Dr Niall McCann is a National Geographic Explorer and broadcaster, who has been a pioneer of extreme adventure and global conservation for the past 20 years.

DR. Niall McCann

“I truly believe that we can achieve excellence in essentially any field we turn our minds to, if we have the dedication, the determination and the drive to do so.” — Niall McCann

Described by Sir David Attenborough as “a world authority from the frontline”, Dr Niall McCann is a National Geographic Explorer focusing on anti-poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, with ongoing projects in Africa and Latin America. Niall is a seasoned adventurer who has rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, skied across Greenland, cycled over the Himalayas, and been on multiple rock climbing and mountaineering trips around the world. He is also an award-winning wildlife TV presenter with shows on the BBC, PBS, Animal Planet Canada, Nat Geo Wild, the Discovery Channel and Ecoflix, most recently with a strong focus on climate change and human-wildlife conflict.  

Niall has a PhD in Conservation Biology and has led biological research expeditions in jungle environments for the past 20 years. Niall is the Executive Director for National Park Rescue, a direct-action conservation organization protecting some of the most threatened national parks in Africa, and is co-Chair of the global EndPandemics Alliance. In addition to his day-to-day work in conservation, Niall lobbies the UK government to put conservation and the environment at the heart of their International Development Aid strategy, and is involved in multiple projects at the nexus between innovative finance and conservation. 

Niall had a fulsome adventure career, apparently cut short when he broke his back in a speed flying accident in 2016. After learning how to walk again, he joined the Mountain Rescue team that rescued him, and continues to pursue adventure and exploration around the world, despite the ongoing effects of a spinal cord injury.  

Outside of work, Niall sits on the Expert Advisory Panel for The Earthshot Prize, he has been a Trustee of the Royal Geographical Society, Ecoflix and the Wallacea Trust, an Ambassador for the British Inspiration Trust, Millimetres2Mountains and Smash Life, an active member of the Brecon Mountain Rescue team, and is an avid outdoor enthusiast.

  • Leadership • Endurance • Overcoming Adversity • Expeditions • Extreme Environments • Climate Change • Nature • Nature Protection and Restoration • Endangered Species

  • Keynote Workshop Interview Breakout Panel

  • • Protecting the Planet - In “Protecting the Planet” Niall takes us on a journey into the jungles, deserts, rivers and savannahs on five continents, a career that has led Niall to be described by Sir David Attenborough as “a world authority from the frontline”.

    From researching some of the most endangered species on earth, to running anti-poaching operations in Africa, via capturing man-eating crocodiles, dodging drug gangs and pressuring politicians at home and abroad, Niall’s talk is packed with adventure and insights from over 20 years of living and working on the conservation frontline.

    Beautifully illustrated with images from his work, “Protecting the Planet” is a story of leadership, a celebration of the natural world, a homage to the power of storytelling, and a rallying cry for people to fight for our shared natural heritage.

    • No Limits - In “No Limits” Niall takes us on a journey to the most inhospitable parts of the earth, leading expeditions across oceans and icecaps, and into jungles and mountain ranges all around the world.

    After breaking his back in a speedflying accident, Niall learned how to walk again, joined the Mountain Rescue team that rescued him, led an all-disabled team across Iceland’s vast Vatnajokull Icecap, and continues to push mental and physical boundaries in pursuit of adventure and inspiration.

    Beautifully illustrated with images from his expeditions, “No Limits” is a story of leadership, determination and endurance, of a life spent pushing the limits, and of overcoming a life-changing injury to return to the mountains as both an adventurer and a Mountain Rescuer.

TESTIMONIALS

“Niall's speech was fantastic, inspirational and perfectly pitched.”

— Matthew Hulks, nPower


“Niall's talk got top marks for content, delivery and illustration.”

— John Hemming, Royal Geographical Society