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# Biodiversity Intactness for Africa

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## Posts

- [Nancy Nthenya Moinde, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/nancy-nthenya-moinde-dr/) - My research focusses on the interrelationships between changes in climate-land use and their influence on patterns of mammal diversity and human adaptive strategies in response to these environmental changes. Such integrated driven data, is crucial for understanding factors that not only promote both ecological and social resilience but also vital for understanding their influence land
- [Jason Gilchrist, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/jason-gilchrist-dr/) - My research has focused on behavioural ecology and social dynamics of banded mongooses in Uganda. With a focus on demography, and understanding factors affecting survival and distribution of reproductive success, alongside impacts of human waste food availability on spatial use and behaviour, I have an appreciation of within species (and group) behaviour and ecology, and
- [Etotepe A. SOGBOHOSSOU, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/etotepe-a-sogbohossou-prof/) - My work centers on the ecology and monitoring of large carnivores and other mammal populations. The research investigates major threats, including the dynamics of human-wildlife conflict and the illegal wildlife trade, with special attention given to endangered species. Some findings were translated into policy notes and practical recommendations to inform and guide in situ conservation
- [Peter Taylor, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/peter-taylor-prof/) - I am fascinated by the ecology, taxonomy and ecosystem services and disservices of African bats and terrestrial small mammals, having co-authored many scientific and popular papers, descriptions of new species, and several reference books on small mammals, rodents and bats. My research has centred on Afromontane species of bats, shrews and rodents, and the modelled
- [Claude Fischer, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/claude-fischer-prof/) - With the NGO ADAP (Association for the Development of Protected Areas), we are working on a Community Based Nature Resource Management project. Idea is to involve local communities in biodiversity conservation by giving them the opportunity to make a livelihood by sustainably using nature resources. The non destructive use of natural resources allows to maintain
- [Graham Alexander, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/graham-alexander-prof/) - My interests include aspects of physiology, ecology, biogeography, evolution, conservation biology and life history of the herpetofauna. My research now focuses on snake ecology: snakes are truly remarkable predators and are model organisms in ecology and physiology due to their simplicity and because they are extreme in many ways. The importance of snakes as ecosystem
- [Alexander Sliwa, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/alexander-sliwa-dr/) - Have worked on African carnivores in the wild since 34 years for PhD and post-doc research in South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland (aardwolf, black-footed cat, African wildcat, arid habitat mongoose, mustelids, canids), a for 5 years in the Moroccan Sahara (sand cat, canids, mustelids), via intensive behavioral ecology research, by readio-collaring and tracking and monitoring their
- [Assessment of the intactness of sub-Saharan Africa's ecosystem functions based on the BII](https://bii4africa.org/energy-flows-reveal-declining-ecosystem-functions-by-animals-across-africa/) - We used an “ecosystem energetics” approach to quantify how energy flows through food webs—from sunlight captured by plants to the animals that consume it. Using data from more than 3,000 bird and mammal species across 317,000 landscapes covering forests, savannas, and deserts, we combined six major ecological datasets, including the Biodiversity Intactness Index for Africa
- [The bii4africa dataset of faunal and floral population intactness estimates across Africa’s major land uses](https://bii4africa.org/the-bii4africa-dataset-of-faunal-and-floral-population-intactness-estimates-across-africas-major-land-usesthe-bii4africa-dataset/) - Here you will find the open-access bii4africa dataset, which was co-produced by 200 contributing experts in African biodiversity. It contains intactness scores representing terrestrial vertebrates (tetrapods: ±5,400 amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) and vascular plants (±45,000 forbs, graminoids, trees, shrubs) in sub-Saharan Africa across the region’s major land uses and intensities.
- [Map and assessment of sub-Saharan Africa's biodiversity intactness](https://bii4africa.org/map-of-sub-saharan-africas-biodiversity-intactness/) - Here you will find an interactive map of sub-Saharan Africa's remaining biodiversity intactness. The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) indicates the average remaining proportion of ‘intact’ populations of indigenous species, given the dominant human land uses and activities. A score between 0% and 100% is assigned to each ‘pixel’ across the region based on biodiversity experts’
- [Stories of biodiversity change across Africa](https://bii4africa.org/stories-of-biodiversity-change-across-africa/) - You can explore the landscapes across Africa where the contributing experts work in this google earth story.
- [Maria Bat Vorontsova, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/maria-bat-vorontsova-dr/) - I study grasses and everything about them, with a particular focus on tropical African diversity and poorly known lineages, their evolutionary history, and the history of tropical grasslands and savannas. I use herbarium based alpha taxonomy to enrich our understanding of ecosystems and their function. My main research direction is a full taxonomic treatment of
- [Thomas Doherty-Bone, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/thomas-doherty-bone/) - My African biodiversity work has taken me across several countries, including Cameroon, Guinea, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria and Uganda. This typically had reptiles and amphibians as a focus, though I have also been involved with other taxa and habitat protection. This has included involved pushing forward with conservation of the most threatened amphibian and reptile species in the
- [Themba'lilahlwa AM Mahlaba,  Prof](https://bii4africa.org/thembalilahlwa-am-mahlaba-prof/) - My career is devoted to advancing the understanding and conservation of African biodiversity. From my beginnings as a Science and Mathematics Teacher to advanced studies in biology, I have built a solid foundation to address urgent biodiversity challenges. As a lecturer and mentor at leading institutions such as the University of Swaziland, I shape future
- [Stefan Porembski, Prof](https://bii4africa.org/stefan-porembski-prof/) - Throughout the tropics (e.g. Brazil, Madagascar, West Africa, Zambia) research of my group concentrates on the flora, vegetation and ecology of neglected ecosystems, such as rock outcrops (e.g. inselbergs, ferricretes). A particular focus is on desiccation tolerant plants which are adapted to long periods of droughts. Since 1990 we are following the vegetation dynamics of
- [Javier Juste, Prof](https://bii4africa.org/javier-juste-prof/) - My work is mainly systematics and evolution, describing several new taxa always among bats. Equatorial Guinea economy is shifting from moderate use of the forest as a source of traditional goods, food, local timber, small-scale crops into highly impacting activities that are causing rapid forest degradation and an evident loss of biodiversity. Nevertheless, the situation
- [Jose María Gil Sánchez, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/jose-maria-gil-sanchez-dr/) - I am a field biologist, senior scientist and member of the Biology and Conservation of Mediterranean and Tropical Vertebrates group at the University of Granada (Spain), chairman of Harmusch Wildlife Research and Conservation and member of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group. I was involved in the 2001-2013 Iberian lynx conservation programs, and currently the European
- [Gregory F.M. Jongsma](https://bii4africa.org/gregory-f-m-jongsma/) - My work explores the origins and maintenance of frog diversity at multiple scales (genetic to community) in Central Africa. I am very interested in how climate change over since the Pleistocene has shaped contemporary diversity. This work can help inform conservation priorities in the face of human-driven climate change. My research program is museum and
- [Dave I. Thompson, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/dave-i-thompson/) - I study the ecology of plants, particularly the herbaceous (non-woody) component of tropical and subtropical savannas and grasslands in north-eastern South Africa, and how these systems are impacted and defined by various disturbances, including fire frequency, herbivory, alien invasive taxa, nutrient flux, and climate extremes. These grassy biomes underpin critical ecosystem services and functions, and
- [Paul Bates, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/paul-bates-dr/) - I am the Director of the Harrison Institute, a UK charity dedicated to mammal taxonomy and community-led conservation. Over the years, my work has spanned a wide range of projects, including research of Arabian mammal, studies of bats from Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, to developing an MSc course in environmental protection and biodiversity
- [Helga van der Merwe, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/helga-van-der-merwe-dr/) - As a vegetation scientist I am interested in vegetation dynamics and drivers of change in plant communities and sentinel species especially in the arid biomes, i.e. Succulent- and Nama-Karoo and arid Savanna, of South Africa. These biomes are primarily used as extensive rangelands for livestock production. It is known that current and historical land use
- [Michelle Brown, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/michelle-brown-prof/) - I am a behavioural ecologist at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and my work focuses on the primate frugivore guild in East African rainforests. I study competitive dynamics at different scales to understand how animals coexist on a limited resource base, which is critical to ensure a future for the many primate populations that
- [Katarzyna Nowak, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/katarzyna-nowak-dr/) - My doctorate thesis was about how an island primate, the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey, is behaviorally adapting to human-driven change in coastal forests. My team and I helped stop golf course development and trash dumping by hotels in a forest that became a new protected area, the Kiwengwa-Pongwe Forest Reserve. We published articles about
- [Pamela Cunneyworth, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/pamela-cunneyworth/) - Pamela Cunneyworth, a Director of Colobus Conservation in Diani, Kenya, oversees the primate research and conservation activities of the organization. Pam received her Master’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Calgary, Canada, with a specialization in Primatology. Shortly after graduating, Pam moved to East Africa and worked with chimpanzees in Burundi, researched baboons and
- [Andrew de Blocq](https://bii4africa.org/andrew-de-blocq/) - Andrew holds an MSc from the University of Cape Town. His thesis was conducted through the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology and focused on the effects of boat-based tourism on waterbirds. Andrew has experience as a professional bird guide and ornithologist, working for BirdLife South Africa for over 6 years on penguins and avitourism (during which he
- [Jarryd Streicher, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/jarryd-streicher-dr/) - I am a Post-Doctoral Fellow affiliated with the Centre for Functional Biodiversity at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. I am interested in mammal ecology, human-wildlife conflicts, and prey-predator interactions, particularly for small carnivores. My previous research identified and quantified the impacts of several anthropogenic pressures on the ecology of three solitary mongooses. We identified
- [Christian Kiffner, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/christian-kiffner-dr/) - I conduct research in the savanna ecosystems of Tanzania, with a focus on the Tarangire, Katavi-Rukwa, and Yaeda Ecosystems. The aim of my work is to contribute to the conservation of African biodiversity and to enhance the wellbeing of both wildlife and human communities. My research approach involves conducting longitudinal wildlife monitoring across these ecosystems
- [Duncan Kimuyu, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/duncan-kimuyu-dr/) - I am interested in broad aspects of wildlife conservation in anthropogenic ecosystems. My current research is on effects on wildlife biodiversity of various anthropogenic drivers of global change, including prescribed fire, livestock management, and large mammal extirpation ResearchGate
- [Paula A. White, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/paula-a-white-dr/) - I am a wildlife biologist specializing in carnivores. My research on small African carnivores has previously focused on spatial distribution, habitat use, and activity patterns. Future research interests include in-depth studies of behavioral ecology, biogeography, and speciation in Viverrids e.g., Genetta. My work on large African carnivores includes behavioral ecology, population genetics, management, and conservation.
- [Manfred Finckh, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/manfred-finckh-dr/) - I am interested in plant diversity in Angola and the environmental factors that shape vegetation, with a particular interest in frost and fire. It is always assumed that fire is a natural factor in all African grassland ecosystems. However, at least the timing of fires is nowadays controlled by people who use fire with different
- [CHABI A.M.S. DJAGOUN, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/chabi-a-m-s-djagoun-dr/) - My research work can be summarized in three areas: (i) sustainability and impact of of bushmeat hunting on ecosystem functioning; (ii) wildlife and food security in the context of climate change; (iii) ethnozoology and public health risks at human and wildlife interface. I am member of the Beninese Young Academy of Sciences and an affiliate
- [Esther Ekua Amfoa Amoako, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/esther-ekua-amfoa-amoako-dr/) - I have conducted research on the effects of anthropogenic fires on Guinea savanna parklands of North of Ghana, West Africa in the last seven years. This is important because the North of Ghana reportedly contributes about 40% in the last 30 years of ecological fires in the Country. It is essential that we we ascertain
- [Adam Ferguson, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/adam-ferguson-dr/) - I have been fortunate to work on African mammal biodiversity across several countries including Angola, Botswana, Djibouti, and Kenya as well as traveling to various other countries for research or wildlife viewing. My specialization is small carnivores with a focus on documenting biodiversity patterns and disease in these and other mammals including rodents, bats, and
- [Harriet Davies-Mostert, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/harriet-davies-mostert-dr/) - I am a carnivore conservation biologist by training and am the Chair of the Wild Dog Advisory Group, South Africa. These days I mostly focus on providing strategic direction and oversight to a wide range of projects run by the Endangered Wildlife Trust across southern and parts of East Africa. Our work aims to reduce
- [Edwin Kamugisha](https://bii4africa.org/edwin-kamugisha/) - With Nature Tanzania (a national membership NGO working in Tanzania mainland) I support coordinattion, monitoring and evaluation of conservation projects and programs. I engage mostly in protection of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). Many KBAs and IBAs face conservation challenges because of not being fully protected, hence at exposure to degradation.
- [Victor Rambau, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/victor-rambau-dr/) - I am interested in the population genetics and phylogeny of African rodents. My areas of expertise include using chromosomal data, barcoding and phylogenetic data. All of this is used to understand characters that unbderpin differences and similarities among African rodents. Website
- [Benjamin Wigley, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/benjamin-wigley-dr/) - Dr. Benjamin Wigley is a South African ecologist known for his research on African savanna ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate change impacts. His work focuses on the interactions between vegetation, fire, herbivory, and land use, particularly in Southern Africa. By improving understanding of ecosystem dynamics, his research informs conservation planning and sustainable land management, contributing to
- [ARA MONADJEM, PROF.](https://bii4africa.org/prof-ara-monadjem/) - I am a biodiversity ecologist specialising in the ecology and conservation of birds and mammals. My focus is mainly on African small mammals and large birds, but I work with all terrestrial vertebrates. I specialise in field-based studies where the objectives are either to obtain biological and taxonomic insights on rare and threatened species, or
- [Jennifer Danzy Cramer, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/jennifer-danzy-cramer-dr/) - My field research has taken me to Central America, the Caribbean, and eight African countries. After observing African monkeys in a diverse range of habitats I became fascinated by their widespread presence and behavioural flexibility around the complex relationships primates and people have with one another. I am committed to partnering with local communities and
- [José María Fernández-García](https://bii4africa.org/jose-maria-fernandez-garcia/) - I've contributed to delineating birds and mammals distribution in SE Senegal, a region with a lack of biodiversity inventories, therefore improving knowledge about species' conservation status and adding natural value to the territory. Fruits of the vine Saba senegalensis is a sought-after resource by people, but also by chimpanzees. Sometimes conflict arises, and chimpanzees have
- [Natalie Weber](https://bii4africa.org/natalie-weber/) - My African biodiversity work includes taxonomy, ecology and conservation of bats. From local field surveys to continent-wide monitoring, I want to understand the distribution patterns of bats in relation to habitat characteristics on different scales - and fill important knowledge gaps for identifying and managing conservation priorities. For almost the last decade, I observed an
- [Marine Drouilly, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/marine-drouilly-dr/) - In South Africa’s arid rangelands, we found that species richness on farmlands could rival that of nearby protected areas - despite the absence of large carnivores. Some adaptable meso-predators, like caracals and black-backed jackals, actually thrive in these human-dominated landscapes, benefiting from the lack of larger competitors and a steady supply of food, such as
- [Claude Mande, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/claude-mande/) - Claude primarily focuses on wildlife ecology, conservation, and infectious disease surveillance, with a particular emphasis on bats. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation: He uses bat functional traits—such as flight and dispersal ability, acoustic signals, and genetic diversity—as tools to address evolutionary questions. His research investigates how environmental factors, including forest structure, topography, temperature, and rainfall, shape
- [Webinar: Biodiversity and food security: Can we find the balance?](https://bii4africa.org/webinar-biodiversity-and-food-security-can-we-find-the-balance/) - Insights from the bii4africa project are presented in this Tipping Points webinar on biodiversity and food security. Hayley Clements shows how the majority of sub-Saharan Africa's remaining biodiversity intactness occurs across it's vast 'working lands' where people co-exist with and depend on biodiversity.
- [Project featured in Nature Africa](https://bii4africa.org/project-featured-in-nature-africa/) - The bii4africa dataset, produced by the project's 200 contributing experts, was recently featured in the journal Nature Africa.
- [Mariska te Beest, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/mariska-te-beest-dr/) - My research interest lies in systems ecology and conservation of tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannas in southern Africa, with a strong focus on the effects of global change on plant communities, particularly on (forb) diversity. I’m specifically interested in ecological feedbacks between plants and climate, fire, herbivory and soil and how these interactions are
- [Thomas Butynski, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/tom-butynski-dr/) - Research on primate, rodent, antelope, pig, and bird biodiversity, taxonomy, biogeography, behavior, and ecology, mainly in Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia since 1970. Led research and conservation programs and projects for New Zoological Society, WWF-US, WWF-International, Zoo Atlanta, Conservation International, Arcadia University, Drexel University, Zoological Society of London, and Lolldaiga Hills
- [Oppenheimer Research Conference](https://bii4africa.org/oppenheimer-research-conference/) - Hayley presented on the project at the 11th OR Conference in Johannesburg, October 2022. You can watch the recording of her talk "Building a Biodiversity Intactness Index for Africa" here:
- [Rob Marchant, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/rob-marchant-prof/) - My main interest is researching processes of environmental change and how these are registered by tropical vegetation, how this may respond in a future of uncertain change and how we can use such information to guide appropriate policy development. My research covers the fields of biogeography, ecology, palaeoecology and ecosystem modelling. Combining these disciplines I
- [Paulina Meller, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/paulina-meller-dr/) - I have a focus on the vegetation within the miombo region, particularly on the open ecosystems like tropical grasslands and savannas. Here, I studied the diversity of geoxylic plants, i.e. low-growing plants that have a high belowground woody biomass. By investigating how many species there are, where they occur and what the environmental drivers of
- [Kevin Mganga, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/kevin-mganga-dr/) - Researches Perennial African rangeland grasses for Ecological Restoration Land fragmentation and conversion of natural grassy biomes (rangelands) for agricultural production is a major land use influencing plant biodiversity and partly contributing to rangeland degradation due to reduced perennial vegetation cover. Google Scholar | Twitter | LinkedIn https://www.uu.nl/staff/KZMganga
- [Jesus Aguirre Gutierrez, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/jesus-aguirre-gutierrez-dr/) - Understanding if and how tropical forests can adapt to a changing climate is pivotal to our understanding of anthropogenic impacts on the ecosystem. I take a functional traits approach to disentangle how tropical forests in West Africa have shifted their trait composition through time as an adaptation to a changing environment. Increasing land use change
- [Andrew Skowno, Dr](https://bii4africa.org/andrew-skowno-dr/) - I am an ecologist with experience across most of southern Africa, as a researcher, planner and consultant. I currently lead national scale biodiversity assessment and reporting for South Africa. My personal research interests are on ecosystem mapping and red listing, Key Biodiversity Areas and biodiversity indicators. Land use change in the Eastern Cape over the
- [Marna Herbst, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/marna-herbst-dr-2/) - I have a wide interest in the conservation field, from studies on small mammals and carnivores to the connections people experience in nature and the role protected areas can play in the well-being of people. My role as a regional ecologist for the Cape Parks is exciting as you are working at the interface between
- [Emily Bennitt, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/emily-bennitt-dr/) - My research focus is on applied ecology with the aim of conserving ecosystems. My primary focus is on large herbivores, which are often understudied in favour of charismatic megafauna but form a vital part of every ecosystem. Changing land use away from natural, protected areas can disrupt migrations and prevent connectivity between wildlife populations. Management
- [Andrew Taylor, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/andrew-taylor-dr/) - I worked on aardvarks many years ago and am currently Chair of the IUCN Afrotheria Specialist Group. There is evidence (not from my own work though) of climate change impacting aardvarks in very dry areas like the Kalahari. ResearchGate
- [Nico Avenant, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/nico-avenant-dr/) - Nico Avenant’s observations made during his post-graduate studies, museum collection trips and involvement with environmental impact assessments, led to his current research field, i.e. small mammal community characteristics as indicators of habitat integrity. For this, he has worked in a large diversity of habitats, in different management areas (including formal nature reserves and other protected
- [Morgan Hauptfleisch, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/morgan-hauptfleisch-prof/) - Prof. Morgan Hauptfleisch holds a BSc. Honours degree in Ecology and Botany, an MSc. in Plant Ecology and Wildlife Management and a PhD in Environmental Management. He is principal of the Biodiversity Research Centre at the Namibia University of Science and Technology. He lectures in Ecology, Rangeland and Wildlife Management and Natural Resource Management and
- [Mike Peel, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/mike-peel/) - I set up the Savanna Ecosystem Dynamics research programme in the eastern Lowveld in 1989. Projects include working in South Africa, Mozambique (Zinave and Gorongosa), Zimbabwe and Gabon. Long term grass and tree composition and structure data (1989-present) and geo-referenced animal data from aerial surveys (1992-present) – one of the longest formal ecological monitoring/research programmes
- [Michael Somers, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/michael-somers-prof/) - I work on the applied ecology of large carnivores in Africa. This is to better understand them and help improve their conservation. I have noticed a decline in the quality of South Africa's rivers and other fresh water bodies since I started working on otters in 1993. This has had a negative effect on water
- [NICOLA STEVENS​, DR.](https://bii4africa.org/dr-nicola-stevens/) - My work examines the impact of global change on non-forested ecosystems in Africa. I am particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms that shape plant distribution ranges and how they are changing. I am also interested in understanding the impacts of woody encroachment on biodiversity and ecosystem services. In the environmental systems in which I work,
- [PRINCE KALEME, DR.](https://bii4africa.org/dr-prince-kaleme/) - I am a researcher at the CRSN/ Lwiro Mammalogy Lab in the DRC where we collaborate widely with institutions in West, Central and East Africa. I have worked on mammals (especially bats, rodents and shrews) in the Albertine Rift. I am a member of Bats Conservation Africa (BCA), a consortium on bat conservation in Africa
- [Stephen Spawls](https://bii4africa.org/stephen-spawls/) - Amateur herpetologist with considerable field time in Africa. Human activities are causing the disappearance of highland forest in East Africa and Ethiopia. A lot of resources are disappearing as well.
- [Yvonne A. de Jong, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/yvonne-a-de-jong-dr/) - Yvonne A. de Jong (PhD) is a Kenya-based Dutch primatologist who has worked in Africa since 2002. She is the co-leader of the Eastern Africa Primate Diversity and Conservation Program, member of three IUCN/SSC Specialist Groups (Primates, Afrotheria and Wild Pigs), member of the Nocturnal Primate Research Group at Oxford Brookes University, collaborating Scientist of
- [Steve Belmain, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/steve-belmain-prof/) - My research on rodents focusses on ecologically-based rodent management, particularly understanding the impact of invasive pest species on human livelihoods and health as well as their detrimental impacts within small mammal communities, zoonosis spillover and developing ecologically sustainable management practices. Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization and agricultural expansion are changing rodent communities, increasing interactions
- [Marcel Kouete](https://bii4africa.org/marcel-kouete/) - I document the diversity and ecology of frogs and caecilians occurring in Cameroon to update amphibians checklists of the country. Describe the pattern of spread of the amphibian fungus pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (bd). Characterize the skin microbiome of frogs and caecilian to better understand host pathogen interaction in multidiverse amphibian communities. Use niche modeling technics
- [Andrew J. Plumptre, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/andrew-j-plumptre-dr/) - Andy is head of the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Secretariat. The KBA Secretariat supports the implementation of the KBA Programme focused on identifying, mapping, monitoring and conserving sites of importance for the global persistence of biodiversity. He has worked extensively in East and Central Africa where he supported the establishment of new protected areas through
- [James Harvey](https://bii4africa.org/james-harvey/) - I work as a herpetologist and ecological consultant, and have performed research widely across the Afrotropical region. I maintain a strong connection to the scientific and conservation communities and have contributed to conservation assessments and publications, and species conservation and prioritization workshops. ResearchGate https://www.harveyecological.co.za/
- [GABRIEL BADJEDJEA BABANGENGE](https://bii4africa.org/gabriel-badjedjea-babangenge/) - I work on documenting amphibians in protected areas within the Central Congolian Lowland forests ecoregion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the goal of better understanding the little-known fauna of the Green Heart of Africa. Our effort contributes to the protection and conservation of Congolian biodiversity by informing the planning of wildlife managers.
- [Jerry Nkenku](https://bii4africa.org/jerry-nkenku/) - Our research focuses on the ecology of galagos in Kinshasa. This work consists on one hand identification of the sites of occurrence of galagos in Kinshasa and on the other hand in studying their ecology in these environments dominated by strong anthropic pressure. We managed to report the presence of galagos in the urban forests
- [Galena Woodhouse](https://bii4africa.org/galena-woodhouse/) - I currently manage the Global Biodiversity Standard through BGCI. Prior to this I have worked mainly in coastal Kenya with conservation organizations, working to safeguard rare plants and develop capacity in botanical gardens to bring about conservation. I have conducted field work in highly threatened forest patches along the Kenyan Coast. The collections and surveys
- [Fredrik Dalerum, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/fredrik-dalerum-dr/) - I have worked mainly with the ecological consequences of predation, both through evaluating the effects of predation risk on the ecology of ungulates and by looking at the effects of an insectivorous diet on the ecology of small- and medium-sized carnivores. https://www.unioviedo.es/ ResearchGate
- [Richard John Power](https://bii4africa.org/richard-john-power/) - We are sanctioned by the province to manage all biodiversity, where my role is scientific advice, for in particular mammals, but mostly so for carnivores, where the following species in order of importance have featured: leopard, cheetah, brown hyaena, wild dog and lion. Small carnivores have been important as far as the hunting industry’s intent
- [Humphrey Kato](https://bii4africa.org/humphrey-kato/) - It is important to promote conservation especially this time when population is increasing and thus increasing human wildlife conflicts, leads to biodiversity loss and negatively impact conservation. In my study area, there are alot of changes especially habitat loss and habitat alteration which have led to reduction in species of various kinds.
- [Liaan Minnie, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/liaan-minnie-dr/) - My research interests primarily include terrestrial ecology of large mammals, with a focus on Carnivore Ecology, Human-Wildlife Conflict and Predator-Prey Interactions. I am broadly interested in the drivers of both predator and prey communities in terrestrial ecosystems. Specifically, I am interested in the top-down (e.g., predation, diseases, human impacts) and bottom-up (e.g., rainfall, nutrients, habitat
- [Haemish Melville, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/haemish-melville-dr/) - My primary research interests are the mechanisms by which ecosystems and species assemblages are maintained or modified. Impacts on biodiversity, necessarily, impact the composition and functioning of both ecosystems and more narrowly species assemblages. Consequently, without having insight into African biodiversity and how it responds to modification, it is impossible to understand how our systems
- [Terrence Demos, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/terrence-demos-dr/) - My research focuses on the evolutionary diversification of African rainforest mammals. I use molecular, morphological, and distributional data to infer their systematics, biogeography, population genetics, species limits, and conservation status. Biodiversity surveys of the Albertine Rift, a global biodiversity hotspot, are an ongoing priority. LinkedIn | ResearchGate
- [Philippe Gaubert, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/philippe-gaubert-dr/) - I have been working for more than 20 years on the systematics, evolution, biogeography, molecular ecology and conservation of small Carnivores (especially viverrids: genets, civets, linsangs) and Pangolins. https://philippe-gaubert.eu/ ResearchGate
- [Jan A. Venter, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/jan-a-venter-prof/) - He is a conservation ecologist and a faculty member in the School of Natural Resource Management, Nelson Mandela University based on the George Campus. His research focuses on large terrestrial mammal ecology but he also occasionally works on birds, reptiles and other interesting wild animals. He completed his undergraduate studies and Masters degree at University
- [Géraldine Veron, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/veron-geraldine-prof/) - My work is mainly on biogeography, systematics and conservation of African small carnivores. http://isyeb.mnhn.fr/fr ResearchGate
- [Abdullahi Ali, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/abdullahi-ali-dr/) - I'm interested in wildlife conservation with special focus on endangered species management, landscape change and it is impacts on wildlife. Specifically, I study how species thrive in human-modified landscapes with the aim of developing best management strategies that integrate conservation with human livelihoods. I work in areas along the Kenya-Somalia border and the Horn of
- [Thomas C Wagner, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/wagner-thomas-c-dr/) - Since the nineties I have been doing research on different aspects of vegetation in arid environments in Sub-Saharan Africa. Generally interested in dynamic ecosystems, my current main interest in Africa lies in the dynamics of forbs in arid ecosystems. Here, I am particularly interested in the forbs’ survival and dispersal strategies, the forbs responses to
- [Francesca Parrini, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/francesca-parrini-prof-2/) - My research focuses on space use in large mammals and factors influencing it at various spatial scales, and integrates remote sensing with the more traditional field of behavioural ecology; with the aim of better understanding conservation in fragmented landscapes. I have a keen interest in direct and indirect herbivore-resources relationships and the integration of factors
- [Benneth Obitte](https://bii4africa.org/benneth-obitte/) - Benneth Obitte is a conservation ecologist whose research interest centers around the human dimensions of conservation. Specifically, Ben focuses on understanding the impact of anthropogenic disturbances on the ecology of bats, as well as disentangling the human behavioral drivers of these disturbances. Ben is currently a doctoral candidate at Texas Tech University. He is the
- [Dalton Gibbs](https://bii4africa.org/dalton-gibbs/) - My work involves planning, implementation and restoration of conservation areas within the urban context of the Fynbos Biome. Urban infrastructure, such as roads, sewer and power lines result in not only fragmentation of natural habitat but "edge effects" that extend their influence in to ecosystems. Even in well managed city's, edge effects can significantly impact
- [Addisu Mekonnen, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/addisu-mekonnen-dr/) - Dr. Addisu Mekonnen’s research focuses on understanding the responses of wild primates to a variety of anthropogenic and natural factors and their consequences, and the causes and consequences of diversity in ecology, behaviour, genetics, evolutionary biology, and key life-history traits. My research integrates fieldwork (ecology and conservation), laboratory work (genetics), and geospatial analyses (GIS and
- [Lourens Swanepoel, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/lourens-swanepoel-dr/) - My research focus on carnivore ecosystem services, disservices and conservation ecology, especially in production landscapes. Quantifying the role of predators in production ecosystems remains key for long term sustainability. Large scale bush clearing, as well as unsustainable resource extraction, reduce habitat available for predators. Lower habitat availability leads to declines in predator abundance and diversity,
- [Paul Scholte, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/paul-scholte-dr/) - Large mammal populations inside African protected areas are steadily declining (Caro & Scholte 2007). Not only in ‘paper parks’ in West-Central Africa but also in relatively well-protected parks. Reviews on declining large mammal populations have often remained black boxes with limited practical applicability (Scholte 2011). In a series of studies in West-Central Africa we assess
- [Paul Telfer, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/paul-telfer-dr/) - Twitter
- [Beth Kaplin, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/beth-kaplin-prof-2/) - I direct a Center that makes biodiversity data available for policy and management. Our projects include creating the Rwanda Biodiversity Information System, developing biodiversity indicators for freshwater ecosystems, and understanding buffer zone management approaches. Yes, in buffer zones and land use type. Some buffer zones effectively extend area of the national park and are used
- [Jasper Slingsby, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/jasper-slingsby-dr/) - My research is predominantly focused on global change in South African terrestrial ecosystems and revolves around field studies and spatial data analyses with the goal of informing policy and management. Most of my projects focus on fire, water, land cover (including invasive species) and climate change, predominatly in the Greater Cape Floristic Region. My core
- [Frans Radloff, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/frans-radloff-dr/) - My research interests lie within community ecology and ecosystem functioning. I am particularly interested in what drives animal distribution patterns, and how animals influence and shape ecosystems by means of herbivory and predation. Understanding these dynamics is imperative for the development of sound wildlife management practices and conservation strategies. Google Scholar
- [Mark-Oliver Rödel, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/mark-oliver-rodel-dr/) - I am particularly interested to understand what shaped the biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles across the continent, but even more what capacity species and communities have to respond to ongoing environmental change (such as e.g. habitat conversion, fragmentation, disease or climate change). As a baseline for my ecological work, I contribute assessing and describing the
- [Anne Mette Lykke, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/anne-mette-lykke-dr/) - Research on West African vegetation, biodiversity, sustainable use of plants, carbon sequestration, desertification and conservation. Also focus on ethnobotany and people's uses of plants and view on vegetation changes in their local environment. The research has an applied and multidisciplinary approach and also covers tree planting in collaboration with local communities. Many studies show that
- [Mervyn Lotter, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/mervyn-lotter-dr/) - Working on threatened plants, grasslands, forests and savannas, since 1994. Also involved in vegetation mapping in South Africa and Mozambique. These days focusing on biodiversity planning. Difficult to prove that the impacts are to people living there but we know of a few documented cases, like Carolina residents not being able to drink water out
- [Stefan Siebert, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/stefan-siebert-prof/) - My research addresses fundamental and applied questions related to grassy biomes, with a focus on spatial and temporal ecology, biodiversity patterns, species-soil interactions and ecosystem functioning. I aim to understand the occurrence of species in space and time, how they interact with their environment, what the consequences for ecosystem functioning are, provisioning of ecosystem services,
- [Wayne Twine, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/wayne-twine-prof/) - My research focuses on natural resource use, rural livelihoods, resource ecology, community based natural resource management, and sustainability in savanna socio-ecological systems. Most of my work is centred on understanding the key socio-economic drivers of resource use, the contribution of biodiversity to rural livelihoods and human well-being, and the ecological impacts of resource use in
- [Ute Schmiedel, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/ute-schmiedel-dr/) - I am interested in vegetation patterns in space and their drivers as well as how vegetation changes in response to climate and human activities. For this aim I annually monitor vegetation change on permanent plots in Namaqualand and South African Kalahari. ResearchGate https://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/
- [Susanne Vetter, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/susanne-vetter-prof/) - I am an ecologist with diverse interdisciplinary research interests, which include rangeland dynamics, land degradation, the cultural importance of biodiversity, the relationship between plant functional traits and vegetation processes, and the causes and impacts of woody encroachment. I am actively involved in advocacy and policy input, with a particular focus on highlighting the value of
- [Trevor McIntyre, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/trevor-mcintyre-prof/) - While primarily aimed at gaining insights into population information of otters, I regularly undertake camera trapping surveys in riparian zones associated with various land uses. This additionally provides useful information on mammalian diversity in these systems. We've illustrated elevated population densities of African clawless otters in- and around fly-fishing estates in Mpumalanga - otters evidently
- [Emmanuel Danquah, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/emmanuel-danquah-prof-2/) - My work is mainly on endangered species management and collaborative resources management leading to better wildlife tolerance in fringe communities. Agriculture and recently mining activities in the high forest zone of Ghana are negatively affecting wildlife habitat. These activities have caused serious wildlife habitat encroachment and fragmentation leading to increasing human-wildlife conflicts. ResearchGate https://webapps.knust.edu.gh/
- [Francesco Rovero, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/francesco-rovero-prof-2/) - I have been working in Tanzania since 2002 with a main focus into the biodiversity-rich forests of the Udzungwa Mountains where I helped establishing the Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Centre in 2006 (http://www.udzungwacentre.org/). My research mainly focuses on understanding drivers of status and vulnerability of populations and communities, with most of my experience on mammals as
- [Missoup Alain Didier, Prof](https://bii4africa.org/missoup-alain-didier-prof/) - I am interested in studying systematics and evolution of afrotropical small mammals including rodents (mostly) shrews and bats. I use first morphology and molecular taxonomy to test the status of species known from a few number of specimens and to tackle the problem the existence of a cryptic diversity in small mammals. I use also
- [Michael Brown, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/michael-brown-dr/) - LinkedIn | ResearchGate
- [Firas Hayder](https://bii4africa.org/firas-hayder/) - Africa is home to over 80 species of small carnivores, and that most of them have not been studied thoroughly, or not studied at all, there is clearly a huge gap in our knowledge of small carnivores in particular, and ecosystem functioning in general. Hence, the launching of a first scientific study on the distribution,
- [Darren Pietersen, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/darren-pietersen-dr/) - I have spent more than a decade studying African pangolins, during which time I have been privileged to travel widely in Africa, and have seen three of the four African pangolin species in the wild. In addition to my pangolin-related work, I have also done several surveys of amphibians, reptiles and birds in southern, Central
- [Aliza le Roux, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/aliza-le-roux-prof/) - I am a behavioural ecologist specialising in the behaviour of small carnivores such as yellow mongoose, bat-eared foxes, and black-backed jackal. My past research includes work on social primates and whistling rats. I am very interested in decision-making as affected by different types of risk, which includes the interaction between humans and small carnivores. Anthropogenic
- [RAMESH THARMALINGAM, DR](https://bii4africa.org/ramesh-tharmalingam-dr/) - I am a conservation scientist at Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), India and an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. I am interested in large and meso-carnivore ecology, human-wildlife interaction and prey-predator interactions. My research identified wetland patches key
- [Filipe Carvalho, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/filipe-carvalho-dr/) - My research project describes the factors influencing the coexistence of mesocarnivores under a large-predator-free scenario at Great Fish River Reserve and a Large predator scenario at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Mechanisms behind ecological segregation will be assessed by combining results from camera-trapping, telemetry, and diet. Specific objectives are to (1) quantify
- [Emmanuel Do Linh San, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/emmanuel-do-linh-san-prof/) - I am a wildlife biologist specialising in the natural history, ecology and conservation of small carnivores. I am particularly interested in their spatial ecology, activity rhythms, diet and social organization. The acquired knowledge allows us to better understand niche partitioning and the potential impacts of top-down and bottom-up processes on these species, and conversely their
- [Frances Siebert, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/frances-siebert-prof/) - I study the ecology of plants, particularly forbs (i.e. ‘wildflowers’) in tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannas of southern Africa. Considering the rich forb flora in sub-Saharan Africa, their contribution to human well-being via a diverse suite of ecosystem functions and services remains understudied and, hence, underestimated. My research is therefore focused on patterns of
- [Peter S Goodman, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/peter-s-goodman-dr-2/) - I have and still work in state and private protected areas in the south and central east Africa. My primary function has been to bridge the gap between science and management. As such I undertake natural resource surveys, set up and implement monitoring systems, undertake habitat suitability assessments, develop and implement management strategies and plans
- [Johan T. du Toit, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/johan-t-du-toit-prof-2/) - I study the savanna ecosystems of southern and eastern Africa, with a particular interest in understanding trophic interactions among large mammals and the nutrient flows they mediate. Large mammals in African savannas are particularly susceptible to being killed by humans and to losing habitat due to human land use. Generally, the well-being of local people
- [Dan Parker, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/dan-parker-prof/) - Much of my African biodiversity work has been about surveying mammals, particularly under-sampled groups such as bats. I have also been particularly interested in the biodiversity by-catch of much of my camera trapping work on large carnivores in the southern African sub-region. It would appear that the increase in the human population has started to
- [Webinar: Gender Gaps and the Biological Sciences](https://bii4africa.org/the-gender-gaps-and-the-biological-sciences/) - In this webinar, Hayley Clements reflects on the under-representation of women amongst the African biodiversity experts that have contributed to this project. http://www.iubs.org/events/supported-conferences-by-iubs/iubs-centenary-webinar-series-gender-equality/first-webinar-of-a-series-on-the-gender-gaps-and-the-biological-sciences.html
- [Featured in Africa Geographic: Mobilising Africa’s biodiversity experts to put nature on the decision-making map](https://bii4africa.org/article-on-the-project-in-africa-geographic/) - How much biodiversity can we lose before it starts impacting our quality of life? We all depend on well-functioning ecosystems, whether we are aware of this or not. Yet measuring how much biodiversity we are losing across the African continent, and what that means for our well-being, is a difficult task. To address this challenge,
- [Matthew Child](https://bii4africa.org/matthew-child/) - I help African institutions to establish communities of practice to mobilise and mainstream biodiversity data. This involves developing scientific and technical capacity, linking decision-makers to data sources and developing relevant knowledge products and tools. Key to this is understanding how products such as biodiversity assessments, indicators and maps can be co-produced and curated by the
- [Karen Esler, Prof](https://bii4africa.org/karen-esler-prof/) - I am interested in scaling up Ecological Restoration - with a focus on how to recover/re-introduce native biodiversity to damaged/degraded systems (so that Nature's Contributions to People are optimised while also recovering biodiversity). Visualising how biodiversity has been impacted on the continent (e.g. through the BII) is a key research/planning opportunity. Invasive plants, especially where
- [Emmanuel M. Hema, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/emmanuel-m-hema-dr/) - My work is mostly related to studying and analyzing the population and community dynamics of large mammals (elephants, ungulates); the interactions between animal species and with local human populations; the effects that some key ecosystem engineers such as elephants may have on the ecosystems. Mostly, these works contribute to enhancing our knowledge of the functional
- [Seth J. Eiseb, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/seth-j-eiseb-dr/) - Seth Eiseb worked as Curator of Mammals at the National Museum of Namibia for over a period of 15 years. He realized during this time the crucial function of natural history collections in supporting traditional taxonomy, which is the key to understanding biodiversity. He has also undertaken field collecting trips to Angola, Botswana, and South
- [Laurent Granjon, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/laurent-granjon-dr/) - My main research interests are in evolutionary systematics and ecology of African small mammals, mainly rodents (taxonomy, phylogeny, phylogeography, community ecology, population biology). My main skills concern: i) sampling methods for small mammal inventories, community ecology and population surveys; ii) integrative taxonomy combining morphological, molecular and chromosomal analyses. Besides long-term studies in (mainly African) rodent
- [Mariano Houngbédji](https://bii4africa.org/mariano-houngbedji/) - In Benin, the rainforest is confined to forest fragments in the south, mostly community forests that host the 3 endangered primate species and about 70% of threatened plants of Benin. Thus, community-based forest protection is key to conserving wildlife and their essential habitats in South Benin. Since 2011, my colleagues and I at Organisation pour
- [Abubakr Mohammad](https://bii4africa.org/abubakr-mohammad/) - This project is one of the potential tools used in order to envision the conservation status of Avifauna within and specific landscapes where there are human populations. I remember meeting some hunters who were specifically hunting (any) ringed birds during their migration season in few parts in Sudan. One hunter claimed to have over 500
- [Kate Jackson, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/kate-jackson-prof/) - I am a herpetologist whose research explores the morphology, biodiversity, and evolution of amphibians and reptiles, with a regional specialization in central Africa and a taxonomic focus on snakes and snakebite. My team carries out field-based and collections-based research, contributing to a strong herpetological foundation on which both biodiversity conservation and snakebite management initiatives can
- [Elie Tobi](https://bii4africa.org/elie-tobi/) - Elie Tobi has been involved in the Reptiles and amphibian’s assessment in Gabon in the Gamba Complex of Protected Areas and along the Ogooué River course. These studies fostered the following: 1- Increasing the biodiversity knowledge 2- Understanding of the processes between human activities and ecosystems 3- A tool for biodiversity management through recommendations to
- [Luke Verburgt](https://bii4africa.org/luke-verburgt/) - I perform herpetofauna surveys across Africa, mostly as part of EIAs for proposed developments. I use this data and experience to help inform research and conservation efforts on African herpetofauna. http://www.enviro-insight.co.za/ Google Scholar
- [Violaine Nicolas, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/violaine-nicolas-dr/) - My work explores the origins and maintenance of small mammal (mainly rodents and shrews) diversity in Africa. I use integrative taxonomy for species identification and delimitation. Using genetics I study how climate change over since the Plio-Pleistocene has shaped contemporary diversity. This work can help inform conservation priorities in the face of human-driven climate change.
- [Colin Chapman, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/colin-chapman-dr/) - Dr. Chapman’s research focuses on how the environment influences animal abundance and social organization and given their plight, he has applied his research to primate conservation. He is a Wilson Center Fellow, Killam Research Fellow, Velan Foundation Awardee for Humanitarian Service, and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. In 2018 he was
- [Vaclav Gvozdik, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/vaclav-gvozdik-dr/) - My team is interested in the phylogeography, diversity and evolution of amphibians and reptiles of tropical Africa, especially Central Africa, and in particular the Congolian rainforest. Our research provides insights into the history of species, including their distribution, and enables the discovery and description of new species. Field research also helps us understand potential threats
- [Mannus Justin O'Riain, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/mannus-justin-oriain-prof/) - The Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa has been surveying African biodiversity to understand the potential impacts of different land use on wildlife and how abundance may influence negative interactions between humans and wildlife. We have projects throughout southern Africa on large and medium sized carnivores in addition to research on primates focussing primarily
- [Marina Cords, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/marina-cords-prof/) - I am a behavioral ecologist who has led a >40 year study of East African forest primates. Our team has studied reproductive biology, social behavior, dietary ecology, and population trends. The forest where I work is surrounded by a densely populated area of small farms. When maize, a staple crop, is planted right up to
- [Victor V. Cakenberghe, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/victor-v-cakenberghe-dr/) - My area of expertise is African bat taxonomy, which in my case is (purely) literature study and results in the yearly publication of the "African Chiroptera Report" (https://africanbats.org/publications/african-chiroptera-report/) where Ernest Seamark and myself try to summarize the published information on African bats. LinkedIn | ResearchGate
- [2. How does land use impact the ecosystem services biodiversity provides?](https://bii4africa.org/biodiversity-ecosystems-and-human-well-being/) - We all enjoy having access to clean water and fresh air, but how often do we think about the natural systems that provide these goods and services to us on an ongoing basis? From insect pollinators ensuring our crops grow to the African savannas that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, functioning ecosystems provide goods
- [3. Measuring biodiversity with the BII to guide sustainable development](https://bii4africa.org/measuring-biodiversity-with-the-bii-to-guide-sustainable-development/) - For better or worse, human activity impacts the natural world. But how far can our use of the environment go before the toll on nature is too great? The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) is a practical tool that could provide an answer. In this project, the BII is being used to build an Africa-based platform
- [4. The Bii can bridge the gap between biodiversity data and decision-making](https://bii4africa.org/the-bii-can-bridge-the-gap-between-biodiversity-data-and-decision-making/) - Biodiversity data can inform global and national policies and sustainable development plans, which help to conserve the natural resources on which we depend. But barriers, such as data availability and accessibility, are preventing this information from being used effectively in just and sustainable decision-making processes in Africa. To overcome these limitations, an Africa-based online platform
- [1. Exploring the role of biosphere integrity in human well-being](https://bii4africa.org/exploring-the-role-of-biosphere-integrity-in-human-well-being/) - Are we pushing the Earth too far to meet the demands of our increasing human development? One way to answer this question is through the concept of “planetary boundaries”, which defines the limits within which we can safely operate to sustain both nature and human well-being. This project is deepening our understanding of the relationship
- [Frederik Van de Perre, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/frederik-van-de-perre-dr/) - I studied the patterns of biodiversity in the Congo Basin rainforest and showed the effect of historical climatic changes on current species distributions. https://www.seekingwilderness.be/ LinkedIn | ResearchGate | Twitter
- [Duncan MacFadyen, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/duncan-macfadyen-dr/) - Dr Duncan MacFadyen has worked as head of research and conservation for E Oppenheimer & Son and then Oppenheimer Generations since 2002. The research entity supports, funds, and facilitates national and international researchers to conduct cutting edge research focused on the natural sciences. Duncan passion for small mammals was developed through his work as curator
- [Simon Musila, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/simon-musila-dr/) - I am a small mammal biologist interested in the community ecology of bats, rodents and shrews. I would like to know how habitat change will affect the distribution of these species. I am also interested in bat-human interactions; why people act the way they do towards bats and how their actions affect the survival of
- [Julie T. Shapiro, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/julie-t-shapiro-dr/) - For my PhD, I studied the effects of land cover and anthropogenic change on bats' activity, microbiome, and viral prevalence in northeast Eswatini in collaboration with Prof. Ara Monadjem (University of Eswatini). We made the first record of the Midas free-tailed bat (Mops midas) for Eswatini and the first record of Streblidae bat ectoparasites for
- [Bongikosi C. Gumbi](https://bii4africa.org/bongikosi-c-gumbi/) - As the planet is becoming human-dominated there is an emergence of entirely new sets of habitats which nature has not seen before and there and there exists a gap knowledge and understanding of how wildlife species evolve and adapt to these increasing human-dominated and modified habitat (towns, cities and agricultural plantations. My research focuses on
- [Josef Bryja, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/josef-bryja-prof/) - My work focuses on phylogeography, biogeography, taxonomy, speciation, species concepts, host-parasite co-evolution, biodiversity distribution - in all subjects the African small mammals (rodents, shrews, sengis, etc.) are used as main research models. We are primarily working in relatively undisturbed areas. However, sometimes we have worked in agricultural regions and we realized that intensive farming and
- [Samuel Ivande, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/samuel-ivande-dr/) - I work as Conservation Biologist and Lecturer at A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI) – West Africa’s foremost Ornithology and biodiversity conservation training Institute. Most of my work uses birds to better understand ecological processes and how this is affected by anthropogenic activities. I also help design and implement species and habitat conservation projects focused
- [Christiane Denys, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/christiane-denys-prof/) - My African biodiversity work has mainly been on small mammals taxonomy in the present and in the past. Morphological evolution and small mammals communities studies. My main areas of interest are mountains rodent and shrews of west-central Africa (Mt Nimba, Cameroon Volcanic Line) and eastern african savannas. Deforestation by using fires is terrible for small
- [Sedjro G. A. Nago, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/sedjro-g-a-nago-dr/) - I am involved in a project which is conducting a short demographic survey of amphibian and reptile of Benin and West Africa and, a survey relating to human impacts on those African taxonomic groups. I also attended the online introductory meeting where the process is explained and the others to work together with pair experts,
- [Edward Aruna](https://bii4africa.org/edward-aruna/) - I am the Founder and Managing Director of Reptile and Amphibian Program - Sierra Leone (RAP-SL). I work towards the documentation, protection and conservation of reptiles and amphibians of Sierra Leone and also do take action for the protection and conservation of Sierra Leone's biodiversity especially threatened and endangered species in the country. Farming and
- [Hanneline Smit-Robinson, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/hanneline-smit-robinson-dr/) - Dr Hanneline Smit-Robinson heads up BirdLife South Africa’s Conservation Division. She is a senior manager and biodiversity conservation specialist. Her key responsibilities, as Head of Conservation, include oversight of all BirdLife South Africa’s Conservation Programmes, including seabird, landbird and habitat conservation, policy and advocacy engagement, regional support to BirdLife partners throughout Africa, community conservation and
- [Yvette Ehlers Smith, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/yvette-ehlers-smith-dr/) - I am the regional ecologist for South-Eastern KwaZulu-Natal at Ezemvelo KZN Wildllife and a honorary research fellow at the Centre for Functional Biodiversity at the School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal. My current research entails 'an assessment of the effects of land-use and climate change on the avian, mammalian and plant functional and taxonomic
- [Sidney Shema](https://bii4africa.org/sidney-shema/) - I am based at the Ornithology Section of the National Museums of Kenya. My main focus is on growing the coverage of the African Bird Atlas - which includes our local project in Kenya, the Kenya Bird Map. I am also very keen on birds of prey and have done some research on raptors in
- [Sina M. Weier, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/sina-m-weier-dr/) - My work mainly focuses on the ecosystem service provision by bats, and the effect of landuse change on insectivorous bat species. Unfortunately, I can see bat species disappearing from intensively managed agricultural landscapes in northern South Africa. This will likely effect the ecosystem service provision by bats such as pest control and therefore decrease not
- [Evans E. Nkrumah, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/evans-e-nkrumah-dr/) - I focus on bat research and conservation. I am interested in understanding the impacts of deforestation on bats. I have special interest in movement ecology of bats particularly in agro-environments. On conservation, my organization Batlife Ghana works with local communities to protect bat habitats and roost. In my country where I work, deforestation is rather
- [Alain D. Missoup, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/alain-d-missoup-prof/) - I am interested in studying systematics and evolution of afrotropical small mammals including rodents (mostly) shrews and bats. I use first morphology and molecular taxonomy to test the status of species known from a few number of specimens and to tackle the problem the existence of a cryptic diversity in small mammals. I use also
- [Andrew Turner, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/andrew-turner-dr/) - I am interested in biodiversity in its broadest sense and how it evolves. I have a particular fondness for amphibians and reptiles (including birds) and their conservation and have recently been concentrating my efforts on the threats posed to Western Cape biodiversity by invasive alien species and altered fire regimes. In the Western Cape Province
- [Dominic Rollinson, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/dominic-rollinson-dr/) - Although my main research interest has been seabird ornithology and conservation, nowadays I am mostly land-based where I lead birdwatching tours across the African continent and have co-authored a popular field to the birds of Southern Africa. Through the bird tours I lead and through the publication of the field guide, I enjoy contributing to
- [Jonathan Onongo](https://bii4africa.org/jonathan-onongo/) - Jonathan is documenting the distribution and ecology of the Fox's Weaver Uganda's only endemic bird species and the Karamoja Apalis an East African endemic in North-eastern Uganda. His research is playing a huge role in identifying key habitats for the conservation of two globally threatened species in North-eastern Uganda, this information forms the basis of
- [NonoLeGrand Gonwouo, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/nonolegrand-gonwouo-dr/) - As a Conservation Biologist and lecturer from the University of Yaoundé I, in Cameroon my main interest has mainly focused on the biodiversity, taxonomy, and ecology of amphibians and reptiles across West Africa. Research interest focuses on the responses of biodiversity to environmental change, with particular interest in the distribution and dynamics of endemic herpetofauna
- [Paul Gacheru Macharia](https://bii4africa.org/paul-gacheru-macharia/) - My work in Kenya is to promote Key Biodiversity Area conservation framework to ensure sustainable conservation of such sites. This is mainly led by science and supported by local people, and mainstreamed into local policy processes. LinkedIn | Twitter
- [Alan Lee, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/alan-lee-dr/) - My research focus is on South Africa's endemic birds, particularly the Fynbos and Karoo biomes. The birds of the Fynbos biome are particularly negatively impacted by human activity, particularly agricultural encroachment (ploughing). However, Karoo birds benefit from human presence, as this is an arid zone, where small livestock farmers provide water and food. Twitter
- [John Measey, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/john-measey-prof/) - John Measey is an invasion scientist who works on reptiles and amphibians notably in southern Africa. Invasive species, especially woody plants, are impacting increasingly larger areas of land, including reserves. These impact amphibians and reptiles by altering the thermal regime and increasing the intensity and frequency of natural fires. http://john.measey.com/ Google Scholar | Twitter
- [Johannes Penner, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/johannes-penner-dr/) - My work mainly focuses on understanding who lives where and why? Starting from ground surveys and taxonomic identification to ecological requirements of individual species and overarching biogeographical questions with the main aim to provide relevant data for urgently required conservation actions. Work from colleagues in West Africa and other regions in the world indicate that
- [Michael F. Bates, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/michael-f-bates-dr/) - My main interests are lizard and snake systematics, but also biogeography of reptiles and amphibians. I was first editor and a contributor to the Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (2014). There is widespread invasion of the day gecko Lygodactylus capensis within Bloemfontein (central and suburbs) and scarcity
- [David Ehlers Smith, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/david-ehlers-smith-dr/) - I am a conservation ecologist currently conducting research at the School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal. I am interested in landscape and functional ecology, forest and grassland ecosystem functionality, and the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on community assemblages, with specific reference to bird and mammal communities. Google Scholar
- [David Allan](https://bii4africa.org/david-allan/) - l have spend the past 40+ years working in the field of southern African ornithology based in the spheres of a provincial conservation agency, a university (University of Cape Town) and a museum. My research interests have been broad, as reflected in my contribution to the Southern African Bird Atlas Project which covered all avian
- [Melissa Whitecross, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/melissa-whitecross-dr/) - I manage the Landscape Conservation Programme at BirdLife South Africa and have been watching, researching and conserving birds, in particular raptors and large terrestrial birds, for over a decade. Absolutely, one of the species I work on, the Secretarybird, is a sentinel for open grassland and savannas, with the fragmentation and encroachment into these formally
- [Samuel Temidayo Osinubi, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/samuel-temidayo-osinubi-dr/) - I focus primarily on avian behaviour (territoriality, vocalisation, migration) and impacts of environmental changes (habitat differences, land-use and climate change). With migration, my focus has been on intra-African avian migrants. Within South Africa, the range of the Woodland Kingfisher has expanded. This has been tied to the replacement of the bushveld by woodland habitats. ResearchGate | Twitter
- [Eric Moise Bakwo Fils, Prof.](https://bii4africa.org/eric-moise-bakwo-fils-prof/) - I am a Cameroonian zoologist active in small mammal research, with a focus on African bat zoogeography, ecology, systematics and conservation. I am member of various scienctific networks and societies (e.g. American Society of Mammalogy, African Bats, Bat Conservation Africa,and IUCN/SSC Bat Specialist Group). ResearchGate
- [PAUL WEBALA, DR.](https://bii4africa.org/dr-paul-webala/) - I am an award-winning regional expert on small mammals, especially bats, with extensive fieldwork experience. One of my principal interests is the processes that drive rarity and abundance of mammals in natural and human-dominated environments. This research involves behavioural, ecological, and systematic/taxonomic questions and is central to my work to promote bat conservation in Africa.
- [N'GORAN GERMAIN KOUAME, DR.](https://bii4africa.org/dr-ngoran-germain-kouame/) - I am particularly interested in the spatio-temporal factors that shape vertebrate communities, how and why species interact, and how natural and anthropogenic environmental changes impact species communities. Our of amphibian research aims to integrate research questions from taxonomy, systematics, biogeography, ecology and conservation biology. We focus predominantly on Ivorian amphibians, but also include species from
- [GARETH HEMPSON, DR.](https://bii4africa.org/dr-gareth-hempson/) - My research investigates patterns in the functional diversity and distribution of both large mammal herbivores and grasses across the African continent. Understanding how the life history strategies of organisms are distributed across environments enables the exploration of the processes that generate diversity, identification of areas where alternate ecosystem states are possible, and the prediction of how communities are likely
- [Chevonne Reynolds, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/dr-chevonne-reynolds/) - My research typically focusses on how changing landscapes effect biological communities, and birds usually take centre stage as an excellent tool for understanding these effects. More recently I have begun studying birds and bees in the urban landscapes of Johannesburg to unpack how people in cities interact with biodiversity. As a research group we are
- [BRYAN MARITZ, DR.](https://bii4africa.org/dr-bryan-maritz/) - We are interested in understanding the functional roles of snakes in African ecosystems. Our research spans multiple biomes and includes a wide diversity of snake species. Through our research and outreach initiatives, we strive to facilitate the conservation of snakes by raising awareness, appreciation, and overall understanding. https://maritzlab.com/
- [Bibi (Birthe) Linden, Dr.](https://bii4africa.org/dr-bibi-birthe-linden/) - Researching samango monkey populations in South Africa’s Soutpansberg mountains since 2006, I have investigated their role in seed dispersal maintaining floristic diversity and regeneration, their spatial ecology focussing on utilisation of both naturally and anthropogenically fragmented habitats their population dynamics and regional phylogenetics. My work has always included dedicated public participation, education and conservation foci.
- [BLAISE KADJO, DR.](https://bii4africa.org/dr-blaise-kadjo/) - Over the past 20 years, I have undertaken my research on the knowledge of the wild mammals of Côte d’Ivoire. As a pioneer I was led to explore the diversity and ecology of rodents, shrews and bats. These studies have allowed the description of both new species of bats and shrews but also of viruses
- [ABRAHAM BAMBA-KAYA](https://bii4africa.org/abraham-bamba-kaya/) - I work on central African and Gabonese biodiversity of Amphibians, in order to protect their populations and their habitats. My work consists of knowing biodiversity, understanding the relationship between the different constituents, understanding the impact of human activities on biodiversity, understanding the causes of its decline and finally participating in its conservation. Our Work helps
- [MNQOBI L. MAMBA](https://bii4africa.org/mnqobi-l-mamba/) - I am a research fellow and museum curator at the University of Eswatini. I am passionate about field biology, especially conducting biodiversity surveys to discover unknown species on the African continent. I have been fortunate enough to be part of a team that conducted a small mammal focused biodiversity survey in Liberia and Guinea, where
- [WEBINAR - Quantifying a Biodiversity Intactness Index for Africa: Insights from 24 bat experts](https://bii4africa.org/webinar-quantifying-a-biodiversity-intactness-index-for-africa-insights-from-24-bat-experts/) - In this webinar, Ara Monadjem and Hayley Clements describe the expert elicitation they ran with 24 bat experts from across Africa, as part of the Bii4Africa project. They share the insights that emerged on how changing African landscapes are influencing different bat species. This webinar took place in March 2021 as part of a series

## Pages

- [Home](https://bii4africa.org/) - Putting biodiversity datainto the hands of Africandecision-makers How much biodiversity remains intact across sub-Saharan Africa?The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) is a simple and practical tool that bridges the gap between biodiversity experts and decision-makers.By mobilising biodiversity knowledge from experts across Africa, this collaborative project aids the incorporation of biodiversity data into decision-making for just and
- [Outputs](https://bii4africa.org/project-outputs/) - Outputs How it worksThe Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) assigns a score between 0% and 100% to each ‘pixel’ across sub-Saharan Africa based on biodiversity experts’ advice on how various populations of species are affected by the land use and other human activities within that area. Since it is designed to integrate data from a wide
- [About](https://bii4africa.org/about/) - About Bii4Africa Maintaining biodiversity is central to sustainable development. Yet a lack of context-specific biodiversity information at policy-relevant scales has posed major limitations to decision-makers. To address this challenge we undertook a comprehensive assessment of sub-Saharan Africa’s biodiversity intactness using the place-based knowledge of 200 African biodiversity experts. Join our network Accelerating socio-economic development over
- [Contact](https://bii4africa.org/contact/) - Contact Should you wish to get involved, or if you have any questions, feel free to email us at hayleyclements@sun.ac.za. Alternatively, fill in the form below: Name*PhoneEmail MessageEmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
- [Privacy Policy](https://bii4africa.org/privacy-policy/)
- [Terms and Conditions](https://bii4africa.org/terms-and-conditions/) - https://www.termsandconditionsgenerator.com/

## Categories

- [Updates](https://bii4africa.org/category/updates/)
- [Experts](https://bii4africa.org/category/experts/)
- [Outputs](https://bii4africa.org/category/outputs/)
- [Central Africa](https://bii4africa.org/category/experts/central-africa/)
- [Southern Africa](https://bii4africa.org/category/experts/southern-africa/)
- [West Africa](https://bii4africa.org/category/experts/west-africa/)
- [East Africa](https://bii4africa.org/category/experts/east-africa/)
- [North Africa](https://bii4africa.org/category/experts/north-africa/)

## Tags

- [Amphibians](https://bii4africa.org/tag/amphibians/)
- [Birds](https://bii4africa.org/tag/birds/)
- [Reptiles](https://bii4africa.org/tag/reptiles/)
- [Plants](https://bii4africa.org/tag/plants/)
- [Mammals: Bats](https://bii4africa.org/tag/mammals-bats/)
- [Mammals: Rodents](https://bii4africa.org/tag/mammals-rodents/)
- [Mammals: Insectivores](https://bii4africa.org/tag/mammals-insectivores-2/)
- [Mammals: Large herbivores](https://bii4africa.org/tag/mammals-large-herbivores/)
- [Mammals: Primates](https://bii4africa.org/tag/mammals-primates/)
- [Mammals: Large carnivores](https://bii4africa.org/tag/mammals-large-carnivores/)
- [Mammals: Small Carnivores](https://bii4africa.org/tag/mammals-small-carnivores/)
- [Biodiversity Indices](https://bii4africa.org/tag/biodiversity-indices/)