Team

As a dedicated, self-funded, and independent group, our expertise, collaborative spirit, and commitment to cutting-edge research drive the unit’s ability to generate vital ecological knowledge. We are not only innovators in conservation and ecological restoration but also crucial in mentoring the next generation of scientists, making our collective skills and dedication indispensable for addressing critical biodiversity challenges across southern Africa.

Dr Bernard W.T. Coetzee
Acting Director

Focusing on how humans are altering the natural environment, how that changes biodiversity….

Prof. Stuart Pimm
Biodiversity Specialist

A global leader in studying biodiversity, especially present-day extinctions and what we can do to prevent them ….

Dr Robert Guldemond
Conservation Ecologist

My research interests include maintaining and restoring connectivity for elephants across southern African….

Dr Cornelius Louw
Mammal Population Specialist

Research interests involve the temporal dynamics of large mammal populations in relation to the environmental variables….

Camilla Norgaard
Elephant Demographic Specialist

Working on using extensive databases of elephant measurements from independent surveys and developing new AI methods…..

Jarryd Outram
Research Assistant

Provides logistical support for fieldwork, collecting and consolidating data, and ensuring data reliability and accuracy…..

Liam Lennox
Research Assistant

Provides logistical support for fieldwork, collecting and consolidating data, and ensuring data reliability and accuracy…..

Dr Ryan Huang
Research Associate

Investigate metapopulation dynamics, demography, landscape connectivity, and human-wildlife conflict. …..

Layla van Zyl
PhD Candidate

Research includes both human-wildlife conflict and the impact that elephants have on biodiversity and their ecological role…..

Jessica Bucciarelli
PhD Candidate

Research focuses on modelling elephant movement ecology across diverse landscape and how to link protected areas more effectively…..

Tereze Viljoen
Masters Student

Analysing the effects of large-scale translocations as conservation management actions on elephant populations…..

Alanna Willis O’Dwyer
Honours Student

Research investigates the demographic effects of female contraception on elephant populations…..