I am an Ecologist deeply passionate about understanding the behavioural strategies small mammals use to survive in seasonally food-restricted environments. I completed my Master’s degree in Behavioral Ecology at the University of Witwatersrand, where my research was on the behavior of bush Karoo rats (Otomys unisulcatus) in Namaqualand, South Africa. My study focused on the "plantong" these rodents collect, exploring whether this behavior is an adaptive response to seasonal harshness or simply a by-product of their foraging activities. This research was driven by my desire to uncover how these food specialists manage to thrive in the challenging conditions of the Succulent Karoo semi-deserts.
I have also touched base on a few things: looking at how acacia trees influence grass species around them, using biocontrol agent for plants that are invasive to freshwater systems, rangeland ecology, reforestation of forest back to their natural state, land use by small mammals, using camera traps to understand behavior and diurnal range of small mammals.
Something interesting about me is that I always look like I am angry/frowning, trust me I am not. It’s just that I’m bit sensitive to bright light.
Flavia Manieri
WildHub Community Advocates Coordinator|Interdisciplinary Researcher, Uppsala University
Since July 2025, I have been serving as the Community Advocates Coordinator at WildHub, where I coordinate initiatives to engage, support, and empower our community advocates in advancing WH’s mission.
Beyond WildHub, I wear a few different hats. I work as a researcher and lecturer in Sweden, teaching courses on environmental law, political and historical ecology, and disaster risk management. I also mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students, collaborate with faculty members, and contribute to ongoing research projects.
I’m passionate about giving back through volunteer work. I support a few conservation and animal welfare organisations with research and advocacy to help drive positive change. When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking forest trails with my dog or enjoying a good cup of coffee.
Hi wild team my name is Cyprian Chisi, and I am excited to join this vibrant network of conservation professionals. I have just completed my BSc degree in Natural Resource Management (Wildlife & Ecotourism), from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, i also hold a Diploma in Environmental Management. i specialised in wildlife management, GIS and Remote sensing, Research,Biodiversity conservation, ornithology, ecosystem managment, watershed and wetland management, eco tourism planing, environmental education, population ecology and sustainable land mangement.
I expect to connect with experts, professionals and mentors here at WildHub and this will help me to find more opportunities in conservation journey like partnerships, funding, scholarships, learning, internships and leadership development as well as job opportunities.
Nervours Daka
Donor Relations Specialist, AFRICAN HEALTH VOLUNTEERS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE RESCUE AND REFERRALS PARTNERSHIPS
Hello there
I am a Donor relations specialist and grant writer learner eager to learn more about conservation organizations and the grant writing process that supports writing winning project proposals for conservation projects and non-conservation projects in Africa, particularly Zambia with a focus on biodiversity conservation, wildlife conservation health and community development projects
Dauson is a social entrepreneur, Founder and Director of Tanzania Eco-Tech And Conservation Hub (TEACH). He has experience of working in Conservation projects and integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in development programs.
I am the project coordinator of the Wildlife Forensic Fund. We help combat wildlife crime by funding the training of first responders to preserve evidence and take them to court successfully. We are eager to connect with wildlife forensics enthusiasts.
Brighton Chilekeni
CEO/Founder , tech4wild, Lumezi Safaris & Tours, Chile Farms and Tina Villa Park
Brighton Chilekeni: A Distinguished and Relentless African (Zambian) Leader
Brighton Chilekeni’s career embodies a truly pan-African commitment to preserving Africa’s natural heritage while pioneering sustainable business ventures. A well-trained military professional, he has forged a formidable reputation at the forefront of climate finance, community-driven conservation, technological innovation, and strategic tourism, with a proven operational footprint across multiple African nations.
A Pan-African Journey Forged in Passion, Vision, and Discipline
His distinguished career spans the iconic landscapes of Africa, having designed and executed critical conservation programs in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. This extensive field experience is underpinned by a background as a well-trained military professional, blending frontline pragmatism with academic rigor and strategic discipline. This unique journey—which includes being recognized as the youngest conservation professional to receive acclaim in Kenya—has equipped him with an unparalleled continental perspective. He now applies this insight to a landmark climate initiative while leading multiple visionary ventures.
Core Identity: The CEO, Leader & Advisor
· Entrepreneurial Leadership: Founder & CEO of Tech4Wildlife, a pioneering project dedicated to revolutionizing conservation law enforcement through the adoption and mastery of advanced technology.
· Climate Finance Leadership: A key leader in one of the world’s most ambitious carbon conservation projects—the first-ever REDD+ project in Zambia, the largest in Africa by hectarage, and the third-largest globally.
· Wildlife Law Enforcement & Security Advisor: A trusted expert advisor in wildlife law enforcement, providing strategic guidance on anti-poaching operations, counter-trafficking initiatives, and the integration of technology into field security protocols.
· Tourism & Hospitality Visionary: Owner and Founder of Lumezi Safaris and Tours, a premier agency led by Brighton himself as an expert tour guide. It specializes in curated travel experiences, expert tourism advice, and strategic consulting for visitors seeking to explore the heart of Africa.
· Agricultural & Game Ranching Innovator: Founder of Chile Farms, an ambitious agricultural project with a clear vision to become a leading game ranch and a benchmark for sustainable farming and wildlife management.
· Real Estate Developer: Founder of Tina Villa Park, a dynamic real estate venture offering high-quality flats and houses for rent and sale, creating modern, comfortable living spaces and fostering community development
A Dynamic and Comprehensive Skill Set
Brighton’s expertise is a powerful fusion of strategic leadership, entrepreneurial vision, deep technical proficiency, and military-grade discipline.
🚀 Visionary Leadership & Strategic Advisory
· Conservation Technology Entrepreneurship: As the CEO of Tech4Wildlife, he actively drives innovation, identifies technological gaps, and creates solutions to combat poaching and enhance field efficiency.
· Large-Scale Carbon Project Management: Proven ability to lead and manage complex operations for a record-setting, continent-leading REDD+ project, driving significant climate finance and community benefits.
· Strategic Security & Law Enforcement: Leveraging his military training, he provides expert-level guidance on integrating technology and tactical protocols into law enforcement operations for maximum impact and personnel safety.
· Pan-African Operational Expertise: Possesses a deep, practical understanding of conservation dynamics and stakeholder engagement across diverse ecosystems in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
🛠️ Advanced Conservation Technology & Field Mastery
· Technology Integration Specialist: Expert in the end-to-end deployment of conservation tech stacks, including SMART, EarthRanger, GIS, Cybertracker, and Garmin inReach.
· Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverages spatial data and real-time analytics from platforms like EarthRanger and GIS to guide patrols, model threats, and allocate resources strategically.
· Field Tool Proficiency: Mastery in configuring and using field tools like Cybertracker for data collection and Garmin inReach for team safety and coordination.
· Conservation Fire Management Expert: Skilled in the strategic use and control of fire as a ecological management tool to maintain healthy ecosystems, prevent destructive wildfires, and enhance habitat for wildlife.
🌍 Strategic Field Operations, Tourism & Impact
· Anti-Poaching & Wildlife Trafficking Prevention: Designs and advises on technology-enhanced, intelligence-led law enforcement operations that are proactive and highly effective, with specialized expertise in disrupting wildlife trafficking networks.
· Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation: Implements practical, community-driven solutions supported by technological monitoring.
· Elite Tourism & Guided Experiences: Through Lumezi Safaris and Tours, Brighton leverages his extensive continental network and profound ecological knowledge as an expert guide to provide unparalleled travel experiences. He offers expert consulting and curates journeys that showcase Africa's breathtaking beauty, promote eco-tourism, and support local economies.
· Game Ranching Expertise: Applies deep knowledge of sustainable wildlife management and breeding practices at Chile Farms, contributing to conservation, economic diversification, and ecological balance.
In Summary: The Architect of a Sustainable, Tech-Enabled Future
Brighton Chilekeni is a comprehensive architect of the future for conservation, tourism, and sustainable business in Africa. He operates at a unique and powerful intersection:
· As a CEO and Founder, he is building the tools (Tech4Wildlife), showcasing the beauty (Lumezi Safaris), developing communities (Tina Villa Park), and innovating in agriculture and game management (Chile Farms).
· As a Climate Leader, he is at the helm of a groundbreaking African carbon project, channeling international finance into vital conservation and community development.
· As a Strategic Advisor and Expert, his military background, early recognition, and pan-African experience instills a culture of discipline, resilience, and strategic execution. His specialized command in wildlife law enforcement, anti-trafficking, guided tourism, game ranching, and fire management makes him a uniquely versatile asset.
Brighton Chilekeni is not just participating in Africa's progress; he is actively leading its evolution, making him an invaluable visionary and a driving force for change across the continent.
Suhail Bashir
Environmental Consultant, WildHub Community Advocate, ENS Environmnetal Consultancy Sharjah
Experienced Environmental Engineer/Consultant with a proven track record of leading successful environmental initiatives and delivering sustainable solutions. My expertise encompasses a diverse range of areas, including Baseline Studies, Environment Impact Assessments (EIA/IEE/ESIA), Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Environmental Conservation & Sustainability.
Currently, I am making a significant impact as an Environmental Engineer/Consultant at one of the leading Environmental Consultancy, specializing in preparing comprehensive environmental study reports for clients primarily from Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah and Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority Dubai. These reports play a crucial role in promoting environmental compliance and sustainable practices within the industry.
Conservation
My area of interest in primate behaviors, not only because I have a background in zoology and conservation but also as someone who spent most of my time with primates. Moreover, I have some skills related to people vs wildlife conflict around PAs. currently, I'm working as a research assistant in mountain gorilla behavior data collection at Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund | Rwanda.
As a promoter of culture and diversity, Gerald Nkusi is a travel ecopreneur with Adventure Afrika and founder of Home of Kigezi (a Museum of Living Culture and Natural History), Nkunga Eco Village, and the Food Forest Africa movement. His roots and home are in Kisoro, a part of the Kigezi region in Uganda. Starting as a waiter trading long nights of work for education at the famous Makerere University 2006 and a US Exchange Alumni-IVLP 2017, he has transformed into a local and global actor in the cultural heritage and conservation space. Gerald's Food Forest Africa movement is revolutionizing the use of small and waste spaces for food, health, education and environment to help counter food insecurity, poor nutrition, and the degradation of natural resources.
I'm thrilled to be a part of WildHub as I embark on an exciting journey in the world of wildlife conservation project management. With a deep passion for preserving our planet's precious biodiversity. Let's work together to make a positive impact on wildlife and their habitats!"
ISLAMIAT RAJI
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Biology Department, Queen's University, Ontario Canada
I hold a bachelor’s degree in forestry and wildlife management, a master’s degree in Conservation Biology, and a Ph.D. in Ecological Sciences from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the biology department at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. I am a passionate conservation biologist and educator. My work focuses on fostering community participation and inclusiveness in conservation efforts. With a deep love for nature and a commitment to research and fieldwork, I specialize in conducting behavioural studies that contribute to understanding the intricate relationships between biodiversity and their environments. My research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including plant and animal interactions, urban birds, land use changes, and recently an interest in the human dimension of conservation. My commitment extends beyond research and academic responsibilities, as I find fulfilment in coaching and mentoring youth, advocating for access, diversity, equity and inclusion in academia and conservation.
I am a third-year student at African Leadership University pursuing a Bachelor of Global Challenges degree, graduating in June 2024. I'm passionate about working in the environmental and wildlife conservation industry to use skills gained from my tertiary education and make a difference as a research professional. I previously worked as a research intern on Land use activities at ALU School of wildlife conservation. And I gained hands-on experience working with writing case studies, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and working and communicating professionally.
I am a young career multidisciplinary scientist with a Bsc Fisheries and Aquaculture and highly interested in sustainability options including wildlife conservation and environmental protection. I also have professional experience in international development, fisheries and Aquaculture, research and climate change mitigation and adaptation awaiting my first assignment as a technical expert reviewer of the UNFCCC.