Lamin Jobaate – Expert Bird Guide in The Gambia

Recognised conservation leadership

Lamin’s conservation leadership has been documented for more than a decade. In September 2012, The Point profiled his work as Executive Director of the West African Bird Study Association following his return from the Rutland Birdfair in the United Kingdom, where he presented WABSA’s mangrove-restoration work and promoted birdwatching and conservation in The Gambia.

Speaker recognition: protecting Hooded Vultures

In December 2025, Lamin Jobaate was announced as a confirmed speaker at the West African Bird Fair & Ecotourism Conference. His presentation was listed as “Conservation Efforts of Protecting Critically Endangered Hooded Vultures in The Gambia”.

The announcement highlighted his work with the West African Bird Study Association (WABSA), including research, community awareness and collaboration to protect vultures and their habitats. It also described his involvement in investigating poisoning incidents and developing rapid-response procedures.

For guests travelling with Lamin, this conservation experience brings a deeper understanding of the birds, habitats and communities encountered on tour.

Read the speaker announcement — Center for Environment, Climate Action, and Research, 9 December 2025

Learn more on our Conservation Work page.

About me

I am a professional bird guide and ornithologist based in Serekunda, The Gambia.

Birdwatching is much more than my profession—it has been my passion since childhood. For decades I have dedicated my life to studying birds, protecting their habitats and sharing the incredible wildlife of The Gambia and Senegal with visitors from around the world.

I am married and the proud father of three school-aged children. When I am not in the field with my binoculars, I enjoy spending time with my family and taking part in conservation projects, environmental education and community awareness programmes.

Whether you are visiting The Gambia for the first time or returning to discover more of its remarkable wildlife, I look forward to sharing the birds, landscapes and warm hospitality that make this country one of Africa's finest birdwatching destinations.

A Personal Story

My love of birds began as a young boy growing up in The Gambia. While other children were playing, I was fascinated by the birds around me and wanted to understand their behaviour, their calls and the habitats they depended on. That childhood curiosity became a lifelong passion and eventually a career that has taken me across The Gambia and Senegal, guiding birdwatchers and photographers from all over the world.