Thabang is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Wildlife Management and Conservation at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Science. His research is focusing on intrinsic ecosystem restoration processes in and around peri-urban habitats. During his six-year stay and study in Hungary, Thabang worked as an assistant lecturer and supervised students’ research. He also worked with the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) as a project assistant. Currently, he serves as Head of the Responsible Resource Management Business Unit/Department at the Southern African Wildlife College. Apart from managing the department, he is also a research lead on one of SAWC’s longitudinal studies focusing on regenerative rangeland management: a holistic approach to conservation, working with communities, private farmers, and protected area managers towards ecosystem restoration efforts. "In my spare time, I play football, and can you believe it? I am club DJ:):)"
I'm a researcher of Land Use Practices and they affect the Dominant Tree Species Diversity, Richness, Evenness, and Abundance.
I have also studied how human's forest related culture and behaviors (Ethnobotany) influences tree species diversity at the local scale.
I'm a Zoologist and Completed my degree recently, want to work desperately with wildlife conservation people.
Bridges the gap between the community and the park
Disseminates conservation education and awareness
Handles Human Wildlife Conflicts
Deliver community-park benefits
Guides and supports communities next to the park in ecotourism initiatives.
Kalle Musalilwa Silwimba
Operations Manager, Tondwa Conservation Limited (Conserve global Earth)
With over 8 years of experience in shelter and infrastructure development across diverse contexts, I bring a multifaceted skill set to every project. My journey has spanned developmental, humanitarian, and emergency settings, where I’ve honed my technical, administrative, and interpersonal abilities.
Key Roles and Achievements:
Project Management:
As a Project Engineer/Manager, I have successfully led the implementation of over 80 construction projects. These projects encompass a wide range of facilities, including training centers, houses, hostels, schools, police posts, markets, office spaces, and local courts. The combined value of these initiatives amounts to approximately K40 million (USD 2,000,000).
My commitment to quality assurance and control measures ensures that projects are delivered to the highest standards.
Community Engagement and Ownership:
I am passionate about fostering community ownership of our projects. By involving residents and enhancing their skills, we create sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.
Vibrant and proactive, I work tirelessly to ensure that our projects serve the community effectively.
Environmental Responsibility:
Committed to environmentally friendly solutions, I design infrastructure that minimizes ecological impact while remaining cost-effective.
My proficiency extends beyond technical aspects—I excel in managing interpersonal relationships with contractors and administering contracts.
Operations Management in Game Management Area:
As an Operations Manager within a Game Management area, I oversee critical aspects of wildlife conservation and habitat management.
My responsibilities include coordinating field operations, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and optimizing resource utilization.
UNV Civil Engineer (WASH/Shelter) in Refugee Settlement:
For the past 4 years, I have served as a dedicated UN Volunteer (UNV) Civil Engineer in a refugee settlement.
In this role, I am responsible for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities and shelter infrastructure.
I collaborate closely with international agencies, local authorities, and community leaders to improve living conditions for displaced populations.
I am driven by a sense of purpose—to make a positive impact on communities, whether through sustainable infrastructure, environmental stewardship, or humanitarian efforts. As an adaptable professional, I embrace new technologies and challenges with enthusiasm.
I am currently a Master science student in chemistry and my research focuses on removal of organic materials in water bodies to ensure that the environment is maintained, (this includes prevention of harm to aquatic lives)
I'm PhD student working on bats.I'm passionate for animals conservation.
Scientist transitioning to be a more applied, people-, and conservation-centric conservation technologist – ‘an expert with a vision and mission’.
Academic Advisor and General Manager at HOME | Lajuma Research Centre.
Overview
The Lajuma Research Centre (LRC) is at the forefront of ecological research and conservation in Southern Africa, playing a crucial role in the study and protection of one of the continent's most unique and biodiverse regions. The centre is nestled within a 430-hectare expanse in the western part of the Soutpansberg mountain range in South Africa’s northernmost province of Limpopo, within the 5,000-hectare Luvhondo Private Nature Reserve. This reserve forms part of the UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, a designation as a Natural Heritage Site that underscores its global significance as a centre for endemism.
Ecological Significance
- Topography and Climate: The Soutpansberg mountain range features altitudes ranging from 250 to 1,748 meters at top of Letjuma, creating a diverse range of microhabitats, spanning wetlands, thickets, grasslands, savanna, fynbos, and montane forests. The region's north-south topographical gradient and east-west rainfall gradient contribute to regional ecological heterogeneity. The mid-section of the 250 km long Soutpansberg mountain has an annual rainfall of up to 2000 mm while the rainfall in the western part can be as low as 340 mm/year.
- Biodiversity: The Soutpansberg is renowned for its botanical diversity. It is home to approximately 3,000 plant species from 1,066 genera, including 24 locally endemic species. The area has been recognized as a centre of endemism and floristic diversity. The Centre’s habitats support an impressive 145 species or 60% of all mammal species in South Africa, including the elusive leopard (Panthera pardus) and the rare Samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis). The rich biodiversity includes numerous bird species (56% of SAs bird species), amphibians, invertebrates, and reptiles (140 species), with numerous species endemic to the Soutpansberg mountain.
- All five primate species are found at LRC, providing unique opportunities to study interspecific interactions.
Research and Education
- History and Founder: Established in the early 1990s by Professor Ian Gaigher, a seasoned zoologist with over 40 years of experience in research, teaching, and conservation, LRC has become a pivotal institution for ecological research. Professor Gaigher's vision was to create a centre where both local and international researchers could explore and contribute to the understanding of the region’s biodiversity.
- Academic Contributions: The Centre has hosted over 500 students from national and international institutions who participated in the Lajuma Programme, or conducted their own projects, publishing over 100 peer-reviewed articles. These students engage in a range of research activities, including internships, mini-projects, and higher-degree research (Honours, Masters, and PhD), significantly advancing our knowledge of the region's ecosystems and species.
Conservation and Community Engagement
UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve: The LRC is an integral part of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, which was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009. This designation highlights the region's importance for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Many of the Centre's staff are actively involved in the Reserve's governance and conservation efforts, ensuring that scientific research informs and supports effective conservation strategies.
Mission and Goals
Research, education, community outreach, and conservation. The Centre is dedicated to preserving biodiversity through innovative and sustainable solutions. This involves working closely with local communities to develop and implement strategies that minimize the impact of wildlife on human activities while ensuring the protection of both wildlife and natural habitats.