University of Oxford
11a Mansfield Rd
OX1 3SZ
UK
Leventis African Biodiversity Fellow 2025
Fanny Djomkam
Background
My passion for conservation biology ignited during my university years. After earning my degree in animal biology, I faced a pivotal choice between parasitology and microbiology for my Master’s program. Just then, the ‘Applied Ecology and Wildlife Management’ stream reopened, and I eagerly enrolled. My love for animal documentaries made this path feel more relatable and inspiring than the more abstract sciences.
In my first year, we undertook our inaugural study trip to a forest reserve, which proved transformative. Each field trip deepened my fascination with wildlife conservation and strengthened my commitment to protecting these ecosystems. One unexpected benefit of the course was that I could often prepare for exams by watching relevant documentaries, blending academic learning with real-world application, making my studies both enjoyable and fulfilling.
As I transitioned into the professional world, I became acutely aware of the challenges facing our planet, from climate change to habitat destruction. I discovered previously unknown ecosystems in my country and the rich cultures tied to them. This experience led me to reflect on the interconnectedness of sustainable resource management and community well-being.
Over seven years of working on integrated conservation and development projects, I focused on proposing sustainable alternatives for communities near protected areas. For nearly three years, I have served as a Research Assistant on a project that harnesses the ecological knowledge of the indigenous Baka peoples of Cameroon to enhance ecological research and promote sustainable resource management.
I am also a Ph.D. candidate researching the contributions of Baka hunting practices to the faunal dynamics of the Dja Wildlife Reserve, highlighting the vital role of indigenous knowledge in effective conservation strategies.
In my first year, we undertook our inaugural study trip to a forest reserve, which proved transformative. Each field trip deepened my fascination with wildlife conservation and strengthened my commitment to protecting these ecosystems. One unexpected benefit of the course was that I could often prepare for exams by watching relevant documentaries, blending academic learning with real-world application, making my studies both enjoyable and fulfilling.
As I transitioned into the professional world, I became acutely aware of the challenges facing our planet, from climate change to habitat destruction. I discovered previously unknown ecosystems in my country and the rich cultures tied to them. This experience led me to reflect on the interconnectedness of sustainable resource management and community well-being.
Over seven years of working on integrated conservation and development projects, I focused on proposing sustainable alternatives for communities near protected areas. For nearly three years, I have served as a Research Assistant on a project that harnesses the ecological knowledge of the indigenous Baka peoples of Cameroon to enhance ecological research and promote sustainable resource management.
I am also a Ph.D. candidate researching the contributions of Baka hunting practices to the faunal dynamics of the Dja Wildlife Reserve, highlighting the vital role of indigenous knowledge in effective conservation strategies.
Research interests
My research focuses on wildlife conservation and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into sustainable resource management. My interest in this topic was sparked by my involvement with the Ambassador Funds for Cultural Preservation program, part of SILK (School for Indigenous and Local Knowledge) project, where I have been working for over two years now.
These programs emphasize community engagement, allowing me to immerse myself in the cultures of Baka indigenous peoples. Through this experience, I discovered various facets of Baka culture, including their diverse forest foods, seasonal dietary practices, and intricate navigation techniques rooted in a profound understanding of plant and animal behaviors. This exposure has fueled my desire to deepen my knowledge and contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources through the lens of indigenous wisdom.
Current Research
My current research focuses on the contribution of Baka bushmeat offtake to the faunal dynamics of the Dja Wildlife Reserve. I investigate how traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) informs their hunting practices and its impact on biodiversity within the reserve. By analysing the offtake rates of bushmeat, I aim to understand the role these practices play in defaunation and overall ecosystem health. Additionally, I assess how integrated conservation and development projects have influenced Baka hunting behaviours over time. This research emphasizes the importance of TEK in informing modern conservation strategies and fostering sustainable resource management.
Ultimately, I seek to promote collaboration between scientists and indigenous communities, ensuring that conservation efforts are respectful of and informed by local knowledge. By integrating scientific research with traditional insights, I aspire to enhance wildlife conservation and ecosystem management practices in the region.
Brief CV
EDUCATION
- 2022 – Ongoing: PhD Student, Animal Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Yaoundé I University, Cameroon.
- 2014: Master 2 in Applied Ecology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Sciences, Dschang University, Cameroon.
- 2010: bachelor’s degree in animal biology / Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Dschang University, Cameroon.
EXPERIENCE
August 2022 – Present. Research Assistant, IITA-CBI / Yaoundé
August 2021 – July 2022. Senior programme Coordinator, ZSL Cameroon
April 2019 – July 2021. Community Conservation Coordinator, ZSL Cameroon
November 2016- Mach 2019. Community Conservation Officer, ZSL
September 2014 – December 2015: Socio-economic Animator, AMMCO (African Marine Mammal Conservation Organization) / Lake Ossa, Dizangue.
NETWORKS and MEMBERSHIP
The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), Africa Region, 2024- current
The British Ecological Society (BES), 2024- current
Publications
Participatory Freshwater Conservation: Management guidelines for the Lake Ossa Wildlife Reserve; Zoological Society of London, 2017
La réserve de biosphère du Dja : entre espace d’opportunités et territoire en crise ; CIST 2023. Claude Tatuebu Tagne & Fanny Marcelle Djomkam