Conservation Personality of the Month: Dr. Talatu Tende

Dr. Talatu Tende, a distinguished conservation biologist, researcher, and teacher, serves as the Research Director at the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Institute (APLORI) in Jos and coordinates the Nigerian Bird Atlas Project (NiBAP). Her leadership in overseeing national conservation projects focusing on native and migratory bird species has been instrumental in cataloging approximately 950 species in the Bird Atlas.

One of the key achievements of the Nigerian Bird Atlas Project under Dr. Tende’s guidance is the establishment of 20 bird clubs across Nigeria. These clubs play a crucial role in data collection and day-to-day monitoring through individual and group bird watching activities. This initiative has brought together numerous conservationists, researchers, birdwatchers, and educators, fostering a collaborative environment for bird conservation.

Recently, Dr. Tende and her team from APLORI attended the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) conference in Kigali, Rwanda, on July 17, 2024. During this event, they seized the opportunity to meet with Rwandan birders and nature enthusiasts, led by Joseph Lionceau. The meeting aimed to discuss the potential launch of the Rwandan Bird Atlas Project, a vision inspired by Joseph Lionceau’s interest in establishing a similar initiative in his country.

The Rwandan team was introduced to the project protocols and the successful strategies of NiBAP, such as forming bird clubs to raise awareness, build a bird-watching community, and enhance data collection and coverage. This collaborative effort highlighted the importance of cross-border conservation initiatives and the sharing of best practices.

Mixitv is proud to celebrate Dr. Talatu Tende as the Conservation Personality of the Month for her innovative contributions to the ecotourism industry in Nigeria and across Africa. Her dedication to bird conservation and her efforts to expand these initiatives to other countries exemplify her commitment to preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable ecotourism.