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 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 is a distinguished and relentless conservation leader, whose career embodies a truly pan-African commitment to preserving the continent's natural heritage. Hailing from South Africa and now operating from Zambia, Brighton has forged a reputation as a formidable expert, now operating at the forefront of climate finance, community-driven conservation, and technological innovation.
A Continental Journey Forged in Passion & Vision
His international career began in the iconic landscapes of Kenya in 2018, where his passion for wildlife was ignited. He then honed his expertise through advanced conservation studies in Botswana. This unique journey has equipped him with an unparalleled continental perspective, which he now applies to one of the world's most ambitious forest conservation programs while also leading his own visionary venture.
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.
· Corporate Leadership: Project Conservation Officer at BioCarbon Partners (BCP), managing the groundbreaking Luangwa Community Forest Program (LCFP).
· Project Significance (LCFP): A landmark global project where Brighton leads conservation efforts for the:
· First REDD+ project in Zambia and Africa.
· Largest REDD+ project in Africa by area.
· Second-largest REDD+ project in the world.
· Geographic Scope: Manages and coordinates complex conservation operations across a vast landscape spanning three provinces in Zambia: Eastern, Muchinga, and Central.
A Dynamic and Comprehensive Skill Set
Brighton’s expertise is a powerful fusion of strategic leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and deep technical proficiency.
🚀 Visionary Leadership & Innovation
· Conservation Technology Entrepreneurship: As the CEO of Tech4Wildlife, he is actively driving innovation, identifying technological gaps, and creating solutions to combat poaching and enhance field efficiency.
· Capacity Building & Knowledge Transfer: The core mission of Tech4Wildlife is to "sharpen teams with knowledge," demonstrating a commitment to empowering entire organizations and ranger forces through training and technology adoption.
· Large-Scale Program Management: Proven ability to lead and manage multi-province conservation efforts for a world-record-setting REDD+ project at BCP.
· Strategic Law Enforcement Advising: Provides expert-level guidance on integrating technology into law enforcement protocols for maximum impact.
🛠️ Advanced Conservation Technology & Data Intelligence
· 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.
🌍 Strategic Field Operations & Impact
· Anti-Poaching Strategy: Designs and advises on technology-enhanced law enforcement operations that are proactive, intelligence-led, and highly effective.
· Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation: Implements practical, community-driven solutions supported by technological monitoring.
· Stakeholder & Community Engagement: Excels at building collaborative partnerships with communities, government, and traditional leadership across complex, multi-province areas.
In Summary: The Architect of a Tech-Enabled Conservation Future
Brighton Chilekeni has evolved from a frontline expert into an architect of the future of conservation. He operates at a unique intersection:
· As a CEO, he is building the tools and knowledge base to arm conservationists against modern threats.
· As a Project Leader, he is applying that same tech-first mindset to protect one of the world's most significant carbon and biodiversity sinks.
· As an Advisor, he is shaping the very strategies that make conservation efforts smarter, safer, and more successful.
His work demonstrates a powerful, three-part model: protect vast landscapes (BCP), empower local communities (LCFP), and revolutionize the tools of the trade (Tech4Wildlife). Brighton is not just participating in conservation; he is actively leading its evolution, making him an invaluable visionary and a driving force for change in the global conservation arena.
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.