Meet the Team

Dr. Henry Ndithia, a Kenyan national, is a research and conservation ecologist, who has focused his entire career on the ecology and conservation of bird species.

Henry has dedicated his 20 years’ experience to research and conservation of birds and their habitats, development of species action plans for threatened bird species, building networks and collaborations that benefit the conservation of birds and their habitats, biodiversity assessments aimed at better understanding birds and the health of their ecosystems, and training and involvement of local communities in bird/biodiversity conservation and bird research through citizen science. As a dedicated scientist at the Ornithology Section of the National Museums of Kenya, Henry’s expertise ranges from initiating, coordinating and execution of cross-border conservation actions in Africa, and organizing and execution of international research networks and collaborations that have benefitted the conservation of grassland birds including bustards. Precisely, Henry has spearheaded a transboundary project that developed research techniques aimed at combating wildlife crime (poaching and trafficking of wildlife products) in endangered species in several African countries, has coordinated an elaborate programme of training of African and European ornithological students and staff through academic and research exchanges between African and European Universities, and has offered expertise in the development and implementation of single and multi-species action plans for threatened species including those of Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor, Malagasy Pond-Heron Ardeola idea, and several vulture species. He is currently responsible for the national reporting to MOP10 on the population status of native AEWA-listed and non-native Species of waterbirds for Kenya. Henry has trained/supervised several master’s students and published widely including 14 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Henry trained in animal ecology at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, in nature conservation at the University of Gӧttingen, Germany, and in natural resources management at Egerton University, Kenya. Henry has always been obsessed by the magnificent display of the Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori he has always encountered in Kenyan grasslands, which catalyzed his to desire to be involved in research and conservation of bustard species. He aspires to use his expertise to address the primary factors that threaten bustards’ well-being: habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation, land use change, collision with infrastructure, and human disturbance and persecution.

When he is not doing official duties, Henry loves traveling, singing and networking socially.