Current position

I have been employed by the South African National Parks since December 1996 and based in the Kruger National Park, where I currently hold the position of Scientist responsible for the Invasion Ecology Research programme. I am also an Extraordinary Associate Professor in the Department of Botany and Zoology at Stellenbosch University.

Interests

My interests span the field of invasion ecology, from applied, problem orientated research to conceptual frameworks. I largely focus on risk assessment, pathways and patterns of invasion within large protected areas, specifically the Kruger National Park in South Africa. The high number of alien species, together with the size and the intact ecological processes in Kruger, provides a model system in which to answer numerous invasion related questions. I also enjoy working across all 19 of South African National Parks’ protected areas, and have gained many insights into threats and priorities from the different regions. Over time my interests have expanded to reviewing the status of alien plant invasions in protected areas globally. Based in a conservation agency, I appreciate the importance of integrating science into management and endeavour to develop these links through evidence based management strategies.

Links