From 1997-2000, the Field Museum organized the African Tropical Biodiversity Program, designed to train African scientists in methods that would be useful for research and conservation in their respective countries. Many of the alumni continue to work in these fields and have proven very effective educators, researchers, and conservationists. This sort of capacity-building is critical to preserving biodiversity and to furthering our knowledge of African flora and fauna.
ANNAH AGASHA
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Botany
Institution: Nyabyeya Forestry College
Occupation: Lecturer
Nationality: Ugandan
Current Projects: Working with PRESA and with Nature Harness Initiatives on conservation issues in Western Uganda.
SIMON AKWETAIREHO
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Botany
Institution: People, Land Management and Environmental Change (PLEC) Mbarara
Occupation: Research Assistant
Nationality: Ugandan
Current projects: Recently completed his MSc dissertation at the University of Klegenfurt (Germany) entitled “Economic valuation of Mabamba Bay wetland system of international importance (RAMSAR site), Wakiso district, Uganda.”
JEROME AMUBE NDEY
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Botany - I was member of the plant team as I was better in tropical plant identification, but I had a particular interest in mammalogy.
Institution: I have been working for the Congolese Institute for Wildlife Conservation (ICCN, the Democratic Republic of Congo's Wildlife Authority), from 1994 to date, in Garamba national Park, north-east RDC.
Occupation: I am heading a research and bio-monitoring department at the park level where I conduct fieldwork and maintain a bio-monitoring and law enforcement monitoring database.
Nationality: Congolese
Research Interests: My eductional background, training and experience have nurtured my interest in dealing with wild animals in Africa's protected areas. I work specifically on population ecology and bio-monitoring, species abundance, species distribution and habitat using the application of various ecological techniques:
• Direct observation of large mammal species in the protected areas (Northern-white rhino, elephant and giraffe).
• Indirect observation using the transect methods (all species including forest duikers).
• Systematic and total aerial census (all species in the park grassland).
Awards & Scholarships:
• 2002 - 2005, University of Nairobi, Department of Zoology, Nairobi, Kenya. Award: Degree of Master of Science, Biology of Conservation.
• 2002 (May): Workshop in Monitoring Illegal Killing of Elephants, MIKE Programme at Dja National Reserve, Cameroon. Awarded by a certificate of participation.
• 2002 (March): Workshop in Bio-monitoring at Nganda Centre, Kinshasa, DRC.
• 2000 (May): Workshop in Monitoring Illegal Killing of Elephants, MIKE Programme at Lake Lobeke National Park, Cameroon. Awarded by a certificate of participation.
• 1999 (July-September): African Tropical Biodiversity Training Programme in Budongo Forest. Chicago National Museum – Makere University Project, Uganda. Awarded by a certificate participation.
• 1999 (January-April): Advanced English course at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Awarded by a certificate of attendance.
• 1998 (August): Training in Arc GIS in UNEP/Gigiri, Nairobi.
• 1986 - 1989, Institute of Agronomic and Forestry of Bengamisa, Kisangani, DRC. Award: Degree of Bachelor in Science, Forestry.
• 1977 - 1984, Technical Institute of Agriculture, Banalia, DRC. Award: National Diploma (National Diploma for secondary school).
• 1970 - 1976, Primary School, Panga, DRC. Award: Certificate for primary school.
Current Projects: Bio-monitoring and population dynamic for the park research-based management decisions making:
• Monitoring wild mammal populations in the park using aerial census methods.
• Monitoring the impact of threats to wildlife conservation and law enforcement in the park.
• Assessing abundance and movements of elephant and buffalo populations in responses to poaching pressure versus protection efforts in the park and surrounding hunting reserves.
Biodiversity studies for scientific papers and contribution to biological resources conservation:
• The distribution, status and ecology of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthi) within the Hunting Reserves surrounding the Garamba National Park (preliminary phase of work, highly needed but not funded).
• Current trend of Congo sub-species of giraffes in Garamba National Park ecosystem. This small but viable population is only found in this area and nowhere else in the DRC (limited fund, paper in prep.).
• Inventory of fresh water fish species in main streams and rivers within Garamba Area (needed but not funded).
• Checklist of bird species in the Garamba region.
• Restoration of the Garamba National Park colonial museum by making collection of small mammal and bird species within the various habitats (grassland, bushland, and woodland and gallery forest) of the region (highly needed but not funded).
ATBP Experiences: As a result of a Bsc in Forestry, an agricultural education background and dwelling in a tropical forest, I developed a good, general knowledge base in ecological studies. In 1999, I decided to refine my skills and assess my interests by participating in ATBP. As French was my first language, it was not easy for me to understand the English field course lectures. Fortunately, the instructors (Mick and Ben), assistant lecturers from Makerere University and my fellow trainees helped me a great deal during the our three months in the Budongo forest. I managed to not only learn a great deal about research, but also refined my English language skills. Four years later, I finished my MSc thesis, in English. So, the ATBP training provided me with:
• The self confidence to carry out my own fieldwork and write final reports and publications.
• The opportunity and courage to apply for the graduate program at the University of Nairobi. I was admitted and attained an MSc degree in Conservation Biology.
• And maybe, many more unforeseen opportunities.
This has better equipped me to meet the challenge of carrying out research that has no specific avenues for funding, despite the commitment of many partners. Also, there are very few wildlife managers interested in scientific research in the many protected areas of Africa, particularly the DRC.
Recent publication: Smith and Amube Ndey (2005). Post-war effects on the rhinos and elephants and Garamba National Park. Pachyderm. 39: 106-110. pdf
GEORGE AMUTETE
ATBP Program: 1998
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: National Museums of Kenya, Department of Ornithology
Occupation: Collection Manager
Nationality: Kenyan
Current projects: Wildlife Control Officer at Airports Authority of Kenya
Recent publication: Owino, A.O. el al. (2008). Forest patch structure and bird species composition of a lowland riverine coastal forest in Kenya. Tropical Conservation Science. 1: 242-264. pdf
JOSEPH AMPONSAH
ATBP Program: 1998
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: Conservation International
Occupation: Wildlife Officer
Nationality: Ghanaian
Note: Deceased.
AUGUSTUS ASAMOAH
ATBP Program: 1998
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: Ghana Wildlife Society
Occupation: Biodiversity Conservation Researcher/Manager
Nationality: Ghanaian
Research Interests: Tropical forest ornithology
Awards & Scholarships: WCS Small Grants Award
Current Projects: Biomonitoring of population and breeding activities of Picathartes Gymnocephalus. Protection of threatened Wildlife species through Totems.
ATBP Experiences: ATPB gave me the platform from which I have developed a career in biodiversity conservation. It also helped me to develop the expertise in tropical ornithology.
See also: Video of Augustus talking about a current project of his.
MOHAMMED BABU
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: Islamic University in Uganda, Deptartment of Biological Sciences
Occupation: MSc. Student
Nationality: Ugandan
ROBERT BARIGRYIRA
ATBP Program: 1997
Interest: Botany
Institution: Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation
Occupation: Senior Herbarium Technician
Nationality: Ugandan
Research Interests: Plant identification, monitoring and resource use.
Current Projects: Herbarium Management
ATBP Experiences: ATBP improved my skills in specimen collection, pressing and general herbarium management.
Recent publication: Olupot et al. (2009) Edge-related variation in medicinal and other “useful” wild plants of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Conservation Biology. 25: 1138-1145.
See also: Interview with Robert Barigyira.
MUGUNDA BASHONGA
ATBP Program: 1998
Interest: Botany
Institution: Centre for Research in Natural Sciences (CRSN) Lwiro, Biology Deptartment, Laboratory of Systematic and Vegetal Taxonomy
Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Congolese
Recent paper: Otumi et al. The Itombwe Massif, Democratic Republic of Congo: biological surveys and conservation, with an emphasis on Grauer’s gorilla and birds endemic to the Albertine Rift. Oryx. 33: 301-322.
DENNIS BEINA
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: Universite de Bangui
Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Central African
JOHN MUTUOTA CHEGE
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: Nature Kenya, a local NGO that works towards conservation of threatened biodiversity in Kenya, especially birds.
Occupation: Trainer in a learning institution and a coordinator of two community based organisations that deal with conservation of biodiversity around Mt Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa and a Ramsar site.
Nationality: Kenyan
Research Interests: Adaptation of birds to changing habitats, community participation in conservation of fauna and flora.
Awards & Scholarships: Awards for community conservation articles in local newspaper and magazines.
Current Projects:
• Integrating conservation of Kenyan endemic birds species with community development.
• Integrating conservation and protection of degraded catchments Tana River, which is the largest river in Kenya and produces 70% of Kenyas hydro-electric power requirments.
ATBP Experiences: ATPB helped me learn how to formulate research proposal, write reports and carry out /implement activities in the field and specifically forest related research among others.
Update: John recently received a grant to study conservation of the endangered Kenyan endemic Hinde’s Babbler.
KUSUMBA CHIFUNDERA
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Botany
Institution: Centre for Research in Natural Sciences (CRSN) Lwiro, Botany Department
Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Congolese
Current Projects: Kusamba recently received a Rufford Small Grant to study how conservation education can impact public awareness and change behavior for conservation of lowland gorillas in Itombwe National Park, Congo.
Recent pubication: Greenbaum et al. (2008). Amphibian Chytrid fungus infections in Hyperolius (Anura: Hyperoliidae) from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Herpetological Review. 39: 70-73.
GEORGE WERE ESHIAMWATA
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: BirdLife Africa Partnership Secretariat
Occupation: Ornithologist, currently a Project Officer supporting in managing a portfolio of conservation and sustainable livelihood projects. I am also starting my PhD at Nairobi University on Monitoring Important Bird Areas in Africa Using Remote sensing. Nationality: Kenyan
Research Interests: Ornithology, Ecology, wild bird trade, biodiversity monitoring, remote sensing, plant animal interactions (seed dispersal, pollination), community conservation.
Awards & Scholarships: Tropical Biology Association scholarship for 1 month Certificate Course, Macarthur Foundation to attend a 2month African Tropical Biodiversity Programme, BIOTA scholarship for my M.Sc course.
Current Projects: Remote sensing of African Important Bird Areas (IBAs).
ATBP Experiences: This was a very rewarding experience, learnt a lot (research/survey techniques for various taxonomic groups), established contacts Using the skills gained, was able to contribute a lot of the expertise in various research projects at the Ornithology Department, National Museums of Kenya including conducting and completing successful my M.Sc project.
Recent publication: Schaefer et al. Life history of two African Sylvia warblers: low annual fecundity and long post-fledgeling care. Ibis. 146: 427-437.
LUCY GAKUO
ATBP Program: 1998
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: National Museums of Kenya, Kenya Wetland Working Group (KWWG)
Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Kenyan
MBALITINI GAMBALEMOKE
ATBP Program: 1998
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: L'lnstitut Superieur Pedagogique (ISP), Bunia
Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Congolese
Recent publication: Mukinzi et al. (2005) Preliminary data on the biodivsersity of rodents and sshrews (Mammalia) in the periphery of Kisangani (D.R. Congo). Beligian Journal of Zoology. 135(S): 133-140. pdf
SAMSON GWALI
ATBP Program: 1998
Interest: Botany
Institution: Nyabyeya Forestry College
Occupation: Lecturer
Nationality: Ugandan
Recent publication: Gwali et al. (2010). Diversity and composition of trees and shrubs in Kasangala Forest: a semiaris savannah woodland in central Uganda. African Journal of Ecology. 48: 111-118.
CHARLES KAHINDO M. NGABO
ATBP Program: 1997
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Uvira
Occupation: Lecturer
Nationality: Congolese
Current Projects: Completed his Ph.D. at Makarere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Recent pulication: Kahindo, C. et al. (2007) The relevance of data on genetic diversity for the conservation of Afro-montane regions. Biological Conservation. 134: 262-270.
PRINCE KALEME
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: Maiko National Park, Congo
Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Congolese
Recent publication: Kaleme, P.K et al. (2007) Small mammal diversity in the Kahuzi-Biega Naional Park and sourounding areas, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Journal of Integrative Zoology. 2: 239-246. pdf
See also: Prince's website.
HENRY D.C. KAMWELA
ATBP Program: 1997
Interest: Botany
Institution: University of Dar es Salaam, Botany Department
Occupation: Technician
Nationality: Tanzanian
AVENTINO KASANGAKI
ATBP Program: 1997
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: Institute of Tropical
Forest Conservation
Occupation: Senior Research Officer,
Ecological Monitoring Program
Research Interests:
• Effects of deforestation on aquatic communities.
• Use of fish and aquatic insects in monitoring stream and river health.
• Effects of landscape change on aquatic communities.
Awards & Scholarships:
• WCS small grants
• Padi Foundation grant
• Rufford Small Grant
• Beahrs small Grant initiative
Current Projects:
• Effects of deforestation on stream fish assemblages of Bwindi National Park.
• Establishment of a ranger-based water quality monitoring program for protected areas in Uganda.
ATBP Experiences: ATBP exposed me to methods of small mammal studies which I pursued for my masters degree. In addition, ATBP introduced me to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation where I have been employed for the last 7 years.
DANIEL D. KATHURIMA
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: National Museums of Kenya, East African Natural History Society (EANHS) / Nature Kenya
Occupation: Environmental Officer
Nationality: Kenyan
MUSA KINANA
ATBP Program: 1998
Interest: Botany
Institution: Hai District Natural Resources Council
Occupation: Project Manager
Nationality: Tanzanian
MATHEW R. KIONDO
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: Serengeti Wildlife Research Institute (SWRI)
Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Tanzanian
JOSEPH MBAGO KISAKYE
ATBP Program: 1998
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: Makerere University, Zoology Department
Occupation: Lecturer
Nationality: Ugandan
ROBERT BYAMANA KIZUNGU
ATBP Program: 1998
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: Centre for Research in Natural Sciences (CRSN) Lwiro, Biology Deptartment
Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Congolese
JEREMIAH ANDREW KYOMO
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: University of Dar es Salaam, Zoology Department
Occupation: Teaching Assistant
Nationality: Tanzanian
AGNES M. LUSWETI
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Botany
Institution: National Museums of Kenya
Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Kenyan
SAIDU MAISHANU
ATBP Program: 1998
Interest: Botany
Institution: Islamic University in Uganda, Department of Biological Sciences
Occupation: Lecturer
Nationality: Nigerian
NORAH MBEIZA MUTEGANGA
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Botany
Institution: Institute of Teacher Education, Kyambogo (ITEK)
Occupation: Lecturer
Nationality: Ugandan
MTE MBUVI
ATBP Program: 1997
Interest: Botany
Institution: Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI)
Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Kenyan
SIMON NUNU MAMA
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: Makerere University
Occupation: Student
Nationality: Ugandan
GEORGE MUGAMBI
ATBP Program: 1998
Interest: Botany
Institution: National Museums of Kenya, Plant Conservation Programme
Occupation: Collection Manager
Nationality: Kenyan
RENEE MUNEZERO
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: Universite Burundi
Occupation: Lecturer/Researcher
Nationality: Burundian
MURITHI DAVID MIKWA
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: National Museums of Kenya
Occupation: Laboratory Technician
Nationality: Kenyan
Research Interests: Areas which concerns mammals i.e. Collection, Identification, preservation and curation.
ATBP Experiences: It enriched my knowledge on collection, preparation and preservation techniques. The Department of Mammalogy acts as a National repository centre for mammalian research all over the country and East Africa region. The Department is involved in collection, identification, curation, maintenance of mammal specimens and giving of lectures to student of various learning institutions in Kenya and abroad concerning mammals. Therefore the ATBP course coincided directly with my career goals since I have been able to disseminate the knowledge gained to all interested parties especially students from various learning institutions around the country.
THEODORE M.B. MUSHAMBANYI
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: Centre for Research in Natural Sciences (CRSN) Lwiro, Botany Department Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Congolese
SAMSON MWAKALOBO
ATBP Program: 1998
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: University of Dar es Salaam, Zoology Department
Occupation: Technician
Nationality: Tanzanian
OGETO MWEB
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: National Museums of Kenya, Department of Osteology
Occupation: Head of Department of Osteology
Nationality: Kenyan
SARAH NACHUHA
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: Islamic University in Uganda
Occupation: Teaching Assistant
Nationality: Ugandan
BERNA NAKITYO
ATBP Program: 1997
Interest: Botany
Institution: Makerere University, Botany Department
Occupation: Herbarium Assistant
Nationality: Ugandan
DIANAH NALWANGA
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: Makerere University, Zoology Department
Occupation: Student
Nationality: Ugandan
HENRY J. NDANGALASI
ATBP Program: 1997
Interest: Botany
Institution: University of Dar es Salaam, Botany Department
Occupation: Lecturer
Nationality: Tanzanian
PETER K. NJUGUNA
ATBP Program: 1997
Interest: Botany
Institution: National Museums of Kenya, Kenya Wetland Working Group (KWWG)
Occupation: Botany
Nationality: Kenyan
NTABAZA MUGUMA-ODERHA DESIRE
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: Centre for Research in Natural Sciences (CRSN) Lwiro
Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Congolese
CALEB OBUNYALI
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Botany
Institution: National Museums of Kenya, East African Herbarium
Occupation: Research Scientist
Nationality: Kenyan
RICHARD O. ODONG
ATBP Program: 1997
Interest: Botany
Institution: National Museums of Kenya, Kenya Wetland Working Group (KWWG) Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Kenyan
JENIFFER ADHIAMBO OGODO
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Ornithology
Institution:
Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Kenyan
OMARI ILAMBU
ATBP Program: 1997
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: Uganda Wildlife Education Center
Occupation: Researcher
Nationality: Congolese
E. STEEVERN H. SHUNDA
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Botany
Institution: Muhimbili University, College of Health Sciences, Institute of Traditional Medicine
Occupation: Technologist
Nationality: Tanzanian
EMMANUEL TIBENDA
ATBP Program: 1997
Interest: Botany, Mammalogy
Institution: Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation
Occupation: Field Assistant
Nationality: Ugandan
Research Interests: Mammalogy, mostly gorilla ecology and small mammals.
Current Projects: Gorilla monitoring.
ATBP Experiences: I got knowledge on data collection on both plants and animals.
CHARLES TWESIGYE
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Botany
Institution: Institute of Teacher Education, Kyambogo (ITEK), Department of Biological Sciences
Occupation: Lecturer
Nationality: Ugandan
Recent publication: Twesigye, C. (2004). Genetic relationships in the Nile tilapia in three east African lakes. The Uganda Journal.
BERNARD KARIUKI WANJOHI
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Botany
Institution: Moi University, Department of Wildlife Management
Occupation: Technician/Student
Nationality: Kenyan
CATHERINE WAWERU
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: Moi University, Department of Wildlife Management
Occupation: Lecturer
Nationality: Kenyan
Recent publication: Waweru and Odanga (2004). Demographic aspects of sympatric Praomys jacksoni and P. stella in a tropical lowland forest in Kakamega, Kenya. African Journal of Ecology. 42:93-99.
PAUL WEBALA
ATBP Program: 1999
Interest: Mammalogy - Bats
Institution: Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute
Occupation: Lecturer
Nationality: Kenyan
Research Interests: My research interests revolve around three issues regarding bats. One, I have an interest in studying bat systematics. Two, I am very interested in the foraging game between the insect-eating bats and their prey. I am interested in knowing how different bats efficiently forage for their insect prey through echolocation and conversely how prey, the insects, avoid detection, attack, and capture by bats. Three, I am interested in studies that involve bat/plant interactions. Bats play an important role in pollination as well as in the dispersal of flowering plants in the tropics. Although the importance of bats as seed dispersers is well documented, there is still relatively little known about the diversity of plant species, and the diversity of structure and type of diaspores dispersed by bats. I am interested in testing hypotheses about bat/plant dispersal interactions and in achieving better understanding of plant/animal coevolution as well as emphasizing the important ecological and evolutionary roles that bats play in tropical ecosystems, thereby promoting the conservation of the bats and the plants upon which they depend.
Awards & Scholarships:
• July 2007: US $10,000 from the Italian Government and Pavia University (Italy) in lieu of the project “Conservation and Community development in Lake Turkana area†that had a component on Small Mammal Surveys on the Eastern Side of Lake Turkana, Northern Kenya. The money will fund my trip to Pavia University in February 2007 for the collation and analyses of the small mammal data collected from the Turkana area during 2004 – 2006.
• June 2006: US $5,000 for Collaborative small mammal collection-based research with MacArthur Zoology/Mammals Curator Bruce Patterson (Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago). The collaboration and trip to the Field Museum, Chicago was funded by a grant from the Field Museum’s Council on Africa.
• November 2005: £7,000.00 (Sterling Pounds) from the British Ecological Society (BES) Overseas Bursaries and Fellowship Scheme
• September 2004: US $20,000 from RPSUD (Research Programme on Sustainable Use of Dryland Biodiversity) of the National Museums of Kenya under the auspices of SIDA/SAREC. Project entitled, “Biodiversity Assessment of Dryland Hills of Kitui and Mwingi Districts, Kenya.†Project completed.
• July 2004: US $1800 from The DEFRA/FFI Flagship Species Fund (Small Grants Programme), UK. Project entitled, “Monitoring the Population and Movements of the Straw-coloured Fruit Bats, Eidolon helvum (Megachiroptera: Pteropodidae), in Kenyaâ€. Project ongoing but additional funding required.
• April 2003: US $2500 from Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), USA (The Small Grants Program for Africa): Distribution, Diversity and Conservation Status of Small Mammals in Meru National Park, Kenya. Project duration: 12 months; ended May 2004
Current Projects: I am working on a study entitled Population Ecology, Diet and Movement of Straw-coloured Fruit Bats, Eidolon helvum, (Megachiroptera: Pteropodidae), in Kenya. Funded by the British Ecological Society (BES). I teach Mammalian Systematics and Biodiversity and Wildlife Ecology, Behaviour and Management.
ATBP Experiences: In the formative years after my undergraduate and prior to my participation in the 1999 Africa Tropical Biodiversity Programme (ATBP) field course in Uganda, I was interested in studying the ecology of primates. This changed on attending the ATPB course. On the field course, I not only learned how to work with small mammals insofar as techniques of collecting, documenting, and preparing small mammal specimens (rodents, insectivores, and bats) for scientific research are concerned, but importantly I got invaluable hands-on experience on how to collect and identify bats (especially the mist-netting bit) . Soon after ATBP, I won a scholarship for my masters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and I resolutely decided to work on bats for my MSc thesis. Since then, I have never looked back and it has paid lots of dividends. Thus ATBP shaped my research career. I owe what I am today to ATBP because while I had background wildlife management and ecological knowledge picked up from my undergrad training, ATBP opened other hitherto unexplored opportunities. I am one of the only two Kenyans currently working on the ecology and systematics of bats. I plan to work on bats for my PhD thesis.
Recent publication: Webala et al. (2006). The small mammal community of Mukogodo Forest, Kenya. African Journal of Ecology. 44: 363-370.
BIELOLEBWA MIKEYO YUMA
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Mammalogy
Institution: GTZ
Occupation: Co-ordinator, Itombwe/ICCN, Bukavu
Nationality: Congolese
WANYOIKE WAMITI (WAMS)
ATBP Program: 2000
Interest: Ornithology
Institution: National Museums of Kenya, Department of Ornithology
Occupation: Research Scientist assisting with coordination of African Waterfowl Census (AfWC) and supervision of the Birds Collection Management in an acting capacity. Nationality: Kenyan
Research Interests: Behavioral ecology in birds, Wetlands Ecology and Raptors Science & Conservation. Rural Development as philanthropic gesture to the people with whom I grew up and will always be in touch with and a part of.
Awards & Scholarships:
• The Kleine Natuur Initiatieve Projecten (KNIP) - Small Nature Initiative Projects Fund of the Agricultural Counsellor to The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya (April 2006). To attend the International Training of Trainers in Wetlands Management.
• Ford Foundation’s individual capacity strengthening program (May 2005)
• Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program, University of California at Berkeley, USA (Jun/Jul 2005) - certificate course in sustainable environmental management.
• Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s Project Soar Grants for Raptors Conservation (Mar. 2005)
• Rufford Small Grants for Nature Conservation (Continuation Award, Dec. 2004)
• Rufford Small Grants (Initial award, July 2001-02)
Current Projects:
• (Ongoing) - Monitoring of Waterbirds in Kenya.
• (Winding up) - Enhancing capacity for learning bird ringing skills through research and conservation.
• (Just concluded) - Conservation Status of Raptor Populations at Ol Donyo Sabache Important Bird Area, Kenya.
• (Upcoming upon funding) - Training local guides in a rural community for economic empowerment, monitoring bird populations & promotion of conservation at Nyahururu, Kenya.
• (Upcoming upon funding) - Creation of Nature Reserves to secure a future for the globally-threatened Sharpe’s Longclaw Macronyx sharpei in Kinangop grasslands, central Kenya.
ATBP Experiences: ATBP imparted me with ornithological skills particularly mist-netting and ringing, censuring using point counts and playback, and vegetation surveys. Exposure in plant surveys and herbarium techniques has always been useful when I have to collect and prepare specimens for identification. I also find the skills in taxidermy as useful and look forward to advancing in this later. More so, the course enhanced my love for birds: research and conservation. I have too developed a deep interest in sharing my skills and knowledge with others as this is the way to making of future scientists. ATBP in other words helped lay a foundation of whom I am and do today.