Thrilled to report on Robin’s successful defense of his PhD dissertation on 11 September 2025. Robin’s dissertation entitled “Population trends and dynamics, reproductive ecology, and management of Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger) in the middle Solimoes River, Mamiraua Reserve, Brazil” included 3 data chapters and an extensive introduction reviewing the life history, management and conservation of the target species – the Black Caiman. Robin has distinguished himself as one of the world’s experts on the species, and caiman in general. He is on IUCN’s Specialist Group for Crocodiles and the IUCN Conservation Planning Group. We look forward to his next adventures as he works passionately for caiman conservation and community-based conservation in the Amazon basin.