Staff

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni

General Manager: Cape Research Centre, Cape Research Centre

Location: Cape Research Centre

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: +27 (0)21 713 7500

Introduction

The role of the General Manager at the Cape Research Centre is to provide leadership and strategic guidance for the Cape Research Centre. This includes developing, implementing and maintaining research strategies, policies and goals within the thematic areas for Conservation Services and overall SANParks objectives. The GM also oversees the day-to-day function of the unit, including reporting, finance, administration and human resource management. Additionally, the GM manages the CRC Team, including conducting recruitment, performance management and conflict resolution. The GM provides support for research in a range of thematic areas, specifically fynbos, succulent Karoo, arid and marine/coastal ecology, as well as social/economic, biodiversity monitoring and global environmental change research. Additionally, the GM works at the interface between CRC and SANParks management authorities, including park and regional managers and through participation in MANCO, OPSCO and informing the EXCO agenda. Further, the GM fosters productive partnerships between external researchers, academic institutions, other conservation national and international organisations and SANParks scientists. The GM ensures integration of CRC approaches (protocols, systems, methods, processes) and products to support organisational policy and park management. The GM also promotes, motivates and mentors scientific staff to improve their skills and develop their careers in the field, fundraises to support CRC, CSD and SANParks, and ensures sound corporate governance including for reporting, finance, administration and human resource management. The GM represents SANParks as a science leader and promote CRCs work, represents SANParks in national and international conservation and policy fora, and remains active in conservation and/or socio-ecological science and current in scientific thinking, and pursues appropriate development and growth to maintain scientific credibility and recognition.

Education

• DTech. Nature Conservation – Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria (2010 – 2015): Drivers and consequences of Bovine tuberculosis as an emergent disease in lions (Panthera leo) in Kruger National Park, South Africa
• MSc. Wildlife Management – University of Pretoria (2008 – 2010): Re-introduction of captive bred cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) into wild environment, Makulu Makete Wildlife Reserve, Limpopo province, South Africa
• BSc (Honors) Wildlife Management – University of Pretoria (2007)
• BSc. Advanced Major in Zoology and Ecology – St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada (2002 – 2006)

Research Focus and Interest

My current focus and research interests are:

• Human-Wildlife Conflict and Interactions
• Predator and meso-predator research and monitoring
• Small mammals
• Wildlife-Management Interface
• Social-ecological-economic nexus

Publications