Master student: Mompoloki Pitlagano

Ellen Soldal

Mompoloki Pitlagano (33) from Botswana will soon be done with her Master’s degree in Tropical Ecology and Management of Natural Resources at UMB. She is doing her Master’s thesis on rhinoceros in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana.

After she finished her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Science at University of Botswana in 1998, she got a job as a wildlife biologist in the Department of wildlife and National Parks (DWNP).

Mompoloki Pitlagano tracking rhino spoor

- My background as a wildlife biologist inspired me to work on Rhinoceros for my thesis. I am looking at re-introduced white rhinos in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana; movement patterns and home ranges, says Mompoloki.

The rhino population was wiped out by poaching, and Botswana wants to re-establish the population. With regard to the re-establishment of the population, this study is important as it will set a basis on which future re-introduction can be planned. To DWNP and other conservation organizations this re-introduction program provides a lesson learnt, and hopefully this can help in better conservation management strategies for the rhinos in the future.

- When I finish my studies I will continue my job as a wildlife biologist back home, and with my new acquired skills and knowledge I hope to add more value to natural resource management in my country, Mompoloki says.


Updated: 03.05.07
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