Interview with James Madeli
James Madeli was born and raised in Singida, Tanzania. He went to the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and completed a bachelor of science degree in Wildlife Science and Conservation. He joined Wild Nature Institute in October 2017 as a volunteer for their education program before being hired as the Education Program Coordinator. He is currently organizing and conducting giraffe photographic data. He is the leader of team Twiga Team Alpha, WNI’s first all-Tanzanian research group.
James spoke to the club on March 12, 2022, which inspired JGC member Aglaia to ask him the following questions:
1. How long have you been interested in giraffe conservation? What scientist most inspired you?
I have been interested in giraffes for over 10 years now. I have always had interest in conservation of wildlife, but in recent years I have grown to love giraffes very much. After spending lots of time with giraffes, I’ve realized how cool they are and that I really need to take action to protect them. Unlike other animals, not many people speak for giraffes. My goal is to see giraffe populations and allow them to thrive in their natural habitat with little or no disturbance from human beings. This is why I am very proud of everyone in JGC. I was inspired by my school teacher Father Francis Mukasa because he had a great passion for wildlife and environmental conservation. I am now very lucky to be working together and learning from the greatest giraffe scientists Dr Anne Dagg, Prof Derek Lee, Dr Monica Bond, Dr George Lohay, and Prof Douglas Cavener. I aspire to follow their steps.
2. What do you hope to understand more when studying giraffe dung for genetics?
A study by Monica Bond showed that female giraffes benefit from having close friends just like us people. We hope to understand more about how giraffes in the groups are related to each other. It will also provide important information about how giraffes in one are related to others in different areas. We need this information to convince authorities to protect paths giraffes take when visiting their ‘cousins’. So yes, I am very excited to learn what genetic studies say about giraffes relations.
3. What is one thing about your trainees that has surprised you?
The trainees have surprised me with their passion to study giraffes. I like how they take some Initiatives in themselves when designing different arts and topics about giraffes. I am positive that they have the same enthusiasm and good energy in their social and school life. Bravo trainees!
4. What has been the weirdest thing that you've seen a giraffe do?
Weird thing about giraffes? Eating. How they just easily maneuver their thick tongue and eat thorny acacia leaves. I am always surprised at how individuals (especially solitary adult males) know exactly where the rest of the group members are. You can use binoculars and stand on the top of a car without seeing them, but if you follow one of these solitary males, it will lead you right to the group. It’s amazing how they know everything about their surroundings!
