OUR STORY
TWO DECADES, ONE MISSION
ABOUT PROJECT WILD GAMBIA
For over 20 years, Project Wild Gambia has worked to conserve some of the world’s rarest animals and, through the development of eco-tourism, assist the people and the economy of The Gambia.
We pride ourselves on contributing the highest standard of scientific research, which has made a huge impact on the preservation and recovery of species populations in this ever- growing human- dominated world. The work we, Project Wild Gambia and our participants, achieve is published in scientific journals and contributes toward the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). “This is real science, which you will be involved in”.
We can proudly say we maintain strong relationships by working with Gambia’s governmental conservation bodies – The Department of Parks and Wildlife Management (DPWM) and Non-governmental bodies (NGO’s) including; The West African Bird Society Association (WABSA); and Local communities, to develop world renowned wildlife research, data collection, conservation and recovery of west African wildlife and wildlands.
The money raised through joining any of our expeditions is used to support a range of projects directly. This includes continued support for projects we are already involved in (e.g. the well and waterhole at Pirang Bonto Forest and the tree nursery at Bolongfenyo Community Nature Reserve) as well as new projects. The income to the reserves helps communities look after their sites and fees for research permits help the conservation bodies to keep up their good work.
Just visiting makes a difference as the sight of tourists at eco-attractant sites helps to convince locals that "their" forests and wildlife are important and that there is "value" in preserving them.
WHY ARE WE DIFFERENT?
We are celebrating more than 20 years of successful endangered species conservation in Africa. During this time, Project Wild Gambia has contributed to the data collection, conservation and research of some of the world’s rarest animals.
HOW ABOUT THESE FOR A FEW FACTS?
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Our survey work has almost doubled the global population of one of the world’s rarest primates already this year!
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We recently found the world’s rarest animal (not seen since first described in 1870)
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We rediscovered a species of crocodile thought to be extinct in The Gambia
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We rediscovered 2 cat species thought to be extinct in The Gambia
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We have documented a new disease in endangered monkeys and invented a successful treatment method.
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Our fisheries data were published in a major paper outlining the threat to sharks in West Africa and the food security of 200 million people
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…and there is much, much more, waiting for YOU to be part of.
Meet The Team
We are a small team with a huge impact, combined of highly experienced wildlife biologists, marine biologists, wildlife veterinarians and zoologists working to protect the Gambias incredible wildlife.
Dr Roy Armstrong
Director, Senior Conservation Officer & Head of Research
Tom Walker
Director & Conservation Programme Coordinator
Abou Saidy
Logistics & Operations Manager
Ismaila Colley
Field Expeditions Manager
Wandi Touray
Ornithologist Field Guide
Kawsu Gibba
Warden & Conservation Officer at Pirang Community forest Park
Our relations
Lamin Jobaate
Manager at WABSA (West African Bird study Association)