Victoria Mkessa (She/Her)

Programs Coordinator, Grumeti Fund Trust
Siyabonga

Teacher Assistant, Organization for tropical studies

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.
Liane Fulford

Training Specialist, WildTeam

I'm Liane, and I am a WildLearning Specialist at WildTeam! I'm looking forward to getting to know you all! For the last few years, I've been working in Seychelles, focusing on island and marine conservation efforts, particularly coral restoration and turtle nesting monitoring. If you ask me questions about coral, be prepared for me to get very nerdy about it! Prior to that, I was managing a project in Northern Thailand, where I worked closely with a local community to set up ethical elephant experiences in their village. In my free time, I love running and hiking, and being anywhere in nature. I have also learnt to freedive in the last few years and enjoy doing that when possible. I'm really interested in talking to different people and learning from them and their unique experiences.
Nepatao Pesi

Student, Pardamat Conservation Area

Holly Appleby

Species Recovery Project Assistant, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust

I am an early career researcher currently working on the recovery of black grouse populations in northern England. From a young age, I have been obsessed with the natural world and have dedicated my life, so far,  to working for wildlife.  I have a BSc in Natural Sciences and an MRes in Biology (focussing on nature-based tourism across Africa and the UK). My main interests are: African mega-fauna, species recovery and landscape restoration, human-wildlife co-existence, camera-trapping, research and education.  I joined the WildHub community to network with like-minded individuals and to help pursue my career as well as those around me. Don't hesitate to get in touch!
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.
Ssali Ogwal Ronald

Health and Conservation Officer, Conservation Through Public Health

A detail-oriented and analytical One Health Specialist with more than 5 years of experience while performing Public Health promotion and Wildlife conservation with related tasks working with both government and non-governmental institutions.