Niokolo Network
Tabitha Ndiaye (PhD)
Co-Founder and
Chair of Trustees
Spent her early career studying ecology and animal behaviour in field stations in central and South America, Asia and Africa. A number of these years were spent studying primates in Niokolo-Koba National Park and over this time she developed a special connection to the place and people. Tabitha currently works as World Development Fund Manager for a Welsh grant-giving Charity.
Oumar Ndiaye
Co-Founder and
Director of Operations
Oumar is a Senegalese national; he speaks a number of the local languages and has over 10 years of experience working as a National Park Guard within Niokolo-Koba National Park. During this time he has built up a wealth of knowledge working within the anti-poaching patrol unit, delivering development projects within rural communities, and overseeing the building and maintenance of park infrastructure.
Daphne Kerhoas (PhD)
Trustee and Secretary
After pursuing a career in field primatology (in Costa Rica, Nigeria, and Indonesia) and witnessing conservation threats, Daphne decided to focus on the protection of biodiversity. She is currently working for WWT (Wildfowl Wetland Trust) and leading their Cambodia project carrying field surveys and working hand-in-hand with local communities.
Matthis Drolet (PhD)
Trustee
Background in biology, behaviour and neuroscience with PhD on the perception of vocal emotions in humans. Two years as camp manager at CRP Simenti field site within Niokolo-Koba National Park. Currently working on teaching practices with a particular interest in how IT can be used as educational tools to improve learning outcomes.
Federica Dal Pesco (PhD)
Trustee
Background in biology, primatology and social behaviour with PhD on Guinea baboon male friendships in the Niokolo Koba National Park. Currently Postdoc at German Primate Center studying social relationships and managing the long-term data of the CRP Simenti field station in Senegal.
Claire Clément
Trustee
A trained ecologist, Claire has been living in Senegal for 15 years. After working in the Boundou Community Nature Reserve in the Tambacounda region, she decided to settle in the small village of Kourientine, near the Niokolo Koba National Park. There, she developed beekeeping, arboriculture, production of essential oils and medicinal plants. Through her association Nawari Kourientine she leads actions for the preservation of the environment and local development in her village.
Lorraine Clark
Trustee and Treasurer
Background in the community arts and voluntary sector in Wales, including experience of fundraising, volunteer management and ESDGC auditing. Holds an Open University Professional Certificate in Accounting. Lorraine currently works as the Office Manger for a Welsh grant-giving Charity.