Thirza Loffeld (She/Her)

I'm PhD student working on bats.I'm passionate for animals conservation.

Scientist transitioning to be a more applied, people-, and conservation-centric conservation technologist – ‘an expert with a vision and mission’.  Academic Advisor and General Manager at HOME | Lajuma Research Centre.  Overview The Lajuma Research Centre (LRC) is at the forefront of ecological research and conservation in Southern Africa, playing a crucial role in the study and protection of one of the continent's most unique and biodiverse regions. The centre is nestled within a 430-hectare expanse in the western part of the Soutpansberg mountain range in South Africa’s northernmost province of Limpopo, within the 5,000-hectare Luvhondo Private Nature Reserve. This reserve forms part of the UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, a designation as a Natural Heritage Site that underscores its global significance as a centre for endemism. Ecological Significance -        Topography and Climate: The Soutpansberg mountain range features altitudes ranging from 250 to 1,748 meters at top of Letjuma, creating a diverse range of microhabitats, spanning wetlands, thickets, grasslands, savanna, fynbos, and montane forests. The region's north-south topographical gradient and east-west rainfall gradient contribute to regional ecological heterogeneity. The mid-section of the 250 km long Soutpansberg mountain has an annual rainfall of up to 2000 mm while the rainfall in the western part can be as low as 340 mm/year. -        Biodiversity: The Soutpansberg is renowned for its botanical diversity. It is home to approximately 3,000 plant species from 1,066 genera, including 24 locally endemic species. The area has been recognized as a centre of endemism and floristic diversity. The Centre’s habitats support an impressive 145 species or 60% of all mammal species in South Africa, including the elusive leopard (Panthera pardus) and the rare Samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis). The rich biodiversity includes numerous bird species (56% of SAs bird species), amphibians, invertebrates, and reptiles (140 species), with numerous species endemic to the Soutpansberg mountain. -        All five primate species are found at LRC, providing unique opportunities to study interspecific interactions. Research and Education -        History and Founder: Established in the early 1990s by Professor Ian Gaigher, a seasoned zoologist with over 40 years of experience in research, teaching, and conservation, LRC has become a pivotal institution for ecological research. Professor Gaigher's vision was to create a centre where both local and international researchers could explore and contribute to the understanding of the region’s biodiversity. -        Academic Contributions: The Centre has hosted over 500 students from national and international institutions who participated in the Lajuma Programme, or conducted their own projects, publishing over 100 peer-reviewed articles. These students engage in a range of research activities, including internships, mini-projects, and higher-degree research (Honours, Masters, and PhD), significantly advancing our knowledge of the region's ecosystems and species. Conservation and Community Engagement UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve: The LRC is an integral part of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, which was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009. This designation highlights the region's importance for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Many of the Centre's staff are actively involved in the Reserve's governance and conservation efforts, ensuring that scientific research informs and supports effective conservation strategies. Mission and Goals Research, education, community outreach, and conservation. The Centre is dedicated to preserving biodiversity through innovative and sustainable solutions. This involves working closely with local communities to develop and implement strategies that minimize the impact of wildlife on human activities while ensuring the protection of both wildlife and natural habitats.

Aganze Eliud is a results-oriented information management, GIS, GBVIMS, ICT4D, AI ,  and ICT expert with 10 years of experience leveraging geospatial technologies to address complex conservation and humanitarian issues across Africa. He possesses a strong background in geographic data management, from collection and analysis to processing and modeling using ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, and other relevant tools. As a skilled trainer and collaborator, he has a proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including UN agencies, donors, IUCN, WWF, Humanitarian, and numerous NGOs, to design and implement impactful projects involving database management, cartography, data visualization, and the integration of satellite imagery for applications such as carbon emission monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and humanitarian assessment.

My name is VImbainashe Eunick Chitauro, a conservationist from Zimbabwe specializing in Conservation education. From a young age, I have been passionate about working with wildlife, and as I progressed in my career, I have come to understand the crucial link between wildlife and communities. My goal is to educate and equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills to become future custodians of biodiversity, carrying forward the important work already being done. With over 4 years of experience in the conservation field, I have had the privilege of educating over 5000 children and community members on conservation matters. I am eager to connect with conservationists from around the world to make a significant impact together. I believe that through collaboration, we can make a difference in preserving our planet's wildlife and natural resources.

Sharing stories with the world to reveal animal suffering | Communication & Hospitality Coordinator at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary | Project by FOUR PAWS

I am a BSc Environmental Science and MSc Climate Change and Environmental Policy graduate who has interned and volunteered at various environmental non-profits and campaigns as this is where I would like to work in the future. Through my work experience and time at university I have gained interpersonal and time management skills and learnt how to work both independently and as part of a team. I am extremely passionate about the environment and would love a job that enables me to be directly involved with helping to maintain it as I believe the environment should be our number one priority. My particular interest within the environmental sector is environmental campaigning and consultancy and the issues of climate change, deforestation, wildlife and ocean conservation and plastic pollution.

Hello! As a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist with over 4 years of experience in the international development sector, I am excited to push my boundaries and grow further. The course on Monitoring and Evaluation for Wildlife Conservation course presents an excellent opportunity for me to learn something new and also share with the Wild Hub Community.

I am a born and raised wildlife conservationist from birth, a student at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike, Abia state, Nigeria, I am deeply engaged in the study of forestry and environmental management. Additionally, I actively participate as a volunteer for the Nigerian Bird Atlas Project, a vital initiative led by the AP Leventis Ornithological Research Institute in Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria. Furthermore, I contribute my time and efforts as a volunteer at the Biodiversity Preservation Center in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. My passion for nature extends beyond my academic and volunteer commitments. I find joy in immersing myself in the wilderness, whether it be in the field or forest, where I engage in activities such as planting trees and capturing captivating photographs that showcase the beauty of our natural world. My passion lies at the intersection of wildlife conservation, environmental management, and ornithology. I am dedicated to making a positive impact on our planet and its diverse ecosystems. 🦁🐍🦅🌳 Feel free to connect with me via the following platforms: Twitter: Happiness Eniang  Facebook: Happiness Eniang

I am Opeyemi Blessing OYAWALE, a first-class wildlife and ecotourism management graduate from the prestigious University of Ibadan, Nigeria, fueled by a deep passion for wildlife research and conservation consultancy. My academic journey has been a quest to understand and contribute to the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world. With a firm foundation in wildlife and ecotourism management, I am on a dedicated path towards becoming a wildlife researcher and consultant. Motivated by my curiosity to explore the complex lives of wildlife, I want to establish a name for myself as a researcher and provide accurate evaluation for conservation initiatives. In addition, my goal is to provide sustainable practice consultations that help close the gap between human activity and the health of the various ecosystems on our planet. I'm continually looking for scholarship opportunities to further my education overseas as part of my quest for excellence. By doing this, I hope to improve my perspectives on the world, my knowledge, and my abilities, positioning myself to have a bigger influence in the field of wildlife research and conservation. My vision includes promoting responsible wildlife management, becoming a catalyst for positive change, and encouraging peaceful cohabitation between people and the natural world. I'm eager to connect with fellow researchers, conservationists, and professionals in related fields. Whether you share a similar passion or have insights to offer, I welcome the opportunity to build meaningful connections and explore collaborations that contribute to the betterment of our environment. I would love to connect with you if you share my enthusiasm for wildlife research and conservation consulting, and if you have any insider knowledge regarding scholarship chances. Please get in touch, and together we can set out on a mission to change the world we live in for the better. Thank you for stopping by, and I look forward to connecting with you and like-minded individuals who share a commitment to wildlife preservation

I'm a conservation entrepreneur. I helped start: 1) Freshwater Life, which protects the most endangered freshwater species from extinction by eradicating invasive fish. 2) Island Conservation and Conservación de Islas, which combined have protected over 460 species from extinction and formed 1,665,000ha of marine and island protected areas. 3) Conservation Metrics, a for-profit social venture that uses machine learning tools to analyze sensor-derived big data on wildlife populations, and drive iterative improvements in conservation. 4) Henry Arnhold Fellows Program, which finds great people with proven conservation solutions and helps them take those solutions to scale. 5) Conservation Action Lab, which trained 27 grad students and post docs now doing cool stuff in conservation and academia- and publishes lots of papers on conservation and ecology. 6) Coastal Science & Policy Program at UCSC which trains new conservation leaders from all over the world. I have a: B.S. in biology from the UC, Santa Cruz; M.S. in marine sciences from Moss Landing Marine Labs; and, Ph.D. in neurobiology and behavior from Cornell University.