Md. Sabbir Ahammed is an enthusiastic post-graduate student with an unwavering passion for wildlife conservation and a specific focus on herpetofauna research. He was born and raised in a small village surrounded by nature, where he developed a deep connection with the environment from a young age. His fascination with reptiles and amphibians began early in childhood, fostering a lifelong passion for these often misunderstood creatures, which led him to pursue a degree in Zoology at the Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh.
Sabbir has actively shaped his academic journey to specialize in herpetofauna research. Eager to contribute to the understanding and conservation of reptiles and amphibians, he is engaged in various research projects related to his chosen field. His determination led him to work alongside esteemed herpetologists, studying the behavior, ecology, and conservation needs of diverse amphibian and reptile species. As a result, he completed both of his undergraduate term papers on herpetofauna.
Sabbir's commitment to wildlife conservation extends beyond the classroom and laboratory. Driven by a sense of responsibility for the Earth's ecosystems, Sabbir became involved in various campus organizations dedicated to environmental causes, including the Nature Study and Conservation Club (NSCC), Department of Zoology, Jagannath University. He plays a key role in organizing awareness campaigns, seminars, and educational workshops to inspire his peers to participate actively in conservation efforts. By fostering a sense of understanding and appreciation, he strives to bridge the gap between humans and these essential components of ecosystems.
Apart from working on various research projects on different wildlife as a volunteer and research assistant, he is a grantee of The Explorers Club (awarded the Rising Explorer Club grant in 2023 and 2024). Currently, he is the principal investigator of a project focused on lizard diversity and their conservation.
Driven by a desire to share his knowledge, Sabbir actively maintains a social media presence dedicated to herpetofauna and other wildlife conservation. His engaging content not only educates the public but also inspires others to join the cause and protect biodiversity.
As he advances in his undergraduate studies, his goal is to contribute meaningful research that informs conservation strategies for herpetofauna. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for preserving biodiversity, he envisions a future where reptiles and amphibians are respected and actively safeguarded for upcoming generations.
My career in conservation, research, and community relations started with the CLP-funded Calayan Rail Project as a field volunteer in 2008, focusing on its Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaigns. I then followed it up with a wildlife surveying stint for the Tungtong River Conservation Project in Antipolo and as a mountain guide for a National Geographic-funded research study conducted by Dr. Tim Gallaher of the University of Hawaii. I was also the lead researcher for BAN Toxics in 2013, where I surveyed several artisanal small-scale gold mining communities across the country, measuring gaseous mercury emissions, conducting focus group discussions, and writing academic reports. I was a former Education and Research Head of the UP Mountaineers, where I was often deployed as a pro-bono lecturer in subjects such as ecotourism, basic mountaineering courses, and local guides training. Since my UPM appointment to helm its Sierra Madre Nature Trail Project in 2019, I have led multi-day trail explorations, liaised with local government units, consulted with indigenous peoples’ communities and leadership, and maintained a network of shareholders across the Sierra Madre. Quite recently, I was also involved with the Mt. Balagbag Reforestation and Empowerment project of the Philippine Parks and Biodiversity Conservation Society.
At this time, I work as a project coordinator for the Talarak Foundation's Mindoro Warty Pig Conservation Project. I am the consulting Reforestation Manager for the SJDM Carbon Forest as well, working with Earth Recovery Action. In between and around these two, I craft grant and project proposals for the Sierra Madre Conservation Society, which I co-founded 2024.
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...!
Frantz ZEBAZE NGUETSY
Educator/Social entrepreneur/Environmentalist, Sangmelima Resilience Association
Vimbainashe Eunick
Conservationist, Conservation education practitioner , WildEdZim Consultancy
My name is VImbainashe Eunick Chitauro, a conservationist from Zimbabwe specializing in Conservation education. From a young age, I have been passionate about working with wildlife, and as I progressed in my career, I have come to understand the crucial link between wildlife and communities.
My goal is to educate and equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills to become future custodians of biodiversity, carrying forward the important work already being done. With over 4 years of experience in the conservation field, I have had the privilege of educating over 5000 children and community members on conservation matters.
I am eager to connect with conservationists from around the world to make a significant impact together. I believe that through collaboration, we can make a difference in preserving our planet's wildlife and natural resources.
am Iman Ebrahimi, a conservationist and the founder and CEO of AvayeBoom Bird Conservation Society, the first bird conservation NGO in central Iran. Over the past decade, I have led various projects focusing on bird conservation, wetland restoration, and community engagement. My interests include wetland and waterbird conservation, migratory bird monitoring, and engaging local communities in environmental stewardship.
Through AvayeBoom, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with over 310 volunteers and conducting educational programs for thousands of people. I’m passionate about building partnerships, sharing knowledge, and learning from the global conservation community to protect biodiversity for future generations.
Dr ANANFACK KENFACK Gilles Rolin
Program manager, Community Association for Sustainable Development (CASUDev)
About Me
Hello everyone! I’m Dr Gilles Rolin Ananfack Kenfack, a passionate environmental advocate from Cameroon, dedicated to the sustainable management of our natural resources and the conservation of biodiversity. I hold a PhD in Integrated Management of Forest and Agroforestry Resources from the University of Dschang, where I also completed my Master’s in Natural Resource Management and Agroforestry. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, which laid the groundwork for my analytical approach to environmental issues.
My Expertise
With extensive experience in project management and community-driven initiatives, I specialize in integrated resource management, biodiversity conservation, and the restoration of degraded landscapes. As the founder and president of the Cameroonian Association for the Promotion of Bamboo, Environmental Protection, Nature Conservation, and Local Development (BambouCamer), I focus on promoting bamboo as a sustainable resource that can drive local development and enhance environmental conservation.
My role as Director of Programs at the Community Association for Sustainable Development (CASuDev) involves coordinating various conservation and restoration projects, including efforts to protect the forest elephant population in the Campo Ma’an National Park and restoring degraded landscapes in Babadjou.
I am also skilled in community mobilization, capacity building, technical report writing, and social and environmental impact assessments. Throughout my career, I have successfully collaborated with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to create sustainable and equitable solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
My Interests
I am particularly interested in agroforestry, the application of agroecological practices, and leveraging the potential of bamboo for environmental and economic sustainability. I am committed to advancing environmental sustainability and empowering communities, ensuring that development initiatives are both ecologically sound and socially just.
Why I Joined WildHub
I joined WildHub to connect with like-minded professionals who share my passion for environmental conservation and sustainable development. I believe that collaboration is key to addressing the complex challenges facing our planet. Through WildHub, I hope to share my experiences, learn from others, and contribute to innovative solutions that can have a lasting impact on biodiversity conservation and community well-being.
I look forward to engaging with all of you and exploring opportunities for collaboration and shared learning in our efforts to protect our natural heritage.
My journey into wildlife protection began with a cat named Cheekoh, whom I adopted while in Costa Rica. Cheekoh wasn’t just a pet—he was the catalyst that opened my eyes to the incredible world of wildlife. Through him, I met my husband, and we quickly realized we shared a deep love for animals and a shared vision: to protect endangered species.
That love for animals, sparked by Cheekoh, became the foundation for everything I do today. Together, my husband and I have dedicated our lives to using our technical skills—my background in innovation and his expertise in technology—to help protect endangered species. Our journey, from adopting Cheekoh to creating innovative solutions for wildlife protection, has been a story of love, learning, and commitment. I’m thrilled to share this passion with others, especially the next generation of conservationists.
As the Executive Director of Kashmir World Foundation, I lead a dedicated team focused on wildlife protection and conservation. We use cutting-edge technologies to combat poaching and safeguard endangered species. With a robust network of scientists, researchers, and conservationists, KwF is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to protect wildlife, utilizing AI, drones, and other advanced technologies. Through global collaboration, we create new strategies to monitor ecosystems, prevent illegal activities, and ensure a sustainable future for our planet's most vulnerable species.
Learn more about KwF's Internship Program.
Eston Kimaswoch
Conservation Education, Participation and Awareness programs Office, Kenya Environmental Conservation Network
I'm a member of the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) and Expert in Environment and Natural Resource Conservation through Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness Creation (C.E.P.A) Programs
I teach individuals and school communities on the importance of conserving, preserving and protecting natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems. It aims to raise awareness, impart knowledge, and foster attitudes and behaviors that support sustainable living and environmental stewardship in schools.
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.
Conservation Scientist with experience in conservation conflicts management, sustainable agriculture, food security, drought management and rural development. Proven skills in project management, monitoring and evaluation, communication and community mobilization. I am a PhD Candidate at the School of Geosciences - University of Edinburgh. I have an MA in Global Studies from the University of Freiburg- Germany and FLACSO Argentina, MSc in Conservation and Rural Development from the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), University of Kent. My conservation interest is to improve local community participation and involvement in ecosystem management
I was born in Kenya and have lived i the UK for 42 years now. My many years of working with small businesses and running various events to raise the profile of the businesses, has landed me a post for fundraiser Trustee for a UK wildlife Hospital. The founders of the hospital are very seasoned friends of mine and their dedication to saving every wildlife animal bird that comes through their door, is simply inspirational.
Therefore, I want to learn more about writing funding applications and grant applications. I also want to share my experiences of what has worked for us and what has not. Hopefully, we can all become better at doing what we do, through skill sharing.
I am a bats researcher based in Kenya expert in collecting, analysing and reporting data regarding conservation.
Somoye Olawale John
Principal Zoo Curator, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Zoological Park
I am Somoye Olawale John, a dedicated wildlife management professional with over a decade of experience in the field. My journey in wildlife conservation began with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Applied Zoology from Olabisi Onabanjo University, where I developed a deep interest in the intricate dynamics of animal populations and their ecosystems. This passion led me to pursue a Master of Wildlife Management from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
Currently, I serve as the Principal Zoo Curator at FUNAAB Zoo Park, a role I have held since 2021. In this capacity, I oversee animal husbandry standards, museum keeping, and taxidermy, as well as the construction and maintenance of zoo facilities. My responsibilities also include research, training, and mentoring students, capturing and restraining zoo animals, and administering care and treatment to the animals. Before this role, I was the Zoo Curator, where I gained extensive experience in animal care, facility maintenance, and visitor engagement.
My professional interests lie in wildlife ecology, with a particular focus on primate population dynamics and foraging behavior. I have contributed to several research projects and publications, including studies on ectoparasites of domestic dogs and antimicrobial resistance in non-human primates.
I am an active member of several professional bodies, including the Nigeria Society for Environmental Conservation (NSEC), Wildlife Management Society of Nigeria (WISON), Nigeria Association of Zoo Gardens and Parks (NAZAP), and the Zoological Society of Nigeria (ZSN). These affiliations keep me connected with the latest developments and best practices in wildlife conservation and management.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, meeting new people, and playing chess. I am excited to be a part of the WildHub community and look forward to exchanging knowledge, ideas, and experiences with fellow conservation enthusiasts.
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.