Tariq Ahmad | Wildlife | Excellence in Research Award

Mr. Tariq Ahmad | Wildlife | Excellence in Research Award

Northeast Forestry University | Pakistan

Mr. Tariq Ahmad is a passionate wildlife biologist and conservation researcher from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with a strong academic and professional background in ecology, wildlife management, and conservation genetics. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. (2021–2025) at Northeast Forestry University, China, focusing on the ecological drivers and conservation challenges of Indian pangolins (Manis crassicaudata) in western Pakistan. He holds an M.Phil. in Wildlife Management from Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, and a B.S. in Zoology from Kohat University of Science and Technology. His professional experience includes serving as a Lecturer at the Department of Biology, Air Foundation School and College System, and Karak Poly Technical College, where he contributed to academic excellence, student mentoring, and curriculum development. Mr. Ahmad’s research interests lie in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, population genetics, and species distribution modeling, with a special focus on endangered mammals of South Asia. He has successfully led several IDEA WILD-funded projects as Principal Investigator, focusing on habitat suitability and conservation challenges of Indian pangolins, and has collaborated with international researchers from China and Australia. His research skills include field survey design, GIS-based habitat modeling, wildlife monitoring, molecular analysis, and data interpretation, supported by his proficiency in research software and scientific writing. Mr. Ahmad has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in reputed international journals such as Global Ecology and Conservation, Open Chemistry, and Pakistan Journal of Zoology. His contributions to community development through Alkhidmat Welfare Organization reflect his commitment to social responsibility. Recognized for his research excellence and leadership, he continues to pursue impactful conservation research. In conclusion, Mr. Tariq Ahmad demonstrates exceptional dedication, academic capability, and leadership potential, aiming to advance wildlife conservation and ecological sustainability through innovative, interdisciplinary, and globally collaborative research. 12 Citations | 14, Documents | 2, h-index

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Ahmad, A., & Ahmad, T. (2025). Distribution pattern of grey wolf (Canis lupus) and human dimensions of wolf conflicts in Marghuzar Valley, Tehsil Babozai, District Swat, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 57(3), Article 0030-9923. https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjz/20230403090405

  2. Nazir, R., Ahmad, T., Gondal, M. A., Razzaq, A., Zulfiqar, A., Li, B., Dinislam, K., Ali, A., Majid, A., Ullah, I., & others. (2025). Evaluation of changes in ecosystem services due to the conflict between local community and red fox. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 57(2), Article 0030-9923. https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjz/20230812061806

  3. Ahmad, T., Ali, A., Poudel, T. R., Rahim, A., & Li, B. (2025). Ecological drivers and conservation challenges of Indian pangolins (Manis crassicaudata) in Western Pakistan. Global Ecology and Conservation, 58, e03653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03653

  4. Ahmad, T. (2025). Artificial breeding success, incubation period, and fecundity of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Kamloops Strain), in Jaghour trout hatchery, Chitral. Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 24(1), 85–97.

  5. Ullah, I., Ahmad, T., & others. (2024). Evaluation of water birds population trends, threats, and conservation status in selected wetlands of Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 56(4), Article 0030-9923. https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjz/20230803045214

Ayesha Zulfiqar | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Ayesha Zulfiqar | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | University of Jhang | Pakistan

Ms. Ayesha Zulfiqar, Lecturer at the Department of Zoology, University of Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan, is an emerging scholar and conservationist with expertise in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, and zoological sciences. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Forestry with a specialization in Wildlife and Protected Areas at Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China (2021–2025), after completing an M.Phil. in Zoology from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (2020) and a BS (Hons.) Zoology from Government College University Faisalabad (2018). Her professional experience includes lecturing at the University of Jhang since 2021, serving as Alumni Liaison Officer at Northeast Forestry University, and prior teaching at Chenab College Jhang. Her research interests span the conservation of endangered species such as cranes, Indian pangolin, flare-horned markhor, houbara bustard, and grey wolf, with emphasis on landscape ecology, habitat assessment, and community-based awareness for sustainable biodiversity protection. She possesses advanced research skills in ecological modeling, R-based data analysis, GIS mapping, and non-invasive field techniques, particularly fecal sampling of elusive species. Ms. Zulfiqar has successfully led multiple national and international research projects funded by organizations including the Pakistan Science Foundation, International Crane Foundation, and IDEA WILD, and she has published extensively in peer-reviewed, indexed journals such as Biology, North-Western Journal of Zoology, Pakistan Journal of Zoology, and Brazilian Journal of Biology, along with contributing refereed conference papers and Elsevier book chapters. Recognized for her academic excellence and leadership, she has received numerous honors including the CSC Scholarship for Ph.D., Outstanding Volunteer Award (NEFU, 2024), Social Practice Award (2024), and research grants exceeding PKR 4.9 million. With her strong academic foundation, research productivity, and international collaborations, Ms. Ayesha Zulfiqar is well-positioned to make significant contributions to global wildlife conservation and biodiversity management, while mentoring future scientists and advancing Pakistan’s role in ecological research.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Zulfiqar, A., Sun, X., Wu, Q., Rehman, A., Khan, N., & Khan, M. N. (2025). Comparative analysis of perceived threat threshold from various drivers to cranes along Indus Flyway, Punjab, Pakistan. Biology, 14(9), 1275.

  2. Zulfiqar, A., Wenyou, D., Sikandar, A., Ahmad, N., Wu, Q., Mahmood, T., Eza, N. U., Rehman, A., Zhang, H., & Sun, X. (2025). Migratory cranes’ ecology and habitat use in District Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. North-Western Journal of Zoology, 21(2).

  3. Ahmad, T., Razzaq, A., Shahzadi, H., Rehman, F. U., Li, B., Ullah, S., Saqib, O., … & Zulfiqar, A. (2024). Nidification and breeding success of Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis) in District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 56(4), 1819. Citations: 3

  4. Abid, I., Zulfiqar, A., Ahmad, T., Sikandar, A., Hussain, S., & Raza, T. (2024). Assessment of cyclical spreading and ecological extortions to the avian species in District Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan. Lahore Garrison University Journal of Life Sciences, 8(1), 134–151.

  5. Nazir, R., Ahmad, T., Gondal, M. A., Razzaq, A., Zulfiqar, A., Li, B., Dinislam, K., … & Shehzad, M. (2024). Evaluation of changes in ecosystem services due to the conflict between local community and red fox. Pakistan Journal of Zoology.

Margaux Babola | Human wildlife coexistence | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Margaux Babola | Human wildlife coexistence | Best Researcher Award

Director at HISA NGO, France

Margaux Babola is a dedicated animal behaviorist with a strong interdisciplinary background in ethology, neurobiology, and environmental science. She holds a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior and a Bachelor’s in Biology and Environment, complemented by training in permaculture and ecosystem restoration. With over seven years of hands-on experience, she has led impactful field research and conservation projects across France, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Brazil through her work with Human InitiativeS for Animals (HISA). Margaux specializes in human-wildlife coexistence, endangered species rehabilitation, and ecosystem reconstitution. She demonstrates strong competencies in research coordination, fieldwork, data analysis, and science communication in multiple languages. While her practical contributions to conservation and education are commendable, her candidacy for a Best Researcher Award would be strengthened by more peer-reviewed publications and formal academic affiliations. Nonetheless, she is exceptionally well-suited for recognition in applied or field-based research awards due to her impactful, interdisciplinary, and globally engaged work.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Margaux Babola has a diverse and interdisciplinary educational background rooted in biology, animal behavior, and environmental sciences. She earned her Master’s degree in Animal Behavior with distinction from Université Paris 13 in 2016, where she developed a deep understanding of ethology and behavioral analysis. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environment with a specialization in ethology and neurobiology at Université de Bordeaux in 2014, also with distinction. In 2021, she further expanded her expertise by completing a Permaculture and Myawaki Native Forest Method certification, gaining insights into sustainable ecosystem design across tropical, arid, and temperate climates. This unique combination of formal academic training and ecological restoration knowledge equips her with a well-rounded foundation for addressing complex challenges in animal behavior and conservation. Her education reflects both scientific rigor and a strong commitment to integrating environmental sustainability into her research and fieldwork practices.

Professional Experience📝

Margaux Babola has extensive professional experience in animal behavior research, conservation, and project management across diverse international settings. Since 2018, she has served as Director at Human InitiativeS for Animals (HISA), where she leads projects on human-elephant coexistence in Tanzania, turtle rehabilitation in Madagascar, and ecosystem restoration in France. Her responsibilities include field surveys, stakeholder engagement, scientific reporting, and team supervision. Previously, she worked with the Mahouts Elephant Foundation in Thailand, conducting behavioral studies and spatial analysis on elephants in collaboration with local communities. She also volunteered with the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), aiding in wildlife rehabilitation. Her internships at the Laboratory for Animal Welfare in Brazil and the Laboratory for Experimental and Comparative Ethology in France involved study design, behavioral observation, and statistical analysis. Margaux’s experience combines scientific expertise with field-based problem-solving, making her a versatile and impactful professional in conservation and animal behavior research.

Research Interest🔎

Margaux Babola’s research interests lie at the intersection of animal behavior, wildlife conservation, and ecological sustainability. She is particularly passionate about understanding and promoting human-wildlife coexistence, with a focus on the behavioral dynamics of species such as elephants and turtles in natural and rehabilitated habitats. Her work explores how environmental changes, human activity, and habitat restoration influence animal behavior and welfare. Margaux is also deeply interested in ethology, neurobiology, and the practical application of behavioral science in conservation efforts. Her involvement in projects related to the Myawaki forest method and permaculture reflects a strong commitment to integrating ecological restoration with species preservation. She is driven by the goal of using research to support ethical and sustainable conservation strategies that benefit both wildlife and local communities. Through field research, stakeholder collaboration, and science communication, Margaux aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world conservation impact.

Award and Honor🏆

Margaux Babola has earned recognition throughout her academic and professional journey for her dedication to animal behavior and environmental conservation. During her academic career, she graduated with honors in both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, reflecting her strong academic performance and commitment to the field of ethology and neurobiology. Her research work was notably presented at the Brazilian Congress on Animal Production and Welfare in Ponta Grossa, Brazil—an acknowledgment of the scientific quality and relevance of her study on animal welfare. As Director of Human InitiativeS for Animals (HISA), her leadership and project outcomes have been commended in both local and international conservation circles, particularly for initiatives in Africa and France addressing species rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration. While formal awards or titles beyond academia have not been explicitly listed, Margaux’s career reflects a trajectory of continuous impact and growing influence, worthy of broader recognition in the fields of applied research and conservation leadership.

Research Skill🔬

Margaux Babola possesses a robust set of research skills rooted in her interdisciplinary training and extensive field experience. She is highly skilled in designing and conducting behavioral studies, performing direct observations of animal behavior, and applying statistical tools for data analysis using R. Her ability to develop research protocols, coordinate fieldwork, and collect ecological and behavioral data in diverse environments—from tropical forests to arid landscapes—demonstrates her adaptability and methodological rigor. Margaux is proficient in Geographic Information Systems (QGIS), enabling her to analyze spatial data and movement patterns, particularly in studies involving wildlife such as elephants. She is also experienced in synthesizing literature, preparing scientific reports, and contributing to manuscript development for publication. Her research is enriched by strong communication skills, both in disseminating findings to academic audiences and in engaging local stakeholders. This combination of analytical, technical, and communicative abilities makes her a well-rounded and impactful researcher in the fields of ethology and conservation.

Conclusion💡

Margaux Babola presents a strong and unique profile that bridges applied conservation, ethology, and environmental science. Her strengths lie in hands-on field research, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and cross-cultural project leadership.

Publications Top Noted✍️

1. The influence of the silvopastoral system on physiological, behavior, and health responses of the Purunã breed of cattle

  • Authors: M. Babola, L. da Silveira Pontes, Carla Molento, et al.

  • Year: 2024

  • Journal: Archives of Veterinary Science

  • Publisher: revistas.ufpr.br

  • Citation: Babola, M., da Silveira Pontes, L., Molento, C., et al. (2024). The influence of the silvopastoral system on physiological, behavior, and health responses of the Purunã breed of cattle. Archives of Veterinary Science.

  • Cited by: 2

  • Corresponding Authors: babola.margaux@gmail.com, carlamolento@ufpr.br

2. Sixty Degrees of Solutions: Field Techniques for Human–Jaguar Coexistence

  • Authors: A.L. Devlin, R.J. Arias Herrera, M. Babola, et al.

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: Animals

  • Publisher: MDPI

  • Citation: Devlin, A.L., Arias Herrera, R.J., Babola, M., et al. (2025). Sixty Degrees of Solutions: Field Techniques for Human–Jaguar Coexistence. Animals. MDPI.