Howard Maimbo

2026 Recipient of the Biodiversity Institute Graduate Student Excellence Grant

Program in Ecology and Evolution

Graduate Advisor: David Christianson  

Background

Large herbivores such as antelope, zebra, and buffalo play a key role in shaping ecosystems, yet their populations are declining across many African landscapes. This project examines how herbivore populations vary across protection gradients, from national parks to surrounding multi-use areas in Zambia. Using a combination of existing wildlife survey data, satellite-derived environmental information, and simulation models, the research will evaluate how survey design influences the accuracy of population estimates. The goal is to improve how wildlife is monitored in data-limited regions and to provide practical tools for conservation planning. By producing clear visual outputs such as density maps and survey performance summaries, this work will help scientists, managers, and the public better understand how conservation strategies influence wildlife populations.

Project goals

1. Quantify how large herbivore densities vary across protection gradients

2. Evaluate how survey design affects the accuracy and precision of wildlife population estimates

3. Identify how species traits (e.g., group size, density) influence detectability

4. Develop recommendations for improving wildlife monitoring in protected and multi-use landscapes

5. Produce accessible visual outputs to support conservation decision-making