Our Team
Director
Michele Marina Kameni Ngalieu
Marina has a master's degree in biodiversity and conservation, which is where her passion for herpetology began during her time in Madagascar. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD and studying endangered skinks along the volcanic line in Cameroon. She has also contributed to several research projects and participated in biodiversity surveys across various mountains in Cameroon's volcanic line. Marina has also assisted with educational and outreach events. She believes that networking with scientists around the world and sharing experiences is crucial for her career. Furthermore, she has high hopes that the organization she is a part of will become a leading force in the field of herpetology in Africa.
Project Manager
Jean-Pierre Guibaï
A student researcher in the zoology laboratory at the University of Yaoundé 1. His research focuses on the ecology and conservation of mountain amphibians, specifically endemic species found along the Cameroon Volcanic Line. He has gained practical experience through several field trips and by collaborating with local and international experts. His entomological work studies biological indicators of heavily urbanized environments and forest regeneration areas. Currently, his PhD thesis project is centred on studying the diversity and ecology of endemic amphibians in the highlands of Cameroon's Wooded Savannahs.
project advisor
Thomas Doherty-Bone
He has been working on amphibians and reptiles across Africa since 2004, with particular attention to Cameroon and mountain species since 2006. He has co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from conservation to disease to taxonomy, as well as contributions to books, conferences and IUCN Red List species assessments. He is a conservation associate of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and a scientific associate of the Natural History Museum London.
Technical Advisor
Paul Arnaud Mballa Ndzie
He is an entomologist currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Yaoundé 1 in Cameroon. In 2016, he began studying cocoa pest management in the Centre Region of Cameroon, and in 2018, he conducted a trial on the biological control of plant pests. He worked as a field assistant in 2021 for a research project titled "Diet analysis and tropical ecology of ungulates found in Cameroon" with Dr. NNJEJI LOTANNA Micah from Princeton University, New Jersey, USA. In 2022, he worked as a field assistant for the "Rainbow environment impact" project on Amphibians and Reptiles and learned about methods in tropical entomology from Vladimir Gusarov at the Natural History Museum of the University of Oslo. His primary goal is to contribute to the long-term conservation of biodiversity, particularly of Amphibians and Reptiles.
Secretary General
Pomegni K. Adélaïde
PhD student in parasitology at the University of Yaou1 currently conducting research under the theme “Diversity of parasitic mites of Acrididae in the Center region, Cameroon”. passionate about singing and travelling. Driven by the spirit of curiosity, I have always had the desire to work with a research team on issues that deal with respect and the protection of the environment.
Project Advisor
Kaitlin Allen
Katie’s research focuses on systematics, biogeography, and niche evolution in amphibians and reptiles. While at UF, she is working on the phylogenomics and niche evolution of night frogs (Astylosternus) and hairy frogs (Trichobatrachus) from Central Africa. She is mentored by Dave Blackburn with whom she and Walter Tapondjou collaboratively developed a NSF project funded by the Systematics and Biodiversity Science Cluster.
Project Advisor
Walter Paulin Tapondjou
Walter’s research focuses on biogeography, systematics, and evolution in reptiles and amphibians from the mountains of Central Africa. While at UF, he is working on the phylogenomics and niche evolution of night frogs (Astylosternus) and hairy frogs (Trichobatrachus) from Central Africa. He is mentored by Dave Blackburn with whom he and Kaitlin collaboratively developed a NSF project funded by the Systematics and Biodiversity Science Cluster.
Project Advisor
Dr Patrick ATAGANA
Obtained is PhD degree in conservation biology from the University of Maroua in 2021 with a Master in Animal Biology obtained since 2017 at the University of Yaoundé 1. He is specialize in community education, Biodiversity Conservation, environmental protection and project management. Currently he is Lecturer at the Faculty of Science of the University of Ngaoundéré as a Biological Science teacher. Since 2015 he is working on bat conservation in Cameroon and across Africa. He has managed many projects and received many grants. During his Master and PhD works, he worked strongly together with the Dja reserve and the Mpem et Djim communities to conserved wild animals and to solved conflicts between human and wild animals. He is author of many Scientifics papers on ecology and conservation, parasitology and diversity.
intern
Fogap frank Cartel
Master topic: systematics study and digitalization of reptile’s vouchers specimen of the laboratory of zoology. Supervised by Dr GONWOUO NONO LeGrand
intern
BEYEME Jacques Stephane