My research focus is the cultural and utilitarian ways rural communities value wildlife with a focus on endangered apes in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I used mixed methods including doing interviews with community members and reconnaissance walks in adjacent village forests. My goal is to work for a conservation organization that partners with communities to find conservation solutions and implement initiatives that benefit both people and animals relevant to the local context.
I am Nyaradzo Hoto, an Ecologist and Biodiversity Supervisor with Akashinga – The Brave Ones, based in the Lower Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe. My professional focus is on biodiversity monitoring, ecological research, reforestation, and community-based conservation. I am particularly committed to advancing women’s leadership in conservation, promoting climate resilience, and integrating traditional knowledge with scientific approaches to achieve sustainable ecosystem management.
In recognition of my contribution to conservation, I received the IUCN International Ranger Award in 2022. I am currently enrolled in the WildTeam UK Project Planning for Wildlife Conservation course to enhance my expertise in strategic project design and adaptive management. I look forward to knowledge exchange and collaboration with fellow conservation professionals globally.
Loiruku Altapuai Mollel
Assistant Communication and Governance Officer, Honeyguide Foundation
I am Loiruku, a young person born into the Maasai community. I enjoy working with the pastoralist and farming communities because that is where my life began, and I love working with the community and I love wildlife.
Jigme Tshelthrim Wangyal
Regional and Membership Program Officer, Amphibians Specialist Group, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
For unintentionally setting free a non-venomous injured wolf snake from my room, my college mates call me Snake-man because by doing so, they assumed I endangered their lives. You can find me with wild animals in the mountains, valleys, or plains because our addresses are somehow the same. Outside my job, I do herping and anyone who wants information on this group of animals besides other biodiversity, climate, and social science can contact me any time. Rest, I follow Allan Rufus’ dictum “Life is like a sandwich, birth as one slice and death as the other. What you put in between the slices is up to you. Is your sandwich tasty or sour?” So, it is me who makes my sandwich! Education-wise, I have a PhD Ecosystem Management (University of New England, Armidale, Australia), MSc Biodiversity, Wildlife, and Ecosystem Health (Edinburgh University, Scotland, UK), PG Diploma (Hons), Wildlife Management (Wildlife Institute of India), BSc Forestry (Royal University of Bhutan), and High Standard Professional Certificate (Forest Rangers' Course), Northeast Forest Rangers' College, Jalukbari, Assam (now Central Academy for State Forest Service, Burnihat, Assam, India). All my life, I studied Nature Conservation and related Ecological and Environmental Sciences and live to see how rapidly they change. I can do many things many people can do!
I have been recently immortalized by a team of taxonomists from the British Museum as they named a torrent frog (Amolops wangyali) from eastern Bhutan after me based on the work I have done on Bhutan amphibians. Thus, frogs in military jackets around Trashigang may carry my name as their specific species epithet. But more than rejoicing, I feel stressed because I feel I should do more in this area and I don't have much time. So, you know...!
I’m a designer, communications professional and storyteller passionate about using creativity to inspire meaningful connection with the natural world. With 5+ years of interdisciplinary design experience, I bring ideas to life across mediums—from exhibit panels and interpretive graphics to websites, campaigns, and digital storytelling. My approach is concept-first and strategy-driven: every project starts with why, ensuring design is both meaningful and impactful.
I’ve partnered with mission-driven organizations like the ASPCA, cultural institutions like the Museum of the Earth, and brands like Converse, leading projects that span digital, print, and experiential touchpoints. I’ve launched campaigns, animated social motion graphics, edited copy, lead workshops, built responsive websites, and designed everything from annual reports to environmental graphics – all while keeping teams aligned and deadlines on track.
Before moving into design full-time, I was in the field: running outdoor education programs, banding saw-whet owls, checking deer track transects at dawn, and pit-tagging salamanders. Those experiences taught me the value of curiosity, patience, and translating complex environmental ideas into experiences people can actually connect with. That same rigor and care now guide every project I take on.
I blend digital precision through UI/UX, design systems, motion—with environmental storytelling, exhibit graphics, interpretive panels—to spark wonder, encourage stewardship, and leave lasting impressions. Storytelling has always been my guide, whether leading a kid through the rhythms of a forest or helping an organization share its values with the world.
If you’re passionate about using design to make people care—about ideas, nature, or your mission, I’d love to connect. Let’s make something meaningful together.
My name is Dr. Kassahun Berhanu, and I am a veterinarian based in Ethiopia. My country is rich in unique wildlife species, and I am passionate about conservation, zoonotic disease prevention, and community engagement.
Hello everyone
My name is Nyamni Bless Gur from Cameroon. Passionate about protecting wildlife and restoring habitats, I work on the ground to monitor and assess great apes population and the threats they face, particularly the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees and the Cross River Gorillas. I'm also passionate about conserving forests, and engaging local communities in our conservation efforts. I believe community based conservation practice is vital for a successful long-term management of these species.
I am an aspiring conservationist, with a deep passion for insular environments, and an interest in both terrestrial and marine animals. I have a strong background in fisheries, with a focus on bycatch of vulnerable species, and I am experienced in species ID and animal husbundry.
I just finished a placement as a research assistant for the Italian Research Council working on sustainable fisheries, but I am ready to jump back into hands-on conservation and I am soon starting a new internship in an island sanctuary in Seychelles.
I have worked with several species: 🦈🐬🐠🪸🦇🐢🦀🦋🦞🐋🦔🦊🦉🦆 In 6 different countries: 🇮🇹🇨🇾🇫🇷🇵🇹🇧🇪🇸🇨 And I can't wait to learn and explore even more, all while meeting fellow conservationists thanks to this amazing platform! :)
Justin Birkhoff
Vertebrate Conservation Coordinator, Global Center for Species Survival - Indianapolis Zoo
I am an enthusiastic and progressive conservation professional with over 15 years of experience in zoological institutions and conservation non-profits. I currently work as part of a unique partnership between the IUCN SSC and the Indianapolis Zoo as part of the Global Center for Species Survival. Throughout my career, I have focused on the role of zoos as conservation organizations, serving as a bridge between in situ and ex situ conservation. I am a firm supporter of the IUCN’s One Plan Approach to conservation. My range of experience provides a broad foundation to draw from and offers unique insights for problem-solving and partnership engagement. I have experience working for and with domestic and international conservation non-profits. My focus includes supporting the development of conservation skills, utilizing innovative tools, technologies, and approaches to tackle conservation challenges, and emphasizing the contributions of local communities to wildlife conservation. I strongly believe in the power of storytelling as a conservation tool. I am eager to connect with other conservationists and offer them support, skills, and training to aid in their ongoing work.
TONOUKOUIN Idelphonse
Protected Area & Biosphere Reserve Management Specialist, Graduate Researcher
Passionate about biodiversity and conservation, I hold a Master’s degree in Protected Area Management from the Regional Post-Graduate Training School on Integrated Management of Tropical Forests and Lands (ERAIFT), with specialized training at the School of Wildlife Specialists in Garoua. My background combines ecological fieldwork, community-based conservation, and data analysis using tools such as QGIS, R, SMART, EarthRanger, and KoboToolbox. I adapt easily to field conditions, communicate effectively with local communities, and enjoy collaborating in multidisciplinary teams. I’m driven by a strong commitment to advancing wildlife research, protecting habitats, and promoting sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
I am eager to join wildHub to help protect both people and wildlife by appying my skills in Environmental monitoring and public health. As Environmental Health Technician i see a unique opportunity to contribute to wildHub's mission of conserving wildlife and natural habitants while promoting sustainable practices that benefit local communities. My interest in wildHub stem from collaborative global network that brings together conservation professionals, scientists and practitioners. I believe this diverse community will help me grow professionally and effectively manage my NGO in environental protection. Specially i hope to contribute by appying my skills in Risk assessenent, waste management and public health education to support conservation projects. Iam particularly interested in addressing issues such as pollution control, water sanitation and prevention of zoonotic disease to create healther community and ecosystems.