My work focuses on the conservation of endangered species in the Ethiopian Highlands. I am particularly interested in integrating habitat suitability modeling, behavioral ecology, and land use/land cover change analysis to support wildlife conservation and management initiatives.

I am an experienced Research Scientist- Botanist with a proven track record of project management and successful floristic surveys. I am competent in preparing and executing project plans to ensure that every opportunity to promote the scientific contribution and preservation and conservation of Biodiversity. I looking at combining my knowledge in botany to understand wildlife conservation through their interactions and stakeholder engagement in managing and conserving the wildlife in Kenya and globaly

Nature conservation graduate, pursuing my honours in environmental management 

Hello! I'm Rebecca, and I am currently Course Leader for Higher Education at East Durham College. I decided to join MSc Primate Conservation after being inspired during my BSc in Animal Conservation Science. I found a book called "Gorillas in the Mist" and I had a lightbulb moment - primates! I had found my niche. This was confirmed later when I travelled to The Gambia to census the critically endangered Procolobus badius temmincki, during my thesis studying the Callithrix jacchus, and travelling to India to work in a rehabilitation centre for grey langurs and macaques.  I absolutely loved the MSc. It broadened my knowledge, increased my opportunities and really kickstarted my professional career. The lecturers are some of the best the field and it was a privilege to be brushing shoulders with such hard-working academics on a daily basis. I conducted my MSc thesis research at Blackpool Zoo, focusing on Gorilla gorilla gorilla social relationships and enclosure use. The chance to work with this charismatic species was a dream come true! The research has helped the zoo redevelop their gorilla enclosure, using my data to make informed decisions. I am also very happy to be part of a fledgeling, yet crucial organisation: Mountain Marmosets Conservation Program. As part of the Core Operation and Development Team, I am responsible for applying for grants, coordinating a team of students to develop a workshop planning meeting, and researching anything and everything about marmosets! This wonderful program is aiming to help develop an Action Plan to help save the endangered marmoset species' Callithrix aurita and Callithrix flaviceps. I hope to become even more involved with the program as we progress. Finally, I hope to progress onto a PhD within the next five years, developing my expertise and skills in primate conservation. Stay tuned for more primate related content! 

Wiem Boussellaa is a dedicated marine biologist researcher from Tunisia, specializing in marine conservation and the management of marine ecosystems. With a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences, Wiem has contributed significantly to projects aimed at preserving marine life. Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples, Italy, their work focuses on the energy expenditure and ecology of sea turtles during swimming. Wiem has held key roles in various marine conservation projects, including the Life MedTurtles project at the Faculty of Sciences of Sfax and the Deep Blue project with OGS. As a member of the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) and a project manager for the Tunisian Taxonomy Association (ATUTAX), Wiem has actively participated in the fight against ghost fishing and has been instrumental in developing a National Code of Conduct for Ghost Gear Management in Tunisia. Throughout their career, Wiem has authored several publications on marine ecosystems and conservation and has been recognized for several innovative contributions to the field. With extensive experience in project management, scientific research, and international collaboration, they continue to drive impactful conservation efforts within the Mediterranean region. 

Grey completed their MA in Asian Studies at Florida International University, with a focus on Daoism and Animals, and a BA in Psychology, emphasizing coursework in behavior analysis, animal cognition, and neuropsychology. Before Wild Animal Initiative, Grey served as an academic advisor, naturalist, zookeeper, and dog trainer. Grey is based in Florida, US.