M., Menke, C., Durham, W. 2016; 24 (4): 594-615

    View details for DOI 10.1080/09669582.2015.1081600

    View details for Web of Science ID 000373564400005

  • Social Capital in Development: Bonds, Bridges, and Links in Osa and Golfito, Costa Rica HUMAN ORGANIZATION Hunt, C. A., Durham, W. H., Menke, C. M. 2015; 74 (3): 217–29

    View details for DOI 10.17730/0018-7259-74.3.217

    View details for Web of Science ID 000361063900003

  • Nature-based tourism's impact on environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behavior: a review and analysis of the literature and potential future research JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Ardoin, N. M., Wheaton, M., Bowers, A. W., Hunt, C. A., Durham, W. H. 2015; 23 (6): 838-858

    View details for DOI 10.1080/09669582.2015.1024258

    View details for Web of Science ID 000353924300002

  • Can ecotourism deliver real economic, social, and environmental benefits? A study of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Hunt, C. A., Durham, W. H., Driscoll, L., Honey, M. 2015; 23 (3): 339-357

    View details for DOI 10.1080/09669582.2014.965176

    View details for Web of Science ID 000350175100001

  • Positive and Negative Effects of a Threatened Parrotfish on Reef Ecosystems CONSERVATION BIOLOGY McCauley, D. J., Young, H. S., Guevara, R., Williams, G. J., Power, E. A., Dunbar, R. B., Bird, D. W., Durham, W. H., Micheli, F. 2014; 28 (5): 1312-?

    Abstract

    Species that are strong interactors play disproportionately important roles in the dynamics of natural ecosystems. It has been proposed that their presence is necessary for positively shaping the structure and functioning of ecosystems. We evaluated this hypothesis using the case of the world's largest parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), a globally imperiled species. We used direct observation, animal tracking, and computer simulations to examine the diverse routes through which B. muricatum affects the diversity, dispersal, relative abundance, and survival of the corals that comprise the foundation of reef ecosystems. Our results suggest that this species can influence reef building corals in both positive and negative ways. Field observation and simulation outputs indicated that B. muricatum reduced the abundance of macroalgae that can outcompete corals, but they also feed directly on corals, decreasing coral abundance, diversity, and colony size. B. muricatum appeared to facilitate coral advancement by mechanically dispersing coral fragments and opening up bare space for coral settlement, but they also damaged adult corals and remobilized a large volume of potentially stressful carbonate sediment. The impacts this species has on reefs appears to be regulated in part by its abundance-the effects of B. muricatum were more intense in simulation scenarios populated with high densities of these fish. Observations conducted in regions with high and low predator (e.g., sharks) abundance generated results that are consistent with the hypothesis that these predators of B. muricatum may play a role in governing their abundance; thus, predation may modulate the intensity of the effects they have on reef dynamics. Overall our results illustrate that functionally unique and threatened species may not have universally positive impacts on ecosystems and that it may be necessary for environmental managers to consider the diverse effects of such species and the forces that mediate the strength of their influence.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/cobi.12314

    View details for Web of Science ID 000342668700001

  • Pushing back against paper-park pushers – Reply to Craigie et al. Biological Conservation McCauley, D., Power, E., Bird, D., Dunbar, R., Durham, W., Micheli, F., Young, H. 2014; 173

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.biocon.2014.02.030

  • Cruising for a bruising: challenges in sustainable capture of ecosystem service values from cruise ship tourism in Belize HANDBOOK ON THE ECONOMICS OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND BIODIVERSITY Seidl, A., Pratt, L., Honey, M., Durham, W. H., Slean, G., Bien, A., Nunes, P. A., Kumar, P., Dedeurwaerdere, T. 2014: 40–60

    View details for Web of Science ID 000353272400004

  • Conservation at the edges of the world BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION McCauley, D. J., Power, E. A., Bird, D. W., McInturff, A., Dunbar, R. B., Durham, W. H., Micheli, F., Young, H. S. 2013; 165: 139-145

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.biocon.2013.05.026

    View details for Web of Science ID 000323871700016

  • Farm-scale adaptation and vulnerability to environmental stresses: Insights from winegrowing in Northern California GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS Nicholas, K. A., Durham, W. H. 2012; 22 (2): 483-494

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2012.01.001

    View details for Web of Science ID 000304290100018

  • The effect of land use change and ecotourism on biodiversity: a case study of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, from 1985 to 2008 LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY Broadbent, E. N., Zambrano, A. M., Dirzo, R., Durham, W. H., Driscoll, L., Gallagher, P., Salters, R., Schultz, J., Colmenares, A., Randolph, S. G. 2012; 27 (5): 731-744

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s10980-012-9722-7

    View details for Web of Science ID 000303056100009

  • Shrouded in a fetishistic mist: commoditisation of sustainability in tourism International Journal of Tourism Anthropology Durham, W. H., Hunt, C. A. 2012

    View details for DOI 10.1504/IJTA.2012.052541

  • Ecotourism Impacts in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TOURISM RESEARCH Almeyda, A. M., Broadbent, E. N., Wyman, M. S., Durham, W. H. 2010; 12 (6): 803-819

    View details for DOI 10.1002/jtr.797

    View details for Web of Science ID 000284216100012

  • Anthropology and Environmental Policy: What Counts? AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST Charnley, S., Durham, W. H. 2010; 112 (3): 397-415

    View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1548-1433.2010.01248.x

    View details for Web of Science ID 000281211100024

  • Ecotourism and Conservation in the Americas (Book Review) TOURISM MANAGEMENT Book Review Authored by: Clarke, A. 2010; 31 (3): 447-447

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.tourman.2009.05.005

    View details for Web of Science ID 000274592000017

  • Fishing for Solutions: Ecotourism and Conservation in Galapagos National Park Ecotourism and conservation in the Americas Stronza, A., Durham, W. H. 2008; 7: 66-90
  • Fishing for Solutions: Ecotourism and Conservation in Galapagos National Park ECOTOURISM AND CONSERVATION IN THE AMERICAS Durham, W. H., Stronza, A., Durham, W. H. 2008: 66–90

    View details for DOI 10.1079/9781845934002.0066

    View details for Web of Science ID 000293124100006

  • ECOTOURISM AND CONSERVATION IN THE AMERICAS Preface ECOTOURISM AND CONSERVATION IN THE AMERICAS Stronza, A., Durham, W. H., Stronza, A., Durham, W. H. 2008: XII-XIV

    View details for Web of Science ID 000293124100001

  • The Elephant in the Room: Evolution in Anthropology General Anthropology Durham, W. 2007

    View details for DOI 10.1525/ga.2007.14.2.1a

  • Inbreeding, Incest and the Incest Taboo Wolf, A., Durham, W. H. Stanford University Press. 2006
  • Political ecology and environmental destruction in Latin America The social causes of environmental destruction in Latin America Durham, W. H. University of Michigan Press. 1995: 249–264
  • APPLICATIONS OF EVOLUTIONARY CULTURE THEORY ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANTHROPOLOGY DURHAM, W. H. 1992; 21: 331-355

    View details for Web of Science ID A1992JU63700014

  • INTERGROUP AGGRESSION IN CHIMPANZEES AND HUMANS CURRENT ANTHROPOLOGY Manson, J. H., Wrangham, R. W. 1991; 32 (4): 369-390

    View details for Web of Science ID A1991GH12500001

  • ADVANCES IN EVOLUTIONARY CULTURE THEORY ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANTHROPOLOGY DURHAM, W. H. 1990; 19: 187-210

    View details for Web of Science ID A1990EE93700008

  • Escaséz y Sobreviviencia en Centroamérica Scarcity and Survival in Central America Durham, W. H. UCA Editores. 1987
  • Testing the Malaria Hypothesis in West Africa Distribution and Evolution of Hemoglobin and Globin Loci Durham, W. H. 1983: 45-72
  • INTERACTIONS OF GENETIC AND CULTURAL-EVOLUTION - MODELS AND EXAMPLES HUMAN ECOLOGY DURHAM, W. H. 1982; 10 (3): 289-323

    View details for Web of Science ID A1982PW70300002

  • ADAPTIVE SIGNIFICANCE OF CULTURAL BEHAVIOR - REPLY HUMAN ECOLOGY DURHAM, W. H. 1977; 5 (1): 59-66

    View details for Web of Science ID A1977CZ97500006

  • ADAPTIVE SIGNIFICANCE OF CULTURAL BEHAVIOR HUMAN ECOLOGY DURHAM, W. H. 1976; 4 (2): 89-121

    View details for Web of Science ID A1976BV98100001

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1703-0412