Meet The Team

Epifania Temu

Intern

October 2022 - present

I am Epifania Temu, a Tanzanian and Sokoine University of Agriculture graduate (2022) with a BSc. Environmental Sciences and Management. My wildlife enthusiasm dates back to 2021 as the Ecological Field Assistant at the Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Centre with a major operational focus on primate monitoring, tracking, and camera trapping. I believe that “the welfare of wildlife biodiversity is among other things dependent on and dictated by the ecological suitability and climate favorability”. This drives my interest as GMERC Intern to further chimpanzee habitat conservation strategies via in-depth research (investigation) and analysis of the joint influence of ecological and climatological parameters on the chimpanzee population.  In recognition of the wider role of the ecosystem and habitat in rescuing the Threatened Chimpanzee (IUCN Red List), I envision “acting strategizing on Conserving Habitat and halting ecosystem degradation in a changing climate for Chimpanzee and the general biodiversity of the Greater Mahale Ecosystem”.

Nick Mwanri

Intern

October 2022 - present

My name is Nick Jackson Mwanri am 25 years old..Am from Arusha region, graduate of  bachelor degree of science in Wildlife Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture ( SUA)  from 2017 - 2020 in Morogoro. A primates research intern from October - December 2022 in this position  am interested on ecological and behavioral aspects displayed by the primates species especially the chimpanzee within the Issa valley.. But also I have passion on bird watching  activities since I did my undergraduate special project on Abundance and diversity of birds on sisal plantation at Morogoro region...

Doreen Mungure

Intern

April - May 2022

I am Doreen Mungure,  a native Tanzanian. I graduated from College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka in 2020 for a Bachelor degree in Wildlife Management. As part of my academic achievements, I conducted research on primate behaviour that focused on diurnal activity patterns of the endemic Udzungwa Red Colobus Monkey (Procolobus gordonorum) at Udzungwa Mountains National Park. I am currently working as a Primate Researcher Intern with GMERC team, focused on the behaviour, ecology and conservation of wildlife especially primate species that live across the Greater Mahale Ecosystem. With my passion in wildlife conservation, I am excited to join the GMERC team in enabling lasting existence of primates and their behavioural diversity.

Kahana Abubakari

Intern

January 2022

Habari, I have a bachelor degree in wildlife management from CAWM, Mweka. Understanding of different aspects of wildlife is important in the field of wildlife conservation and we can understand these aspects through scientific research, which is why I was interested in joining GMERC. I believe that in GMERC I'll add a great deal of knowledge and skills in scientific research, gain field experience and an understanding of different aspects of wildlife specifically primates which is necessary in the field of wildlife conservation, thanks.

Ivorda Mhakilicha

Intern

January - July 2022

I graduated from Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management. My career interest is in conducting wildlife field research for biodiversity conservation. This will help to reverse some of the damage caused by humans to the natural environment and sustain the natural environment for future generations. At GMERC I will gain experience in conducting field research and I hope that my work will result in improved conversation of biodiversity. It's also a joy to be a part of a team that's working hard to make the GMERC vision a reality.

Joyce Mkola

Data Analyst/Intern

January - December 2021

I am a holder of bachelor degree in wildlife management and a nature lover. I am very much interested in field research and conservation as it helps us discover new knowledge regarding our environment and wildlife so we can know it and be able to protect our nature and ensure it exists for the next generation.

Veronica Msigara

Intern

December 2020 - Present

I'm a University graduate with a Bachelor Degree of Science in Wildlife Science and Conservation from University of Dar es salaam, Tanzania. I'm really passionate to primate conservation because through conserving them and by protecting their habitats other wild species will also survive and we will ultimately improve the environment we all share. We humans were once part of nature, so we have to respect our roots and develop respect to all living things. Live and let live!

Sophia Boniface

Intern

October - December 2020

I am from Mwanza region, I am 24 years old and I  possess a degree in wildlife tourism from CAWM. I love nature from the bottom of my heart and I wish long term sustainability of nature, my goal is to conserve nature by any means, which is why I am so happy to work with GMERC; by doing research I'll know some conservation tips of some animal species. Asante!

Magdalena Tarimo

Intern

October - December 2020

I am a wildlife conservator professional with 6 years of progressive experience in private and public companies, including in the wildlife arena specialising in tour guiding, tourism marketing, wildlife research, and conservation. I hold a bachelor degree in wildlife management. I am passionate about learning and development and organise local safaris with student groups to create a sprit of conservation for the young generation. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Some of my other hobbies include photography, dancing, baking and travelling. My most exotic vacation was a trip to Zanzibar where I went on a safari to Stone town and a Spice tour.

Julius Nkykirize

Intern

October - November 2020

I have done forest work with chimpanzees at Kanyawara (in Kibale Forest, Uganda) and Toro-Semliki Game Reserve at Nyaburogo forest (Uganda). I  am a collaborating visitor with Mugiri Chimpanzee project with University of Indiana (USA).