Hi, my name is Imani Wilson, and I am a Masters by Research student at Bangor University. Growing up in Tanzania, and through my undergraduate Zoology degree, I’ve developed a strong passion for wildlife conservation and research that focuses on collaborating with local communities to create sustainable solutions for human-wildlife coexistence, ensuring the protection of both people and wildlife. I have extensive hands-on field experience through wildlife conservation volunteer roles across Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa.

I am now pursuing my masters by research degree where my project is researching the drivers of human-livestock-elephant interactions at artificial water points in the Boteti River region of Botswana. My research involves:

- Mapping water points in the Boteti River Region

- Conducting mapping exercises with livestock owners and community members to understand where interactions might occur between humans, livestock and elephants

- Interviewing livestock owners and community members to understand how elephant presence changes human behaviour and daily activities

This research is important because the locations of water points in the Boteti River Region are largely undocumented, yet they hold critical insights into elephant movements and water access. Additionally, these water points are built and maintained by local people, so by mapping these water points, we can help identify conflict hotspots and better understand the severity and dynamics of human-elephant interactions around water in these areas. Coupled with emerging climate trends and concerns, this research can provide essential pre-emptive and reactive knowledge for communities increasingly encountering elephants.

I’ll be spending two months in Botswana working with Elephants for Africa, a dedicated NGO that has been active in the region since 2007. Their mission is to promote elephant conservation through research and education, with a strong focus on fostering human-elephant coexistence. They work closely with local communities—supporting farmers, delivering conservation education in schools, and conducting vital research through a range of projects and student collaborations.

While I have secured some funding through grants, my masters research is self-funded, any support would be very much appreciated. I am mainly raising funds to help cover the costs of a research vehicle that will enable me to travel around the Boteti river region and visit livestock owners at their cattle posts, and community members in their villages.

I will be updating my social media throughout my research fieldwork, please feel free to follow along my journey!

@imani.wilson_

@imani_in_nature

Thank you, Asante, Ke a leboga!

Imani Wilson