UNL to host African conservation research seminar Nov. 13

            Andrei Snyman and Katie McCollum, graduate students in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's School of Natural Resources, will present a free seminar about their African conservation research and efforts at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Hardin Hall auditorium, 33rd and Holdrege streets. The seminar is open to the public and free parking will be available.

            Snyman, a native South African pursuing a doctoral degree at UNL, will present "African Lion Research in the 21st Century." The presentation will highlight his research in Botswana, where he has studied the population dynamics of large carnivores like lions, leopards, spotted-and brown hyenas and African wild dogs. His research efforts have resulted in the recovery and steady growth of the resident lion population.

            "If someone is interested in big cats and wants to learn more about them, and how researchers today are trying to save them from going extinct, this is a good seminar to attend," Snyman said. "And they get to listen to a South African with an accent."

            McCollum, a Georgia native, is pursuing a master's degree in wildlife ecology at UNL and has traveled to Botswana twice. Her presentation, "The Effect of Habitat Factors on African Birds," will focus on two unique bird species: kori bustards and helmeted guineafowl.

            "This summer we conducted distance sampling for both species throughout the study area," McCollum said. "Our study aims to determine what habitat factors influence kori bustard and helmeted guineafowl populations in order to ensure the future conservation and protection of these species as well as the species that rely on them."

            UNL's School of Natural Resources hosts various community engagement activities throughout the year. More information is available at http://snr.unl.edu/communityengagement.

Writer: Mekita Rivas, School of Natural Resources