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Past Scholars

THE NEXT GENERATION OF CONSERVATIONISTS

WCN's Past Scholars

The WCN Scholarship program was created to discover and nurture emerging young conservationists so they can one day take up the fight for wildlife. Please learn more about the students who have received scholarships and are now protecting wildlife throughout Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.

Meet our 2021 Scholars

Michael Akrasi

White-bellied Pangolin

Michael Akrasi

Michael Akrasi of Ghana is pursuing a master’s degree at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. His thesis is focused on studying the ecology of and assessing threats to white-bellied pangolins in Ghana. His aim is that his work will be used to engage with national wildlife authorities to develop and implement an action plan for the species. It will also feed directly into Herp-Ghana’s pangolin recovery program in the Togo-Volta highlands. In the future, Michael’s goal is to lead the mammal recovery program in the Onepone Endangered Species Refuge to restore habitats as well as original populations of mammals that existed in the reserve. He aims to engage communities to protect wildlife habitats through the establishment of legally declared community-based protected areas in key biodiversity hotspots.

Awarded  the Sidney Byers Scholarship

Location: Ghana
University: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Juan Sebastian Ayala Giraldo

Sea turtles

Juan Sebastian Ayala Giraldo

Juan Sebastian Ayala Giraldo of Colombia is planning to pursue an MBA at ICESI University in Colombia. With a background in sea turtle conservation, the skills he gains from this MBA program will allow him to develop and implement ecotourism programs at the national level and to promote circular economy ideas for local communities, with the end goal of better protection for sea turtles and secure livelihoods for local residents.

Awarded the Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: Colombia
University: ICESI University

Hasita Bhammar

Human Wildlife Conflict

Hasita Bhammar

Hasita Bhammar of India is pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Oxford. Her research will estimate the impact of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) on local economies around targeted protected areas through measuring the direct, indirect and induced costs of HWC – most studies now look only at direct costs. Her goal is to identify activities that can be strengthened or transformed at the local level so that benefits from wildlife always exceed the costs to communities, thus incentivizing communities to support conservation. Hasita’s career ambition is to strategically refine the systems approach to protected areas (PA) management and facilitate innovative co-management and delegated management models for conservation in South Asia.

Awarded a Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: India
University: University of Oxford

jaguar

Grace Cheptoo

Leopards

Grace Cheptoo

Grace Cheptoo of Kenya will be pursuing her master’s degree in Environmental Observation & Informatics through the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Her research will focus on determining leopard abundance in the Greater Mara Ecosystem, understanding community perceptions towards leopards, and identifying human-wildlife conflicts associated with leopards. Grace hopes to develop this into a longer-term project on leopard monitoring, as this species remains understudied in the wild. She is also interested in empowering other young girls and women to pursue careers in conservation and the geospatial industry.

Awarded the Handsel Scholarship

Location: Kenya
University: University of Wisconsin

leopard_Henry Mwape_WCN_Scholars_2018

Florencia Chiapero

Andean cats

Florencia Chiapero

Florencia Chiapero of Argentina is still in the process of applying to degree programs. Her planned dissertation topic addresses the impacts of different conservation strategies on the ecology and interaction of Patagonian carnivores, with special emphasis on Andean cat populations. Her research will contribute to the continued development of AGA’s Conflict Mitigation Program by generating applied conservation outcomes with a specific focus on the use of livestock guarding dogs and the environmental impact of that practice.

Awarded the Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: Argentina

jamal galves

Jamal Galves

Antillean manatee

Jamal Galves

Jamal Galves of Belize plans to pursue a master’s degree through the Coastal Science & Policy program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His thesis will highlight the endangered Antillean manatee as a flagship species to protect critical coastal habitats from unsustainable development and degradation in Belize, with a focus on his hometown of Gales Point. In the future, Jamal hopes to build a coalition of grassroots marine conservation organizations to lead the marine conservation efforts in Belize, so that conservation can be led by local Belizeans rather than reliant on international organizations.

Awarded the Handsel Scholarship

Location: Belize
University: University of California, Santa Cruz

jamal galves

Dr. Huguette Kamavu Glody

Grauer’s gorillas

Dr. Huguette Kamavu Glody

Dr. Huguette Kamavu Glody of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is planning to pursue a master’s degree from the Institute for Game and Wildlife Research (IREC) at Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas in Spain. She plans to focus her research on investigating the prevalence of respiratory diseases in Grauer’s gorillas and human beings at Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the DRC, with a specific focus on COVID-19. After completing her degree, Huguette plans to apply her acquired skills to her role as senior veterinarian at the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center, and to use her research to help with the conservation of other great ape species as well, especially for habituated groups of apes for whom transmission of respiratory diseases from humans is a particularly high risk.

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo
University: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas

Dr. Asma Hersi

Cheetahs

Dr. Asma Hersi

Dr. Asma Hersi of Somalia is planning to pursue a postgraduate diploma on international wildlife conservation practice through the University of Oxford. She currently works with CCF in Somaliland, where cheetahs are threatened by the illegal wildlife trade, and cares for confiscated individuals – many of whom are susceptible to disease such as feline coronavirus (FCoV). Asma plans to focus her research on the prevalence of FCoV in both captive cheetahs and cheetahs in the wild. In the future, she hopes to work towards efficient public reform of wildlife extension services to protect rare species in Somaliland in order to boost the economy and tourism. Asma also hopes to be involved in management and decision-making in Somaliland in the future through a ministry position, in order to build strong and effective in-country institutions that can improve the state of livestock and wildlife.

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Somalia
University: University of Oxford

Herdhanu Jayanto 

False gharial and Siamese crocodile

Herdhanu Jayanto 

Herdhanu Jayanto of Indonesia is planning to pursue a master’s degree at the New Mexico Highlands University under the supervision of Kyle J. Shaney of the Tomistoma Task Force, IUCN SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. He will focus his research on conservation and new ecology of both false gharial (Tomistoma) and Siamese crocodile. Herdhanu’s long-term goal is to grow the NGO he started, which focuses on the conservation of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile and false gharial, and establish an inclusive community-based conservation that is directly linked with livelihood development for the people who live surrounding the field sites.

Awarded the Pat J. Miller Scholarship

Location: Indonesia
University: New Mexico Highlands University

Kinley

Rufous-necked hornbill

Kinley

Kinley of Bhutan is pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Greifswald (Germany). His research focuses on the movement ecology, home range, and habitat selection by the Rufous-necked hornbill, with the goal of using this data to develop a science-based, robust conservation action plan for the species. Kinley will rejoin Tsirang Forest Division under the Department of Forest and Park Services in Bhutan after completing his degree, applying his newfound skills to conservation issues impacting wildlife and local communities in Bhutan. He is interested in raising awareness about wildlife conservation and its benefits, especially in remote areas, and developing ways to reduce human-wildlife conflict. He also has plans to explore alternative livelihood opportunities for local farmers, with a particular focus on ecotourism to encourage forest and hornbill conservation. Kinley is also an active commission member of IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Croup, IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group and IUCN SSC Red List Authority.

Awarded the Handsel Scholarship

Location: Bhutan
University: University of Greifswald

Naing Lin

Biodiversity in Myanmar

Naing Lin

Naing Lin of Myanmar is pursuing a master’s degree at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) at the University of Kent. His goal is to work in Myanmar to conserve the landscape in partnership with local communities for the benefit of the great breadth of biodiversity across his country – from the famous charismatic megafauna species such as tigers and elephants, to the lesser-known species such as fishing cats, which are a flagship species for freshwater ecosystems.

Awarded the WCN-WCS Joint Scholarship

Location: Myanmar
University: University of Kent

Christopher Mbisana

Cheetahs

Christopher Mbisana

Christopher Mbisana of Botswana is planning to pursue a master’s degree in the Wildlife, Sustainability, and Ecosystem Services Department through a joint program at Texas A&M and Tarleton State University in Texas. His thesis will be focused on cheetahs in the western Kalahari area of Botswana, and on understanding and supporting human-wildlife coexistence in agricultural systems. He aims to monitor wildlife and livestock species around communities through spoor surveys and camera traps; to assess human wildlife interactions and their effects on each other; and to quantify farmer carnivore conflict to further understand impacts and potential solutions. After completing his degree, Christopher plans to continue working in the Kalahari area with CCB, helping local communities maintain and drive themselves sustainably in management of the land, generate revenue from their environment, and develop their communities.

Awarded a Pat J. Miller Scholarship

Location: Botswana
University: Texas A&M and Tarleton State University

Dennis Minja

Cheetahs

Dennis Minja

Dennis Minja of Tanzania is pursuing his PhD at the University of Glasgow (Scotland). His research will focus on the influence of habitat and anthropogenic pressures on cheetah hunting success and habitat use in the Serengeti ecosystem. Dennis’ goal is to expand cheetah conservation work across Tanzania, as relatively little is known about cheetah status outside of protected areas. He hopes to work with park managers to advise them on how best to manage ecosystem services, like grazing and wildlife tourism, while also considering the needs of cheetahs and other key threatened carnivore species, as well as their wild prey.

Awarded the Sidney Byers Scholarship

Location: Tanzania
University: University of Glasgow

Rama Mishra

Fishing Cats

Rama Mishra

Rama Mishra of Nepal is pursuing her PhD at the University of Antwerp, with her research focusing on the ecology and behavior of fishing cats. Her research will holistically investigate aspects of the biology, behavior, and the human dimension of fishing cat conservation and contribute to an improved understanding of the species and its current status in Nepal – a country in which the species is poorly studied and understood. In the future, Rama plans to keep working with WildCAN, the organization she co-founded to promote wildlife conservation in Nepal, and she hopes to work at the policy level as well to conduct landscape-level wildlife management and conservation in partnership with local communities.

Awarded the Pat J. Miller Scholarship

Location: Nepal
University: University of Antwerp

Fenrick Msigwa

Wildlife Utilization

Fenrick Msigwa

Fenrick Msigwa of Tanzania is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro-Tanzania. His research explores local people’s perspectives on wildlife utilization, focusing on trophy hunting and bushmeat trade in villages adjacent to the Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem. His research findings will be used to improve wildlife conservation in Tanzania through providing appropriate recommendations and proposing community interventions for tackling illegal bushmeat trade and unsustainable methods of utilizing wildlife. Fenrick hopes to be a wildlife conservationist specializing in political ecology with an emphasis on wildlife trade research and conservation economic perspectives, exploring the new realities of wildlife conservation in Tanzania.

Awarded a Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: Tanzania
University: Sokoine University of Agriculture

Dr. Ny Aina Tiana Rakotoarisoa

Tortoises

Dr. Ny Aina Tiana Rakotoarisoa

Dr. Ny Aina Tiana Rakotoarisoa of Madagascar plans to pursue a master’s degree in conservation medicine from Tufts University. Her research will focus on monitoring the health of radiated tortoises after their release through a reintroduction program in Madagascar, including any impact on the native population of tortoises and the overall ecological health of the surrounding habitat. In the future, Ny Aina hopes to open and manage a veterinary service center for wildlife medicine and science in Madagascar – currently, there are very few veterinarians who work with wildlife in the country. 

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Madagascar
University: Tufts University

Jean Fernando Randriamiajason

Fishers and Fishing Communities

Jean Fernando Randriamiajason

Jean Fernando Randriamiajason of Madagascar plans to pursue an applied training program focused on ocean governance, policy, law, and management. He plans to use the skills gained from this program to better perform his role at Blue Ventures, where he works daily with fishers and fishing communities in some of the most remote parts of the country. His goal is to help give the Vezo people of Madagascar a voice to tell their stories, and he is interested in learning more about the interconnection of governance, fisheries and human rights, in order to turn these voices into action, laws, and reality.

Awarded the Handsel Scholarship

Location: Madagascar

Dr. Tony Nambinina Natacha Rasolozaka

Madagascar pochard

Dr. Tony Nambinina Natacha Rasolozaka

Dr. Tony Nambinina Natacha Rasolozaka (Dr. Rasolozaka Tony Nambinina Natacha) is planning to pursue a Master of Veterinary Science in Conservation Medicine through the University of Edinburgh. Her master’s thesis will focus on the disease transmission cycles affecting the Madagascar pochard, an endemic and critically endangered waterbird. Using a One Health approach, she intends to determine what role various factors, including infectious agents, play in the observed high mortality rate of wild ducklings. This information will be used to guide future conservation efforts for the species, as well as to better understand the epidemiology of emerging wildlife and zoonotic diseases in Madagascar and how best to control disease outbreaks.

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Madagascar
University: University of Edinburgh

Antso Razakafamantanantsoa

Verreaux’s sifaka

Antso Razakafamantanantsoa

Antso Razakafamantanantsoa of Madagascar is planning to use the scholarship funding for an applied training course through Ambios in the UK and to complete his master’s degree at University of Mahajanga in Madagascar. He will focus his research on the effect of habitat quality on the survival of the Verreaux’s sifaka (a medium-sized primate species in the lemur family) population in Kirindy-Mité National Park in western Madagascar. In the future, he hopes to run his own conservation organization that focuses on conservation of the Verreaux’s sifaka and works with local communities to make sure their voices are heard in the management of protected areas.

Awarded  the Pat J. Miller Scholarship

Location: Madagascar
University: University of Mahajanga

Justine Robert

Human-wildlife conflict

Justine Robert

Justine Robert of Tanzania is planning to pursue a Master of Science in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management from the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Tanzania. The focus of his research will be evaluating the effectiveness of conservation incentives in mitigating human-wildlife conflict in Tanzania. Justine himself is Masai and grew up in a pastoralist family, and his goal is to work with communities to ensure peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.

Awarded the Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: Tanzania
University: Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology

Tania Romero Bautista

Amazon river dolphin

Tania Romero Bautista

Tania Romero Bautista of Peru is pursuing her PhD at Florida International University. Her doctoral research aims to a) make conservation and sustainable development strategies more practical and accessible to communities in Peru’s Marañon watershed (Peruvian Amazon); b) guide policymakers in how to design and implement more comprehensive, integrative regulations for community-based freshwater management; and c) support the conservation of ecologically important freshwater species such as the endangered Amazon river dolphin. Her overall goal is to provide support and advocate for the rights of Amazonian communities and the preservation of endemic and endangered freshwater species.

Awarded a Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: Peru
University: Florida International University

Albert Salemgareyev

Saiga

Albert Salemgareyev

Albert Salemgareyev of Kazakhstan is planning to pursue a master’s degree at Swedish University of Agricultural Science. His research will focus on building an understanding of the migration behavior of saigas, influencing factors such as climate change, and impacts of migration barriers (such as border fences and railroads) to better inform future conservation and management. Albert is already one of Kazakhstan’s foremost voices on saiga conservation through his role at the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity Kazakhstan (ACBK) – the skills he gains through this master’s program will help him fill some critical knowledge gaps in his country. He plans to continue his role with ACBK after completing his degree, working to protect saiga by advising the government, developing conservation management plans, and monitoring the impact of conservation initiatives and management decisions on wildlife.

Awarded the Handsel Scholarship

Location: Kazakhstan
University: Swedish University of Agricultural Science

Dr. Frédéric Stéphane Singa Niatou

Great Apes

Dr. Frédéric Stéphane Singa Niatou

Dr. Frédéric Stéphane Singa Niatou of the Central African Republic is planning to pursue an applied training course through the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center’s (LPRC) Capacity-Building Program for African Veterinarians. This program combines theoretical sessions with practical work in the LPRC sanctuary, in the neighboring Kahuzi-Biega National Park (DRC), and in an animal shelter in the nearby city of Bukavu. Frédéric intends to use the skills gained through this training back home in the Central African Republic, where he hopes to become a senior veterinarian at Dzanga-Sangha National Park and to work to conserve great apes in his home country using a One Health approach.

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Central African Republic
University: Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center’s (LPRC) Capacity-Building Program for African Veterinarians

The young female chimp

Carine Uwamahoro

Great Apes

Carine Uwamahoro

Carine Uwamahoro of Rwanda is pursuing her master’s degree in wildlife and livestock production, management, and conservation at the Czech University of Life Science, Prague. Her master’s research focuses on cryptosporidium, giardia and microsporidia infections in wild great apes, using samples collected through her role at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (DFGF), where she plans to continue working after graduation. The laboratory skills in molecular techniques and data analysis that Carine is gaining in this program are scare in Rwanda, and with the planned opening of the new state-of-the-art Ellen Degeneres Campus at DFGF, Carine’s skills will be put to good use in managing these new labs and thus helping to protect gorillas in the long-term.

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Rwanda
University: Czech University of Life Science

Mariam Weston Flores

Small Mexican wild cats

Mariam Weston Flores

Mariam Weston Flores of Mexico is planning to pursue a master’s degree in conservation leadership from the University of Cambridge. She plans to focus her studies and her future work on understanding and mitigating threats to small Mexican wild cats through sustainable solutions, environmental education, and community-based conservation strategies.

Awarded a Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: Mexico
University: University of Cambridge

Dr. Adiya Yadamsuren

Camel

Dr. Adiya Yadamsuren

Dr. Adiya Yadamsuren of Mongolia is planning to pursue an applied training in veterinary medicine at the Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic. He works in an incredibly remote location in Mongolia as the manager for the WCPF Breeding Center, which focuses on conservation and reintroduction of the critically endangered wild camel (Camelus ferus). Essentially, Adiya already fills the role of a veterinarian without the official degree (his PhD was focused on habitat suitability for wild camels). This training will greatly improve his veterinary skills, which are critical in order to effectively care for animals and respond to emergencies at the center. The training program includes the sedation of ungulate species, darting, handling, storage and administration of veterinary drugs, autopsy procedures and autopsy samples and transport, genetic and disease controls. For example, he will be able to better diagnose illnesses; look after the wild camel calves that are born each spring; supervise the treatment of wounds incurred during the winter months when the wild camels fight and mate; carry out autopsies on dead animals; and, overall, take responsibility for wild camel animal welfare.

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Mongolia

Michael Akrasi

Michael Akrasi

Michael Akrasi of Ghana is pursuing a master’s degree at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. His thesis is focused on studying the ecology of and assessing threats...

Find out more

Juan Sebastian Ayala Giraldo

Juan Sebastian Ayala Giraldo

Juan Sebastian Ayala Giraldo of Colombia is planning to pursue an MBA at ICESI University in Colombia. With a background in sea turtle conservation, the skills he gains from this...

Find out more

Hasita Bhammar

Hasita Bhammar

Hasita Bhammar of India is pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Oxford. Her research will estimate the impact of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) on local economies around targeted protected...

Find out more

Grace Cheptoo

Grace Cheptoo

Grace Cheptoo of Kenya will be pursuing her master’s degree in Environmental Observation & Informatics through the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Her research...

Find out more

Florencia Chiapero

Florencia Chiapero

Florencia Chiapero of Argentina is still in the process of applying to degree programs. Her planned dissertation topic addresses the impacts of different conservation strategies on the ecology and interaction...

Find out more
jamal galves

Jamal Galves

Jamal Galves

Jamal Galves of Belize plans to pursue a master’s degree through the Coastal Science & Policy program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His thesis will highlight the endangered...

Find out more

Dr. Huguette Kamavu Glody

Dr. Huguette Kamavu Glody

Dr. Huguette Kamavu Glody of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is planning to pursue a master’s degree from the Institute for Game and Wildlife Research (IREC) at Consejo Superior...

Find out more

Dr. Asma Hersi

Dr. Asma Hersi

Dr. Asma Hersi of Somalia is planning to pursue a postgraduate diploma on international wildlife conservation practice through the University of Oxford. She currently works with CCF in Somaliland, where...

Find out more

Herdhanu Jayanto 

Herdhanu Jayanto 

Herdhanu Jayanto of Indonesia is planning to pursue a master’s degree at the New Mexico Highlands University under the supervision of Kyle J. Shaney of the Tomistoma Task Force, IUCN SSC...

Find out more

Kinley

Kinley

Kinley of Bhutan is pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Greifswald (Germany). His research focuses on the movement ecology, home range, and habitat selection by the Rufous-necked hornbill,...

Find out more

Naing Lin

Naing Lin

Naing Lin of Myanmar is pursuing a master’s degree at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) at the University of Kent. His goal is to work in Myanmar...

Find out more

Christopher Mbisana

Christopher Mbisana

Christopher Mbisana of Botswana is planning to pursue a master’s degree in the Wildlife, Sustainability, and Ecosystem Services Department through a joint program at Texas A&M and Tarleton State University...

Find out more

Dennis Minja

Dennis Minja

Dennis Minja of Tanzania is pursuing his PhD at the University of Glasgow (Scotland). His research will focus on the influence of habitat and anthropogenic pressures on cheetah hunting success...

Find out more

Rama Mishra

Rama Mishra

Rama Mishra of Nepal is pursuing her PhD at the University of Antwerp, with her research focusing on the ecology and behavior of fishing cats. Her research will holistically investigate...

Find out more

Fenrick Msigwa

Fenrick Msigwa

Fenrick Msigwa of Tanzania is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro-Tanzania. His research explores local people’s perspectives...

Find out more

Dr. Ny Aina Tiana Rakotoarisoa

Dr. Ny Aina Tiana Rakotoarisoa

Dr. Ny Aina Tiana Rakotoarisoa of Madagascar plans to pursue a master’s degree in conservation medicine from Tufts University. Her research will focus on monitoring the health of radiated tortoises...

Find out more

Jean Fernando Randriamiajason

Jean Fernando Randriamiajason

Jean Fernando Randriamiajason of Madagascar plans to pursue an applied training program focused on ocean governance, policy, law, and management. He plans to use the skills gained from this program...

Find out more

Dr. Tony Nambinina Natacha Rasolozaka

Dr. Tony Nambinina Natacha Rasolozaka

Dr. Tony Nambinina Natacha Rasolozaka (Dr. Rasolozaka Tony Nambinina Natacha) is planning to pursue a Master of Veterinary Science in Conservation Medicine through the University of Edinburgh. Her master’s thesis...

Find out more

Antso Razakafamantanantsoa

Antso Razakafamantanantsoa

Antso Razakafamantanantsoa of Madagascar is planning to use the scholarship funding for an applied training course through Ambios in the UK and to complete his master’s degree at University of...

Find out more

Justine Robert

Justine Robert

Justine Robert of Tanzania is planning to pursue a Master of Science in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management from the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Tanzania. The...

Find out more

Tania Romero Bautista

Tania Romero Bautista

Tania Romero Bautista of Peru is pursuing her PhD at Florida International University. Her doctoral research aims to a) make conservation and sustainable development strategies more practical and accessible to...

Find out more

Albert Salemgareyev

Albert Salemgareyev

Albert Salemgareyev of Kazakhstan is planning to pursue a master’s degree at Swedish University of Agricultural Science. His research will focus on building an understanding of the migration behavior of...

Find out more

Dr. Frédéric Stéphane Singa Niatou

Dr. Frédéric Stéphane Singa Niatou

Dr. Frédéric Stéphane Singa Niatou of the Central African Republic is planning to pursue an applied training course through the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center’s (LPRC) Capacity-Building Program for African Veterinarians....

Find out more

Carine Uwamahoro

Carine Uwamahoro

Carine Uwamahoro of Rwanda is pursuing her master’s degree in wildlife and livestock production, management, and conservation at the Czech University of Life Science, Prague. Her master’s research focuses on...

Find out more

Mariam Weston Flores

Mariam Weston Flores

Mariam Weston Flores of Mexico is planning to pursue a master’s degree in conservation leadership from the University of Cambridge. She plans to focus her studies and her future work...

Find out more

Dr. Adiya Yadamsuren

Dr. Adiya Yadamsuren

Dr. Adiya Yadamsuren of Mongolia is planning to pursue an applied training in veterinary medicine at the Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic. He works in an incredibly remote location...

Find out more

Michael Akrasi

Michael Akrasi of Ghana is pursuing a master’s degree at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. His thesis is focused on studying the ecology of and assessing threats to white-bellied pangolins in Ghana. His aim is that his work will be used to engage with national wildlife authorities to develop and implement an action plan for the species. It will also feed directly into Herp-Ghana’s pangolin recovery program in the Togo-Volta highlands. In the future, Michael’s goal is to lead the mammal recovery program in the Onepone Endangered Species Refuge to restore habitats as well as original populations of mammals that existed in the reserve. He aims to engage communities to protect wildlife habitats through the establishment of legally declared community-based protected areas in key biodiversity hotspots.

Awarded  the Sidney Byers Scholarship

Location: Ghana
University: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Juan Sebastian Ayala Giraldo

Juan Sebastian Ayala Giraldo of Colombia is planning to pursue an MBA at ICESI University in Colombia. With a background in sea turtle conservation, the skills he gains from this MBA program will allow him to develop and implement ecotourism programs at the national level and to promote circular economy ideas for local communities, with the end goal of better protection for sea turtles and secure livelihoods for local residents.

Awarded the Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: Colombia
University: ICESI University

Hasita Bhammar

Hasita Bhammar of India is pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Oxford. Her research will estimate the impact of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) on local economies around targeted protected areas through measuring the direct, indirect and induced costs of HWC – most studies now look only at direct costs. Her goal is to identify activities that can be strengthened or transformed at the local level so that benefits from wildlife always exceed the costs to communities, thus incentivizing communities to support conservation. Hasita’s career ambition is to strategically refine the systems approach to protected areas (PA) management and facilitate innovative co-management and delegated management models for conservation in South Asia.

Awarded a Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: India
University: University of Oxford

Grace Cheptoo

Grace Cheptoo of Kenya will be pursuing her master’s degree in Environmental Observation & Informatics through the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Her research will focus on determining leopard abundance in the Greater Mara Ecosystem, understanding community perceptions towards leopards, and identifying human-wildlife conflicts associated with leopards. Grace hopes to develop this into a longer-term project on leopard monitoring, as this species remains understudied in the wild. She is also interested in empowering other young girls and women to pursue careers in conservation and the geospatial industry.

Awarded the Handsel Scholarship

Location: Kenya
University: University of Wisconsin

Florencia Chiapero

Florencia Chiapero of Argentina is still in the process of applying to degree programs. Her planned dissertation topic addresses the impacts of different conservation strategies on the ecology and interaction of Patagonian carnivores, with special emphasis on Andean cat populations. Her research will contribute to the continued development of AGA’s Conflict Mitigation Program by generating applied conservation outcomes with a specific focus on the use of livestock guarding dogs and the environmental impact of that practice.

Awarded the Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: Argentina

Jamal Galves

Jamal Galves of Belize plans to pursue a master’s degree through the Coastal Science & Policy program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His thesis will highlight the endangered Antillean manatee as a flagship species to protect critical coastal habitats from unsustainable development and degradation in Belize, with a focus on his hometown of Gales Point. In the future, Jamal hopes to build a coalition of grassroots marine conservation organizations to lead the marine conservation efforts in Belize, so that conservation can be led by local Belizeans rather than reliant on international organizations.

Awarded the Handsel Scholarship

Location: Belize
University: University of California, Santa Cruz

Dr. Huguette Kamavu Glody

Dr. Huguette Kamavu Glody of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is planning to pursue a master’s degree from the Institute for Game and Wildlife Research (IREC) at Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas in Spain. She plans to focus her research on investigating the prevalence of respiratory diseases in Grauer’s gorillas and human beings at Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the DRC, with a specific focus on COVID-19. After completing her degree, Huguette plans to apply her acquired skills to her role as senior veterinarian at the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center, and to use her research to help with the conservation of other great ape species as well, especially for habituated groups of apes for whom transmission of respiratory diseases from humans is a particularly high risk.

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo
University: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas

Dr. Asma Hersi

Dr. Asma Hersi of Somalia is planning to pursue a postgraduate diploma on international wildlife conservation practice through the University of Oxford. She currently works with CCF in Somaliland, where cheetahs are threatened by the illegal wildlife trade, and cares for confiscated individuals – many of whom are susceptible to disease such as feline coronavirus (FCoV). Asma plans to focus her research on the prevalence of FCoV in both captive cheetahs and cheetahs in the wild. In the future, she hopes to work towards efficient public reform of wildlife extension services to protect rare species in Somaliland in order to boost the economy and tourism. Asma also hopes to be involved in management and decision-making in Somaliland in the future through a ministry position, in order to build strong and effective in-country institutions that can improve the state of livestock and wildlife.

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Somalia
University: University of Oxford

Herdhanu Jayanto 

Herdhanu Jayanto of Indonesia is planning to pursue a master’s degree at the New Mexico Highlands University under the supervision of Kyle J. Shaney of the Tomistoma Task Force, IUCN SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. He will focus his research on conservation and new ecology of both false gharial (Tomistoma) and Siamese crocodile. Herdhanu’s long-term goal is to grow the NGO he started, which focuses on the conservation of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile and false gharial, and establish an inclusive community-based conservation that is directly linked with livelihood development for the people who live surrounding the field sites.

Awarded the Pat J. Miller Scholarship

Location: Indonesia
University: New Mexico Highlands University

Kinley

Kinley of Bhutan is pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Greifswald (Germany). His research focuses on the movement ecology, home range, and habitat selection by the Rufous-necked hornbill, with the goal of using this data to develop a science-based, robust conservation action plan for the species. Kinley will rejoin Tsirang Forest Division under the Department of Forest and Park Services in Bhutan after completing his degree, applying his newfound skills to conservation issues impacting wildlife and local communities in Bhutan. He is interested in raising awareness about wildlife conservation and its benefits, especially in remote areas, and developing ways to reduce human-wildlife conflict. He also has plans to explore alternative livelihood opportunities for local farmers, with a particular focus on ecotourism to encourage forest and hornbill conservation. Kinley is also an active commission member of IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Croup, IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group and IUCN SSC Red List Authority.

Awarded the Handsel Scholarship

Location: Bhutan
University: University of Greifswald

Naing Lin

Naing Lin of Myanmar is pursuing a master’s degree at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) at the University of Kent. His goal is to work in Myanmar to conserve the landscape in partnership with local communities for the benefit of the great breadth of biodiversity across his country – from the famous charismatic megafauna species such as tigers and elephants, to the lesser-known species such as fishing cats, which are a flagship species for freshwater ecosystems.

Awarded the WCN-WCS Joint Scholarship

Location: Myanmar
University: University of Kent

Christopher Mbisana

Christopher Mbisana of Botswana is planning to pursue a master’s degree in the Wildlife, Sustainability, and Ecosystem Services Department through a joint program at Texas A&M and Tarleton State University in Texas. His thesis will be focused on cheetahs in the western Kalahari area of Botswana, and on understanding and supporting human-wildlife coexistence in agricultural systems. He aims to monitor wildlife and livestock species around communities through spoor surveys and camera traps; to assess human wildlife interactions and their effects on each other; and to quantify farmer carnivore conflict to further understand impacts and potential solutions. After completing his degree, Christopher plans to continue working in the Kalahari area with CCB, helping local communities maintain and drive themselves sustainably in management of the land, generate revenue from their environment, and develop their communities.

Awarded a Pat J. Miller Scholarship

Location: Botswana
University: Texas A&M and Tarleton State University

Dennis Minja

Dennis Minja of Tanzania is pursuing his PhD at the University of Glasgow (Scotland). His research will focus on the influence of habitat and anthropogenic pressures on cheetah hunting success and habitat use in the Serengeti ecosystem. Dennis’ goal is to expand cheetah conservation work across Tanzania, as relatively little is known about cheetah status outside of protected areas. He hopes to work with park managers to advise them on how best to manage ecosystem services, like grazing and wildlife tourism, while also considering the needs of cheetahs and other key threatened carnivore species, as well as their wild prey.

Awarded the Sidney Byers Scholarship

Location: Tanzania
University: University of Glasgow

Rama Mishra

Rama Mishra of Nepal is pursuing her PhD at the University of Antwerp, with her research focusing on the ecology and behavior of fishing cats. Her research will holistically investigate aspects of the biology, behavior, and the human dimension of fishing cat conservation and contribute to an improved understanding of the species and its current status in Nepal – a country in which the species is poorly studied and understood. In the future, Rama plans to keep working with WildCAN, the organization she co-founded to promote wildlife conservation in Nepal, and she hopes to work at the policy level as well to conduct landscape-level wildlife management and conservation in partnership with local communities.

Awarded the Pat J. Miller Scholarship

Location: Nepal
University: University of Antwerp

Fenrick Msigwa

Fenrick Msigwa of Tanzania is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro-Tanzania. His research explores local people’s perspectives on wildlife utilization, focusing on trophy hunting and bushmeat trade in villages adjacent to the Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem. His research findings will be used to improve wildlife conservation in Tanzania through providing appropriate recommendations and proposing community interventions for tackling illegal bushmeat trade and unsustainable methods of utilizing wildlife. Fenrick hopes to be a wildlife conservationist specializing in political ecology with an emphasis on wildlife trade research and conservation economic perspectives, exploring the new realities of wildlife conservation in Tanzania.

Awarded a Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: Tanzania
University: Sokoine University of Agriculture

Dr. Ny Aina Tiana Rakotoarisoa

Dr. Ny Aina Tiana Rakotoarisoa of Madagascar plans to pursue a master’s degree in conservation medicine from Tufts University. Her research will focus on monitoring the health of radiated tortoises after their release through a reintroduction program in Madagascar, including any impact on the native population of tortoises and the overall ecological health of the surrounding habitat. In the future, Ny Aina hopes to open and manage a veterinary service center for wildlife medicine and science in Madagascar – currently, there are very few veterinarians who work with wildlife in the country. 

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Madagascar
University: Tufts University

Jean Fernando Randriamiajason

Jean Fernando Randriamiajason of Madagascar plans to pursue an applied training program focused on ocean governance, policy, law, and management. He plans to use the skills gained from this program to better perform his role at Blue Ventures, where he works daily with fishers and fishing communities in some of the most remote parts of the country. His goal is to help give the Vezo people of Madagascar a voice to tell their stories, and he is interested in learning more about the interconnection of governance, fisheries and human rights, in order to turn these voices into action, laws, and reality.

Awarded the Handsel Scholarship

Location: Madagascar

Dr. Tony Nambinina Natacha Rasolozaka

Dr. Tony Nambinina Natacha Rasolozaka (Dr. Rasolozaka Tony Nambinina Natacha) is planning to pursue a Master of Veterinary Science in Conservation Medicine through the University of Edinburgh. Her master’s thesis will focus on the disease transmission cycles affecting the Madagascar pochard, an endemic and critically endangered waterbird. Using a One Health approach, she intends to determine what role various factors, including infectious agents, play in the observed high mortality rate of wild ducklings. This information will be used to guide future conservation efforts for the species, as well as to better understand the epidemiology of emerging wildlife and zoonotic diseases in Madagascar and how best to control disease outbreaks.

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Madagascar
University: University of Edinburgh

Antso Razakafamantanantsoa

Antso Razakafamantanantsoa of Madagascar is planning to use the scholarship funding for an applied training course through Ambios in the UK and to complete his master’s degree at University of Mahajanga in Madagascar. He will focus his research on the effect of habitat quality on the survival of the Verreaux’s sifaka (a medium-sized primate species in the lemur family) population in Kirindy-Mité National Park in western Madagascar. In the future, he hopes to run his own conservation organization that focuses on conservation of the Verreaux’s sifaka and works with local communities to make sure their voices are heard in the management of protected areas.

Awarded  the Pat J. Miller Scholarship

Location: Madagascar
University: University of Mahajanga

Justine Robert

Justine Robert of Tanzania is planning to pursue a Master of Science in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management from the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Tanzania. The focus of his research will be evaluating the effectiveness of conservation incentives in mitigating human-wildlife conflict in Tanzania. Justine himself is Masai and grew up in a pastoralist family, and his goal is to work with communities to ensure peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.

Awarded the Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: Tanzania
University: Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology

Tania Romero Bautista

Tania Romero Bautista of Peru is pursuing her PhD at Florida International University. Her doctoral research aims to a) make conservation and sustainable development strategies more practical and accessible to communities in Peru’s Marañon watershed (Peruvian Amazon); b) guide policymakers in how to design and implement more comprehensive, integrative regulations for community-based freshwater management; and c) support the conservation of ecologically important freshwater species such as the endangered Amazon river dolphin. Her overall goal is to provide support and advocate for the rights of Amazonian communities and the preservation of endemic and endangered freshwater species.

Awarded a Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: Peru
University: Florida International University

Albert Salemgareyev

Albert Salemgareyev of Kazakhstan is planning to pursue a master’s degree at Swedish University of Agricultural Science. His research will focus on building an understanding of the migration behavior of saigas, influencing factors such as climate change, and impacts of migration barriers (such as border fences and railroads) to better inform future conservation and management. Albert is already one of Kazakhstan’s foremost voices on saiga conservation through his role at the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity Kazakhstan (ACBK) – the skills he gains through this master’s program will help him fill some critical knowledge gaps in his country. He plans to continue his role with ACBK after completing his degree, working to protect saiga by advising the government, developing conservation management plans, and monitoring the impact of conservation initiatives and management decisions on wildlife.

Awarded the Handsel Scholarship

Location: Kazakhstan
University: Swedish University of Agricultural Science

Dr. Frédéric Stéphane Singa Niatou

Dr. Frédéric Stéphane Singa Niatou of the Central African Republic is planning to pursue an applied training course through the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center’s (LPRC) Capacity-Building Program for African Veterinarians. This program combines theoretical sessions with practical work in the LPRC sanctuary, in the neighboring Kahuzi-Biega National Park (DRC), and in an animal shelter in the nearby city of Bukavu. Frédéric intends to use the skills gained through this training back home in the Central African Republic, where he hopes to become a senior veterinarian at Dzanga-Sangha National Park and to work to conserve great apes in his home country using a One Health approach.

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Central African Republic
University: Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center’s (LPRC) Capacity-Building Program for African Veterinarians

Carine Uwamahoro

Carine Uwamahoro of Rwanda is pursuing her master’s degree in wildlife and livestock production, management, and conservation at the Czech University of Life Science, Prague. Her master’s research focuses on cryptosporidium, giardia and microsporidia infections in wild great apes, using samples collected through her role at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (DFGF), where she plans to continue working after graduation. The laboratory skills in molecular techniques and data analysis that Carine is gaining in this program are scare in Rwanda, and with the planned opening of the new state-of-the-art Ellen Degeneres Campus at DFGF, Carine’s skills will be put to good use in managing these new labs and thus helping to protect gorillas in the long-term.

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Rwanda
University: Czech University of Life Science

Mariam Weston Flores

Mariam Weston Flores of Mexico is planning to pursue a master’s degree in conservation leadership from the University of Cambridge. She plans to focus her studies and her future work on understanding and mitigating threats to small Mexican wild cats through sustainable solutions, environmental education, and community-based conservation strategies.

Awarded a Sydney Byers Scholarship

Location: Mexico
University: University of Cambridge

Dr. Adiya Yadamsuren

Dr. Adiya Yadamsuren of Mongolia is planning to pursue an applied training in veterinary medicine at the Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic. He works in an incredibly remote location in Mongolia as the manager for the WCPF Breeding Center, which focuses on conservation and reintroduction of the critically endangered wild camel (Camelus ferus). Essentially, Adiya already fills the role of a veterinarian without the official degree (his PhD was focused on habitat suitability for wild camels). This training will greatly improve his veterinary skills, which are critical in order to effectively care for animals and respond to emergencies at the center. The training program includes the sedation of ungulate species, darting, handling, storage and administration of veterinary drugs, autopsy procedures and autopsy samples and transport, genetic and disease controls. For example, he will be able to better diagnose illnesses; look after the wild camel calves that are born each spring; supervise the treatment of wounds incurred during the winter months when the wild camels fight and mate; carry out autopsies on dead animals; and, overall, take responsibility for wild camel animal welfare.

Awarded the WCN Veterinary Scholarship

Location: Mongolia

WCN's Past Scholars

2020 Scholars

Shaleen Angwenyi
Kenya
African Painted Dog

Gabriel Antwi-Boasiako
Ghana
African elephants, slender-snouted crocodiles, dwarf crocodiles, pangolins

Kambwiri Banda
Zambia
Lion

Charles Emogor
Nigeria
White-bellied pangolin

Paul Hatanga
Uganda
Chimpanzees, Ugandan Mangabey

Tarik Kabir
Bangladesh
Western Hoolock Gibbon

Herbert Kasozi
Uganda
Rothschild’s Giraffe

Ambika Prasad Khatiwada
Nepal
Chinese Pangolin

Masud Lahut
Iran
Baluchistan Black Bear

Patrick Okello
Uganda
Lion and cheetah

Ando Rabearisoa
Madagascar
Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Tapologo Connie Sebati
Botswana
Cheetah

Mario Sneyder Jimenez Segura
Costa Rica
Great Green Macaw

Sandra Teoh
Malaysia
Indo-pacific Humpback dolphin

 

2019 Scholars

Peter Abanyam
Nigeria
Cross river gorillas, slender-snouted crocodiles, Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees, and elephants

Muktar Abute
Ethiopia
Ethiopian wolf

Damber Bista
Nepal
Red panda

Melissa Micaela Arias Goetschel
Ecuador
Jaguars

Juan Carlos Huaranca
Bolivia
Andean cat and Pampas cat

Teddy Mulenga Mukula
Zambia
Cheetahs

Thomas Mutonhori
Zimbabwe
Painted dog

Minh Mguyen
Vietnam
Large-antlered muntjac

Jean Ferus Niyomwungeri
Rwanda
Grey crowned cranes

Carmen Julia Quiroga Pacheco
Bolivia
Andean bears, pumas, and jaguars

Shashank Poudel
Nepal
Leopards

James Watuwa
Uganda
African Elephant

2018 Scholars

Tiasa Adhya
India
Fishing cat

Salonia Bhatia
India
Snow leopard

Tashi Dhendup
Bhutan
Clouded leopard, tiger, marbled cat, Asiatic golden cat, and Pallas’ cat

Francy Forero
Colombia
Cotton-top

Marina Rivero Hernandez
Mexico
Baird’s tapir

Agostinho Aquelino Jorge
Mozambique
African lions and other large carnivores

Monsoon Khatiwada
Nepal
Dhole

Lucero Maria del Carmen Vaca Leon
Mexico
Jaguar, Baird’s tapir, white lipped peccary, and ocelot

Giridhar Malla
India
Fishing cat

Arthur Bienvenu Muneza
Rwanda
Giraffe

Henry Mwape
Zambia
Leopards, lions, African wild dogs, and spotted hyena

An Nguyen
Vietnam
Large-antlered muntjac, Owston’s civets, Annamite striped rabbits, and felids

Phale Max Seele
Botswana
Cheetahs

Gao Yufang
China
Snow leopard

 

2017 Scholars

Rabin Kadariya
Nepal
Asiatic black bear, tiger, and Asian elephant

Martial Kiki
Republic of Benin
West African lion and spotted hyena

Krystelle Lavaki Danford
Fiji
Coral reef fish and other marine species

Joseph Lopsala Letoole
Kenya
Grevy’s zebra

Thaís Queiroz Morcatty
Brazil
Jaguars, ocelots, pumas, and Brazilian snake-necked turtles

Anya Ratnayaka
Sri Lanka
Fishing cat, rusty-spotted cat, and jungle cat

Aristide Takoukam Kamla
Cameroon
African manatee

Suraj Upadhaya
Nepal
Snow leopard

2016 Scholars

Francis Rodriguez
Peru
Spectacled bear

Justin Chambulila
Tanzania
Large carnivores

Nadia Mijiddorj
Mongolia
Snow leopard

Sabita Malla
Nepal
Greater one-horned rhino and Asian elephant

Rafael Morais
Brazil
Jaguar

Tutilo Mudumba
Uganda
Lion

Pooja Choksi
India
Bengal tiger

Sonam Tashi Lama
Nepal
Indian leopard

2015 Scholars

Rinzin Phunjok Lama
Nepal
Snow Leopard

Manoj Bhusal
Nepal
Red panda

Lara Heidel
Argentina
Andean cat

Jaffar Ud Din
Pakistan
Snow leopard

Gebeyehu Rskay Kassa
Ethiopia
Ethiopian wolf

Deo Kujirakwinja
DRC
Chimpanzee

Ashan Thudugala
Sri Lanka
Fishing cat, Rusty’s spotted cat, Jungle cat

Arjun Srivathsa
India
Dhole (Asiatic wild dog)

Anita Bousa
Laos
Saola

Alejandra Rocio Torrez
Bolivia
Andean cat

2014 Scholars

Carla Mere
Peru
Woolly monkey

Dina Farfan Flores
Peru
Andean cat

Festus Wanderi Ihwagi
Kenya
African elephant

Gabriela Cabral Rezende
Brazil
Black lion tamarin

Germain A. Mavah
Republic of Congo
African elephant, gorilla, chimpanzee

Kgotla Phale Phale
Botswana
Cheetah

Liang Song Horng
Malaysia
Tiger

Ranjini Murali
India
Snow Leopard

Rodrigo Villalobos Aguirre
Chile
Andean cat, cougar, colocolo wildcat

Roger Patrick Boundja
Republic of Congo
African forest elephant

Simbarashe Chiseva
Zimbabwe
Black and white rhinos

Thandiwe Mweetwa
Zambia
African lion

2013 Scholars

Neovitus Cassian Sianga
Tanzania
Lion

Carol Bogezi
Uganda
Lion, African elephant, crocodile

Meghna Krishnadas
India
Hornbills, imperial pigeons, lion-tailed macaques, muntjac, sambhar deer, civets

Morulaganyi Kokole
Botswana
Cheetah

Twongeirwe Medard
Uganda
Multiple species in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Girma Eshete
Ethiopia
Ethiopian wolf

Oki Hadian
Indonesia
Sumatran tiger, elephant, rhino, orangutan

Inaoyom Sunday Imong
Nigeria
Cross river gorilla and other primates and large mammals

2012 Scholars

Jassiel M’soka
Zambia
Cheetah, African wild dog

Chanthasone Phommachanh
Laos
Saola

Nadya Sulikhan
Russia
Siberian tiger, Far Eastern (Amur) leopard

Donny Sumartono
Indonesia
Sumatran elephant

Daniel Letoiye
Kenya
Grevy’s zebra

Thendi Tagwa
Botswana
Cheetah

Dedi Candra
Indonesia
Sumatran & Javan rhinos

Mbumba Marufo
Mozambique
African elephant

Montan Kalyahe
Tanzania
Lion, cheetah, African wild dog, spotted hyena, leopard

Tobias Ochieng
Kenya
African elephant

Gaspard Abitsi
Gabon
Forest elephant

2011 Scholars

Andriansyah
Indonesia
Sumatran rhino, Bornean orangutan, Sumatran elephant

Yuan Lei
China
Wild camel

Fabián Beltrán
Bolivia
Andean cat, Pampas cat, puma, Andean fox

Nikolay Kazakov
Russia
Amur tigers, Far Eastern (Amur) leopards

Simon Nampindo
Uganda
Wildlife in the Albertine Rift region

Keitumetse Ngaka
Botswana
Lions and other predators

Santi Saypanya
Laos
Tiger

Resson Kantai
Kenya
African elephant

2010 Scholars

Peter Lalampaa
Kenya
Grevy’s zebra

Ipeleng Randome
Botswana
Cheetah

Jean Paul M’Monga Kiete
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Okapi

Dejene Deme
Ethiopia
Ethiopian wolf

Agostinho Jorge
Mozambique
Leopard

2009 Scholars

Phale Seele
Botswana
Cheetah

Morulaganyi Kokole
Botswana
Cheetah

Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar (Buuvei)
Mongolia
Saiga antelope

2008 Scholars

Ezequiel Fabiano
Namibia
Cheetah

Magdalena Bennett
Chile
Andean cat

Tserennadmid Mijiddorj (Nadia)
Mongolia
Snow leopard

Juan Reppucci
Argentina
Andean cat

2007 Scholars

Shivani Bhalla
Kenya
Lion

Rocio Palacios
Argentina
Andean cat

Nadezhda Arylova
Russian Republic of Kalmykia
Saiga antelope

Yin Yufeng
China
Chinese mountain cat

Bonnie Schumann
South Africa
Riverine rabbit

Zegeye Kibrit
Ethiopia
Ethiopian wolf

Matti Nghikembua
Namibia
Cheetah

Photography credits: Will Burrard-Lucas, Jon McCormack, Susan McConnell, Darren Pietersen, Frank af Petersen, Corey Raffel, The MareCet Research Organization, AGA, Henry Mwape, Lucas Meers, Peter Lindsey
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