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Name: Mike
DOB: 1983 Title: African Wildlife Researcher Education: BA/Journalism, BSc/Biology-Ecology - 2019, MA/African Studies Field Experience: Since 2005 Countries: Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe Affiliations: National Geographic Society, BBC Wildlife, East African Wild Life Society, Mongabay, Uganda Carnivore Program, Uganda Wildlife Authority Focus: lion biology/ecology & conservation, elephant & rhino conservation, human-wildlife conflict Favorite Places: Welgevonden Game Reserve & Murchison Falls National Park Pet Peeves: politicking, social media, texting, & smart phones My love of Africa began around 1989 in Schenectady, New York, mostly through National Geographic Magazine and PBS's Nature with George Page. Though a world away, I was thoroughly hooked. My initial journey was in 2005, first visiting South Africa's beautiful lowveldt, then spending time in Johannesburg's township of Soweto. From stepping foot in former President Nelson Mandela's home to watching street musicians and passers-by on a warm, sunny South African Sunday morning, Soweto was where I discovered that my passion for Africa's wildlife was matched by compassion for the African people -- their history, cultures, songs, stories, languages, and love of life. I've since journeyed throughout much of the continent as a wildlife researcher with a focus on lion biology, elephants and rhinos, wildlife management, and human-wildlife conflict, all under the overarching theme of conservation biology. The goal is to gain an objective understanding of what is involved in protecting the continent's natural heritage, mostly by listening to the voices of those living alongside Africa's dangerous, truly awesome animals. Thanks
My sincerest thanks (in no particular order) to the following individuals: Craig Packer - Director, Serengeti Lion Project Ludwig Siefert - Wildlife Veterinarian, Uganda Carnivore Program Dan Stiles - Member, IUCN/SSC African Elephant Specialist Group Mike Norton-Griffiths - Consultant, Wildlife & Conservation Economics Laurence Frank - Project Director, Living With Lions Philipp Henschel - Lion Program Coordinator, Panthera Luke Hunter - Chief Conservation Officer, Panthera Robb Edgecomb - Tour Operator, Executive Breakaway Tours Walter Jubber - Safari Tour Operator Corporal Sam Loware - Uganda Wildlife Authority Moses Konde - Director, Nature Adventure Africa Safaris Moses Agaba - Tour Guide, Nature Adventure Africa Safaris Emma Nsubuga - Tour Guide, Nature Adventure Africa Safaris Loupa Pius - Officer, Dodoth Agropastoralists Development Organization David Braun - Director, Voices for Wildlife, National Geographic Oliver Payne - Articles Editor, National Geographic Tom Gilks - Picture Editor, BBC Wildlife Ben Hoare - Features Editor, BBC Wildlife Andy Hill - Editor, East African Wild Life Society George Okello - Editor, East African Wild Life Society John Nyaga - Editor, East African Wild Life Society Sebastian Kennerknecht - Big Cat Photographer John Mbaria - Author, The Big Conservation Lie Mordecai Ogada - Author, The Big Conservation Lie Jonathan S. Adams - Author, The Myth of Wild Africa Thomas O. McShane - Author, The Myth of Wild Africa Glen Martin - Author, Game Changer: Animal Rights and the Fate of Africa's Wildlife Special Thanks To family and friends for your continued support: Arthur Schwartz - late grandfather, who unknowingly started it all Rachael Schwartz - amazing wife & best friend Gary, Nancy, & Emily Schwartz - wonderful parents & sister Ben Kinberg - for encouragement & many years of friendship Mike Bowman - for wisdom, mentorship, & friendship Jonathan Brophy - for being an awesome roommate & friend Adam McGowen - for many laughs & impromptu adventures Sean Duffy - a beacon of esoteric Seinfeld quotes John Kozlowski - for nonstop laughter |
Bwindi Rainforest
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Mweya Peninsula
Uganda Carnivore Program
Bush Lodge
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Clearly Not Africa
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