Junior Researcher LineekelaOmwene Nauyoma visited CIBIO

Junior Researcher LineekelaOmwene Tuhafeni Nauyoma Expands Research Horizons at CIBIO

LineekelaOmwene Tuhafeni Nauyoma, a Junior Researcher in Wildlife Management and Conservation at the University of Namibia (UNAM), embarked on an enriching research journey by visiting CIBIO-BIOPOLIS. From April 14th to June 14th, 2022, LineekelaOmwene had the opportunity to collaborate with the TROPIBIO team members, Dr. F. Sequeira and Dr. Raquel Godinho, as well as being supervised by Dr. E. C. Fabiano from UNAM.

The focus of LineekelaOmwene's project, titled "Assessment of the conservation status of roan (Hippotragus equinus) and sable (Hippotragus niger) using ecological and genetic parameters in the Mudumu National Park, Namibia," involves employing ecological and genetic parameters to evaluate the conservation status of these majestic species. To further his research, LineekelaOmwene sought molecular genetics training and aimed to extract DNA from 80 non-invasive genetic samples, comprising 40 roan and 40 sable fecal samples.

The visit to CIBIO proved to be a resounding success as LineekelaOmwene acquired valuable practical knowledge in conservation genetics. The time spent at CIBIO enabled him to master the techniques necessary for extracting DNA from the non-invasive genetic samples he collected. Equipped with this newfound expertise, LineekelaOmwene returned to UNAM, where he continues to analyze the samples in a non-invasive laboratory established as part of the CIBIO-BIOPOLIS TwinLab Initiative.

This collaboration between LineekelaOmwene and the TROPIBIO team at CIBIO-BIOPOLIS opens up exciting possibilities for advancing research on the conservation status of roan and sable antelopes in Namibia. The knowledge gained from this visit will contribute to a better understanding of these species and aid in the development of effective conservation strategies.