My name is Siphesihle Magagula from the kingdom of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland. I am a PhD student at the University of Eswatini currently doing a research on testing the use of owls to reduce rodent damage and pesticide use in agricultural landscapes. I am also currently working at the Eswatini WILDlife Laboratory as a laboratory technician. My research interests are small mammals, owls, snakes and snake venoms. My current goal is to obtain biological insight on small mammals and owls in order to enhance our understanding of the different ecological roles and ecosystem functions provided by these species in natural and agricultural landscapes. I am very passionate about nature especially animals.
I am looking forward in not only in sharing information, learning and gaining new skills, but also in creating long term relationships with mutual benefits with people I share the same passion with me.
"If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden. "
I am an aspiring biodiversity ecologists and a fulltime PhD student at the University of Eswatini currently doing a research on testing the use of owls to reduce rodent damage and pesticide use in agricultural landscapes. I hold a Bachelor of Science majoring in biology and chemistry and a Master's degree in conservation ecology, both obtained from the University of Eswatini. I am also currently working at the Eswatini WILDlife Laboratory as a laboratory technician. My research interests are small mammals, owls, snakes and snake venoms.
My current goals are: 1) To obtain biological insight on small mammals and owls in order to enhance our understanding of the different ecological roles and ecosystem functions provided by these species in natural and agricultural landscapes. ; and 2) To combat wildlife crime through the use of molecular techniques and forensic analysis.
I volunteer at the Eswatini National Museum of Natural History, where I assist the museum curator in data collection and extraction of skulls. I also volunteer at the Eswatini Antivenom Foundation, where I do advocacy campaigns in radios, national television and newspapers.
