M. Sc. Environment, Makerere University, 2000

-MacArthur Fellowship
-DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austrauschdienst)
-The Women’s Board
-IdeaWild

John Bates, Chairman Zoology, Bird Division

Research Interests:

Conservation Biology, Ornithology, Environmental Education.

I am looking at phylogenies in birds across the Albertine Rift Region. This is an African ecological region well known for its rich biodiversity and endemism. It encompasses localities and habitats from six different countries namely Burundi, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. Very few phylogenetic studies have been carried out in the Albertine Rift region whereas elsewhere they have generated valuable information for setting conservation priorities and addressing taxonomy issues.
My study will examine relationships in Bradypterus warblers at different taxonomic levels based on nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial DNA. The genus is represented by six species in the region, one of which Bradypterus graueri is classified as endangered. This study will assess the effect of historical fragmentation on distribution and taxonomy of avifauna throughout the region using a combination of morphological and molecular data. Gene regions selected for this study are ND3, ND2 and ATPase6.

Plumptre,A.J.,Behangana, M.,Davenport, T., KAHINDO,C.M.N.,Kityo, R.,Ndomba, E.R.,Ssegawa, P., Eilu, G.,Nkuutu, D. and Owiunji, I. (2003) The Biodiversity of the Albertine Rift. Albertine Rift Technical Reports No 3

KAHINDO, M.NGABO and DRANZOA, C. (2000). Bird communities in gaps of Bugongo Forest, Western Uganda. Proceedings of the tenth Pan-African Ornithological Congress. Ostrich, Journal of African Ornithology.

MARKS, B.D., GNOSKE, T.P. and KAHINDO, C.M.N (1998). Additions to the avifauna of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Echuya Forest Reserve with notes on ecology, taxonomy and conservation. Scopus, East African Natural History Society Journal of Ornithology.