Khensani Nkuna
Regional Ecologist, Savanna Research Unit
Introduction
I’m passionate about protecting ecological integrity and ensuring that conservation efforts are grounded in solid science. My role lies at the interface between research and management application. Operating in this space, I help translate scientific insights into practical, evidence-based strategies that inform policy, guide action, and ultimately support the long-term health of our savannah and grassland ecosystems. My mission is to promote conservation practices that are not only effective, but also adaptable and informed by the latest ecological understanding.
Education
MSc. Stellenbosch University
Research Focus and Interest
Adaptive ecosystem management, plant-animal interactions, and the ecological impacts of environmental stressors
Current Programmes and Projects
Coordination of herbivore population aerial censuses across the Savanna-grassland parks; collaborative projects on invasive alien species management and biodiversity impacts.
Publications
Journal Articles
Hejda M., Čuda J., Pyšková K., Foxcroft L.C., Nkuna K.V., Novoa A., Pyšek P., (2023) Impacts of invasive alien species on riparian plant communities in South – African savanna. Journal Of Tropical Ecology.
Wilson J.R., Datta A., Hirsch H., Keet J.H., Mbobo T., Nkuna K.V., Nsikani M.M., Pyšek P., Richardson D.M., Zengeya T.A., Kumschick S. (2020) Is invasion science moving towards agreed standards? The influence of selected frameworks. NeoBiota 62: 569-90.
Nkuna K.V., Visser V., Wilson J.R.U., Kumschick S. (2018) Global environmental and socio-economic impacts of selected alien grasses as a basis for ranking threats to South Africa. NeoBiota 41:19-65.
Technical and Scientific Reports
Nkuna, K.V., Ferreira, S.M., Sims, C., Khosa, S., Greaver, C. (2024). MARAKELE NATIONAL PARK HERBIVORE OFF-TAKE RECOMMENDATIONS 2022: An integrated approach combining local knowledge with data derived from animal census, herbivore models, and vegetation monitoring and satellite. Internal report 51/2024. Scientific Services, SANParks, Skukuza
Nkuna, K.V., Greaver, C., Gordon, P., Nthangeni, M., Mutobvu, N., Kotsoe, K., Mauda, T., Khosa, D.S. (2024). Offtake programe for Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP), Mapungubwe National Park, and Marakele National Park (MNP) 2025/2026. Internal Report 53/2024. Scientific Services, SANParks, Skukuza
Nkuna, K.V., Greaver. C., Pienaar, D., Dreyer, C., Golele, T., Midzi, S., Swemmer, L., De Klerk-Lorist, L., Ferreira, S.M., Buss, P., Simelane, D., Fernandes, J., Malan, M., Ngubeni, N. (2024). Kruger National Park Game Removal Programme. Internal Report 52/2024. Scientific Services, SANParks, Skukuza
Ferreira, S.M., Greaver, C., Simms, C., Nkuna, K.V. and Crowhurst, E. (2024). Rhinoceroses population estimates in Kruger National Park 2024. Internal report 54/2024. Scientific Services, SANParks, Skukuza
Kumschick S., Foxcroft LC., Wilson J.R.U., Nkuna K.V., (2022) A framework for conducting risk analyses for alien species in South African National Parks. Scientific Report 02/2022. South African National Parks. Skukuza. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6519983
Popular Articles
Nkuna, K.V. and Foxcroft, L.C. (2024). Status of alien plant invasions in natural areas of the Kruger National Park. In: Coetsee, C., Smit, I.P.J., Kruger, N., Spear, D. and Freitag-Ronaldson, S. 2023/2024. SANParks Research Report. Scientific Services, South African National Parks.
Nkuna, K.V. and Foxcroft, L.C. (2024). Alien plants reduce native plant diversity in riparian areas In: Coetsee, C., Smit, I.P.J., Kruger, N., Spear, D. and Freitag-Ronaldson, S. 2023/2024. SANParks Research Report. Scientific Services, South African National Parks.
Conference Presentations & Posters
Nkuna K.V., Foxcroft L.C., Richardson D.M., Robinson T.M., (2024) Introduction, impacts, and the management of invasive alien plants in the riparian habitats of the Kruger National Park. Poster presentation, National Symposium on Biological Invasions 2023
Nkuna K.V., Cheek M.D., Visser V., Wilson J.R.U, Kumschick S., (2023) The risks posed by alien grasses to South Africa—combining literature, species distribution models and field impact assessments in a risk analysis framework. Oral presentation, 20TH Annual Savanna Science Networking Meeting. Skukuza, Kruger National Park.
Nkuna K.V., Foxcroft F.C., Wilson, J.R., Kumschick, S. (March 2022) Risk analysis framework for the management of alien and invasive species in the Kruger National Park. Oral presentation, 19TH Annual Savanna Science Networking Meeting. Skukuza, Kruger National Park