SCI Foundation is thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Daniel Scognamillo to its Conservation team. With a robust background in wildlife research and management, Dr. Scognamillo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enhance SCIF’s ongoing efforts.
Originally from Argentina, Dr. Scognamillo earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. His early research focused on mountain lion ecology and predation behavior in western Argentina. He further expanded his expertise by studying the ecology of ocelots, jaguars, and mountain lions in the renowned Iguazú National Park, which spans both Argentina and Brazil.
Dr. Scognamillo continued his academic journey by completing a Master of Science at the University of Florida, where he researched jaguars and mountain lions in the Venezuelan Llanos. He later obtained his Ph.D. from Louisiana State University, where he developed harvest models for river otters.
In 2006, after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Mississippi State University, Dr. Scognamillo joined the Wildlife Faculty at the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Most recently, he served as an Associate Professor for Research at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University – Kingsville, where he studied ocelots, bobcats, and mountain lions in Texas and led the SCI Foundation’s leopard survey efforts in Botswana.
“We are excited to have Dr. Scognamillo joining the Conservation team,” said Dr. Chris Comer, Director of Conservation at the SCI Foundation. “With his internationally recognized expertise in research and management of wild cats, Daniel is the right person to continue building our long-term commitment to and leadership in conservation of leopards, lions, and other African big cats.”
Dr. Scognamillo’s extensive experience and dedication to wildlife conservation will be invaluable as SCI Foundation continues its mission of promoting sustainable wildlife conservation and management practices.
