I am a Timorese wildlife conservationist, naturalist, and photographer from Com village in the
far east of Timor-Leste. In 2019, I graduated from the University of Timor Lorosa’e, Dili, with
a bachelor’s degree in animal science, specialising in Wildlife Conservation.

My conservation journey started in 2015, centering on enhancing knowledge of bird species
in Timor-Leste. By using the global database eBird, I thoroughly documented checklists of
birds across the nation, identifying about 253 species and recording around 10,000 individual
bird sightings. My work has notably led to the discovery of one new Timor Island record and
numerous records of endemic and globally threatened bird species.

Noticing the lack of documentation on nature in Timor-Leste, I broadened my scope to
encompass other forms of wildlife, adding hundreds of records of insects, plants, reptiles, and
frogs to the iNaturalist global database. With a focus on dragonflies, I recorded several new
island and national records, facilitating international collaborations and publications with
esteemed colleagues from Germany and Australia. Through television and radio appearances,
I advocate for the conservation of bird populations, highlighting the adverse effects of trade
and hunting practices.

My work spans both terrestrial and marine wildlife conservation. Growing up near the ocean
ignited a passion for marine life conservation. I began engaging in turtle conservation with
Conservation International in 2015, which evolved into projects like whale season programs
and cetacean monitoring. As a researcher and scientist with Whales Research, I had the
opportunity to document remarkable whale and dolphin seasons from 2020 to 2023.
Beyond fieldwork, I conduct independent research, advocate for wildlife protection, and
deliver educational programs on conservation to diverse audiences. I also engage in media
production, promoting conservation through documentaries addressing issues such as marine
mammals, birds, plastic pollution, and other emerging wildlife concerns. Collaborating with
Timorese and international filmmakers, including those from National Geographic and the
BBC, I aim to elevate conservation messages through cinema and short documentary films,
using powerful visuals to advocate for the preservation of nature, oceans, and wildlife in
Timor-Leste. My work integrates conservation with art, education, and science, harnessing
the power of imagery to inspire action and protect our natural heritage.

Before my current initiatives, I contributed to conservation as a birdwatching and nature
guide, organised mangrove planting efforts. I co-founded two impactful groups:
Konservasaun Flora no Fauna iha Timor-Leste and Movimentu Tasi Mós, focused on
promoting wildlife conservation and facilitating beach clean-ups. Driven by a deep sense of
responsibility to safeguard nature and endangered species, I am dedicated to motivating
others to respect the environment and support the conservation of our planet.