WHO AM I?
I am Vashist Seegobin, PhD student in Ecology and Conservation at the Tropical Island Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation (TIBEC) pole of research of the University of Mauritius. TIBEC aims to inform the conservation of biodiversity and ecological function in tropical insular settings through applied science.
I am passionate about ecology and conservation, especially when it comes to tropical terrestrial oceanic islands. I grew up on the island of Mauritius but travelled to various countries and studied elsewhere before coming back to the native land. Having a particularly deep interest for flying foxes, invasive alien species and human-wildlife conflicts, Mauritius appears to be the perfect place to carry out my research in view to deepen knowledge and expand on best practices that would contribute for the conservation of its biodiversity, being among the most threatened worldwide.
WHY THIS CAREER?
My passion for wildlife sprouted when I was very young and strengthens as I grew up to eventually be translated into a career goal. Having got inspiring lecturers to teach me about ‘Ecology and Conservation’ immensely funnelled me towards my aspiration of becoming a ‘Researcher’. The reality is such that protecting nature should rather not be a choice but a need because ultimately, if nature is sick, so are we. By protecting the forest along with the various other ecosystems on earth, we are protecting ourselves and securing the future of the forthcoming generations.
MY HOBBIES
Having been born on an island and growing up on the beach made that I built an intense connection with the ocean. My favorite sport is by far kitesurfing which I practice since 2012.
I also like to surf, stand up paddle, scuba dive, tree climb and mountain bike, and when the conditions are not good I stick to the gym. Beside sports, I enjoy photography, videography and travelling. I also love gardening and have been designing, building and running aquaponics systems since 2018.
FAVORITE QUOTE
"The training here does not prepare you for success but to withstand failure, an inevitable form of success"