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Emmelianna Bujak
Postgraduate research student

Summary

I am a PhD student and recipient of an Isambard Scholarship working under the supervision of Prof. Susan Jobling and Prof. John Sumpter at Brunel University and Prof. William Holt at the Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London.

Last year I won the Vodafone World of Difference competition, allowing me to work abroad for one year. I am currently working in Vietnam, developing an otter conservation programme in the Mekong Delta. This is an important region for otter conservation, as it is known to support populations of what is believed to be the world’s most rare otter species- the hairy-nosed otter (Lutra sumatrana). The region also contains small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus).

My project includes ecological surveillance to learn more about the otters in the region, as very little is known about hairy-nosed otters in particular. I am also developing an educational programme to teach local communities about important conservation issues.

I am especially interested in the factors that threaten otters in this region. These may include hunting for the international wildlife trade, chemical contamination of water bodies and overexploitation of fish prey resources. I hope to investigate the role of these threats on otter populations. However, the first step is to collect baseline data about the otters in this area in a scientifically robust manner.

Qualifications

2009: MSc Wild Animal Biology (Distinction)Royal Veterinary College / Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London

2006: BSc (Hons) Psychology (First Class Honours)Goldsmiths University, London

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