LineekelaOmwene T. Nauyoma, a 5th-year PhD candidate at the University of Namibia, recently represented UNAM at the prestigious International Statistical Ecology Conference (ISEC 2024) held at Swansea University, Wales, UK. Nauyoma was awarded a bursary worth N$35,000-00 by the International Statistical Ecology Foundation to cover the costs of attending the conference from 15 – 19 July 2024.
“I had the honour of presenting a paper from my dissertation titled ‘Density and abundance estimation of unmarked ungulates using camera traps in the Mudumu National Park, Namibia,’” shared Nauyoma. This paper, which was published in the European Journal of Wildlife Research in early 2024, utilised quantitative statistical ecology approaches to estimate the population size of roan (Hippotragus equinus) and sable (Hippotragus niger) in Mudumu National Park, Northeast Namibia.
Nauyoma’s PhD project is supervised by Prof. Dr. Ezequiel C. Fabiano in the Department of Wildlife Management & Tourism Studies at UNAM, along with Prof. Dr. Frederico G. Lemos from the Federal University of Catalão, Brazil, and Prof. Dr. Fernando Sequeira from the University of Porto, Portugal.
“ISEC 2024 had over 300 participants and was held at Swansea University, Bay Campus. I learned so much from my statistical ecology colleagues there,” Nauyoma explained. He emphasised the importance of rigorous quantitative biodiversity research, which he noted is rare in Namibia. “Such research should involve collaborations among ecologists, mathematicians, and statisticians, a common practice at top universities around the world, as demonstrated at ISEC 2024.”
Nauyoma found the conference extremely beneficial as a young researcher. “I had the opportunity to learn from top scientists from leading universities worldwide. I believe that learning and applying quantitative methods, as well as building networks and partnerships in ecology, can significantly enhance the study and management of biodiversity in Namibia.”
Quoting plenary speaker Prof. Dr. Elise Zipkin from Michigan State University, USA, Nauyoma said, “Addressing the biodiversity crisis requires revolutionary (statistical) approaches.”
The next ISEC will be held in Mexico in January 2027. Nauyoma expressed his gratitude to the International Statistical Ecology Foundation for supporting his PhD training at UNAM. “Presenting at international conferences is a crucial part of the PhD journey. I am grateful to UNAM, and my supervisory team for allowing me to pursue my dream PhD.”
Nauyoma’s dissertation was submitted for examination at UNAM in early 2024, marking a significant milestone in his academic journey.
