I have just completed my bachelors degree of Geographical Sciences from Makerere University Kampala, Uganda with a second class upper honors (CGPA 4.17). I specialized in physical geography with key modules of Geographical Information Systems (GIS)/Remote sensing, Environmental disaster management, Geomorphology, ecosystems science and Earth Sciences. My research dissertation was titled "Analyzing the implications of wetland degradation on livelihoods in the river Rwizi middle catchment area, South Western Uganda".
I am interested in advancing my academics by doing a masters in Environment management field and further to a PhD.
I have also just founded a non-government organization called Green-nut Foundation which is aimed at contributing to efforts in environmental restoration and conservation. It has been certified to commence its activities in April 2024.
I expect to connect with experts, professionals and mentors here at WildHub and this will open for me more opportunities like partnerships, funding, scholarships, learning, internships and leadership development.
Hi!
I'm Ashling, an MSc Wild Animal Biology graduate with two years of experience in academic publishing. During this time, I have gained invaluable insights and skills in this field, however, I am now eager to align my professional experience, academic background, and passion for conservation.
I have a strong interest in animal behaviour and conversation. I would be keen to further my experience in undertaking and carrying out behavioural research projects in the field. I am also keen to develop my skills in wildlife project management.
I hope to one day be a behavioural and welfare researcher at a zoo to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts and apply my existing expertise while continually learning and growing my skills.
In my free time, I love to go on hikes, horse ride, scuba dive, read, and crochet.
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.
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.
Marta Villasán Barroso
Biodiversity Conservation Biologist , Ecoenergías del Guadiana / Fauna&Vida NGO / SEO BirdLife
I'm from Badajoz, a little city near Portugal at Extremadura, Spain. I love my region because is plenty of wild nature, birds, forests, rivers... but is endangered too.
I have a BSc in Biology and a MSc in Biodiversity Conservation. I have more than 15 years of experience in Environmental Education with school kids and the general public. I'm interested in all related topics about ecology, conservation and all living creatures and their relationships, that makes possible the life on Earth.
I have worked in Paraguay granted by University of Salamanca and UNESCO Chair "Education for Sustainable Development: Strengthening lines of research in the area of biodiversity and the link with society". My duties were teaching experiments design and basic biostatistics at UNA (Universidad Nacional de Asunción); doing a biodiversity's bird research at the San Rafael National Park (the major Atlantic Forest patch remaining), ringing birds and teaching young students how to carry out a basic research; and doing environmental education with young child and population living at the natural park influence area.
I stayed at Madeira (Portugal) working on two LIFE projects, one to protect the endemic sparrowhawk "Furabardos" and the other to take care of marine birds. The LIFE projects are the UE tool to support and fund the conservation on their territories.
Later I have devoted to natural ecotourism at Extremadura (Spain) and scuba diving tourism at Sharm el Shaik (Egypt), in addition to environmental education, or little research and consultancy tasks. I have a youtube channel to outreach environmental issues and my own talks. Is in Spanish, but if you want you could take a look at it.
Currently, I have a job at an environmental consulting at Extremadura (Spain), working about the compensatory measures to take during and after the construction of photovoltaic plants. I take care of bird nests, mitigation and prevention of bird and bat mortality at the high voltage lines, soil restoration, reforestation, etc. I'm glad to carry out this work because I'm sure I'm doing the best to protect the nature while the construction of renewable energy plants are trying to reduce the climate change.
In addition, I take part from two NGOs: Fauna&Vida, a environmental conservation and education organization from Paraguay, where I'm currently the Education and conservation programs Director, and SEO/BirdLife, the ornithological society to protect birds, where I coordinate the volunteer group in my city.
Hello, I have worked in conservation for about 30 years, having started out as a volunteer in Wales and Scotland. My first roles were as a Wildlife Warden and Ranger in Dorset and Derbyshire and then in Project Management for community environmental projects. I now work for Dorset Wildlife Trust as their Urban Green Project Officer, engaging with underserved communities, BAME and particularly 16-24 year olds. The aim of the project is to empower communities to take an active interest in their local green spaces for conservation and well being.
Meghan Kautzer
Environmental Conservation Professional MS Program Coordinator, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
I'm a biodiversity consultant working mainly in the corporate space. I work with large companies to help them figure out their nature-related impacts, dependancies, risks and opportunities, then use this information to create biodiversity strategies.
I am a passionate individual dedicated to ensuring wildlife and wild places are here for years to come in an equitable and sustainable way. An animal lover all my life, it made sense that I would pursue a career focused on the wellbeing and conservation of wildlife. Once I obtained my B.S. in Animal Science, I moved to Birmingham, Alabama to work at the Birmingham Zoo with African mammals. During my time as a zookeeper, I focused much of my energy on educating the public by communicating information to generate understanding and create compassionate attitudes for endangered wildlife and conservation priorities. My natural ability to make connections with people led me to use my time to engage the public and coordinate partner priorities as the Operations Manager for the Global Conservation Corps where I worked both individually and as a team to increase support conservation education and boots-on-the-ground efforts. Additionally, I also acted as the Bowling For Rhinos Communication Liaison with the American Association of Zookeepers where I coordinated communication and connections with field conservationists and zoo professionals. Recently I returned home to Columbus, Ohio to focus on completing my Master’s degree in Conservation Biology through Miami University of Ohio’s Project Dragonfly studying attitudes and participation in conservation while also coordinating collaborative conservation initiatives with university professors, zookeepers, and community members.