Hugo Mantilla-Meluk

Professor of Evolution, Sustainable Development and One Health, Biology Program, Universidad del Quindío, Colombia, and the Founder and Director of the Centro de Estudios de Alta Montaña, Colombia

Biography

Dr Hugo Mantilla-Meluk, Professor at the University of Quindío, Colombia, graduated with honors from the Program from Evolution and Systematics of Texas Tech University. His work enhances the understanding and conservation of Colombian mammals, fostering collaboration among academia, the government, and communities.

As founder of the Colombian Society of Mammalogy, he served as president and vice president-elect (2011-2015) and is now re-elected vice president of the Colombian Association of Zoology. He's a member of the Colombian Academy of Sciences, and Chair of the Scientific and Knowledge Advisory Committee at the FAO's Mountain Partnership.

His research focuses on mammalian biodiversity patterns, exploring the link between biodiversity, climate change and potential zoonotic emergence, using mammals as a model. He's been recognized with several awards, including the Oliver Pearson Award (ASM), the Karl Koopman Award (International Symposium on Bat Research), and the First Prize from the Texas Genetics Society. He holds the Baron Alexander von Humboldt Medal for Environmental and Social Merit from the Government of Germany.