Experienced Scientific Staff with a demonstrated history of working in the environmental services industry. Skilled in Facilitation, Environmental Services, Plant Tissue Culture and Botany. Strong research professional with a Bachelor of Science - B.Sc. focused in Botany/Plant Biology from University of Indonesia.
I'm currently serving as the director of biodiversity conservation association Biflores in the smallest inhabited island of the Cape Verdean archipelago - Brava. Our association works on the intersection of development and conservation of biodiversity, aiming to ensure a sustainable future for humans and non-humans on Brava.
Erick Lukonde Bwalya
Wildlife Police Officer (Field Ranger)/Research Assistant , Department of National Parks and Wildlife
My name is Erick, and I am a wildlife ranger from Zambia. I am currently in my fourth year of studies, pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a focus on wildlife conservation and natural resources management. Through hands-on experience, I have gained skills in wildlife conservation, including wildlife radio-telemetry tracking, data collection and analysis using GPS and QGIS, and graphic design for impactful communication.
Furthermore, I am an active member of the recently established CITES Global Youth Network (CGYN), where I collaborate with like-minded individuals to address global wildlife trade issues.
Additionally, I have gained considerable experience in analysing data related to wildlife law enforcement operations. I have developed an expertise in using advanced SMART-field data management techniques to enhance wildlife protection efforts. I am driven by a commitment to preserving our natural heritage and seeking new challenges in 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.
I am highly skilled and dedicated professional with a strong background in wildlife care and a wide range of training in a Animal husbandry ,farming and Animal behaviour .i have a passion for working with wildlife and deep understanding of their unique needs and behaviours .with extensive knowledge and hands on experience ,I am committed to providing exceptional care and ensuring the well being of animals under my supervision.
Mary is passionate about experiencing and working in wild spaces.
She is a practicing researcher, experienced in project management with her current career being species-focused. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from the Copperbelt University and is currently pursuing a Master's in Environmental and Natural Management at the University of Zambia.
In 2018, Mary embarked on a rewarding journey as an ecologist intern with BirdWatch Zambia. Since joining the organization, She has participated in species and biodiversity surveys, monitored habitats, engaged with young learners, and established nature clubs in schools among various other activities. Currently, Mary is honored to serve as a Species Conservation Officer and lead the Vulture Conservation Program at BirdWatch Zambia.
Within this role, Mary oversees a multitude of responsibilities, including coordinating research efforts, facilitating capacity building initiatives, and managing partner relations. Additionally, she skillfully blends project activities with community engagement and outreach to ensure that local communities become parts of the conservation solutions we strive for.
Mary's expertise also extends to wildlife poisoning response, both in practice and as a trainer. She possess a keen interest in areas such as tourism, law enforcement, and wildlife crime prevention.
I am Arefine. I am an anchor & reciter. In between my studies in zoology, I am involved in extra curricular activities. I focus on field studies since my undergraduate studies. Field study alone and observing became my addiction. Photography was also added to this addiction. Although watching nature, observing animals is my passion, the thought of working on a specific subject did not come to my mind. After that, I started working at the marginal level with snakebite patients during the Corona period. Then I chose calligraphy as a means of awareness to reach people quickly. Although I did not give priority to online then, I later built my organization called Kundali Foundation. Under the banner of this organization, i started the work of conveying the message of awareness to people called 'Be Aware Of Snake'. I was able to deliver my message to 495 upazilas of Bangladesh. The war is still going on because the fear of snakes has not died down among people.
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.
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.
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.
Ahmadou Bouba( Ahmed friedmann)
Wildlife spécialist, DPFSE (Dynamique de Protection de la Faune Sauvage et de L'environnement)
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.
Maggie Swinfen
Assistant Project Officer, Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Norfolk County Council
I am currently Assistant Project Officer in the Stakeholder Engagement Team, in Community and Environmental Services at Norfolk County Council, where I am working on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Norfolk, in England, I am also supporting a WWF funded Creative Engagement Community Nature Project. For the past fourteen years I have worked in my spare time, with my partner, creating a five acre wildlife habitat at our home in Norfolk, in the midst of intensively farmed land. We now have barn owls, little owls, badgers, hare, water vole, cuckoos, weasels, yellow hammer and so much more regularly on our land, and some have made permanent homes here. I am a career switcher, having worked in television production for most of my life, for many years at a charity which engaged with the Deaf community, commissioning programmes in British Sign Language. Two years ago I completed the Wild Team course on project management which helped me to start on my new career path, along with volunteering for the RSPB and a local nature reserve.
I am a multihyphenate working across environmental conservation and equity spaces, serving clients with program and project design and assessment, policy advocacy, strategy, communications, and thought partnership. My firm primarily serves nonprofit and government entities, with select partnerships with mission-based for-profit companies. I bring my expertise in law, anthropology, policy, communications, and wellness to the work advancing equitable conservation.
I am also a passionate and avid SCUBA diver, coral restoration volunteer, and fundraiser aiming to advance equity in ocean conservation through local, hands-on, in-the-water work. I serve on the Advisory Board for 10% For the Ocean and volunteer regularly with the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program.
For more information, please visit www.silleckconsultingservices.com.
I've focused my studies on Conservation Biology since the beginning of my studies, completing them with a Master in Primates Conservation at Oxford Brookes University. Since then I've tried to work or volunteer in Conservation mainly in Africa (Uganda and Madagascar), however I had to pause my career due to Covid and only recfently restarted to cover the ranger position at Vatnajokull National park in Icceland and project manager for NGB genetics.