Groupe de spécialistes des antilopes de la CSE de l'UICN

Conservation biologist. MSC, 1987, University of Manchester, UK (Ecology and conservation of the snow leopard Panthera uncia). PhD, 1998, Manchester Metropolitan University (Ecology of mountain ungulates in Ladakh, India). Project work in Caucasus, Himalaya, Central Asia and Arabian Peninsula, West and Central Africa (field surveys, status assessments, protected area evaluation,training, and biomonitoring). Strategic planning for species (antelopes, others), Red listing (since 1989).

I am a wildlife veterinarian dedicated to the restoration and conservation of endangered African

species. My conservation journey started early in childhood and has been shaped by education

and my career choices along the way. I obtained Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from

Makerere University, Uganda and Master of Science in International Animal Health from the

University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. I major in translocation and reintroduction of rare

and endangered African wildlife species. My career journey has taken me through many African

countries including Zimbabwe, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Rwanda,

Uganda and now Kenya. I have worked with both government and private organisations. I have

been privileged to feature in New York Times, The BBC Documentary- The Gentle Giants,

Endangered IUCN Red list Documentary, and recently on NTV Wild among others. I have

served as the Senior Wildlife Veterinarian and Head of Species Programs at Uganda Wildlife

Authority for over 10 years. Currently, I am working with Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy

leading the reintroduction of mountain bongo in Kenya, in partnership with Kenya Wildlife

Service as part of implementation of the National Bongo Recovery Action Plan. I am a research

and technology enthusiast, and have had the privilege of working on various projects in Uganda,

where we recorded for the first time in history, the presence of the lowland bongo population in

Semuliki National Park. I believe that we must do conservation to understand it - but our actions

should never come too late!

Violeta Barrios is Chief Operating Officer at Sahara Conservation, based in France. In this role, she oversees the organization’s programs across countries, ensuring effective project delivery, financial oversight, and coordination with government authorities, donors, and international partners. She also plays a key role in strategic development, team management, and strengthening conservation initiatives in some of the most challenging regions of Africa.

A conservation biologist with over 15 years of experience, Violeta has worked extensively in Mediterranean and arid ecosystems. Before joining Sahara Conservation, she spent nearly a decade at the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation in Spain, leading projects on threatened species and spearheading the development of conservation strategies for iconic North African fauna.

A dual citizen of Paraguay and Spain, Violeta brings an international perspective and a strong commitment to inclusive, collaborative conservation work. She holds a degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Ecology from the University of Montpellier, France, and is currently based near Paris.