Dr Sam Ferreira
Specialist Scientist: Large Mammals, Savanna Research Unit
Introduction
Dr. Sam M. Ferreira is a leading figure in conservation ecology, recognized for his exceptional contributions to research, education, and policy. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Ferreira has focused on understanding and managing the dynamics of mammal populations and ecosystems, earning widespread respect in the global scientific community.
Dr. Ferreira’s academic foundation was laid at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, where he earned a PhD in Zoology, alongside MSc and BSc degrees in Zoology and Botany. His doctoral research delved into the mechanisms shaping mammal community successions, a theme that has underscored much of his career. This robust academic background equipped him to bridge theoretical ecology with practical conservation strategies.
Dr. Ferreira began his professional journey as a biologist at Marion Island with the Mammal Research Institute. Over the years, his roles expanded across continents, including positions with the Department of Conservation in New Zealand and the University of Auckland. These roles involved ecosystem modelling, population dynamics research, and mentoring postgraduate students. His tenure in New Zealand highlighted his expertise in restoring ecosystems and translocating species like New Zealand’s native lizards.
Since 2008, Dr. Ferreira has served as the Large Mammal Ecologist at South African National Parks (SANParks). His work focuses on the spatial and temporal dynamics of large mammals, including iconic species such as elephants and rhinos. Notably, he contributes to international conservation efforts through his role as Scientific Officer for the African Rhino Specialist Group (AfRSG) under the IUCN, where he oversees reporting on rhino populations and their management under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Dr. Ferreira has authored over 150 peer-reviewed scientific papers, four book chapters, and more than 200 technical reports. His research spans topics such as population dynamics, restoration ecology, and the socio-economic impacts of conservation. His work has been presented at over 50 international conferences and has influenced conservation strategies globally. With an H-index of 42 and citations exceeding 5,000, his contributions resonate widely in the scientific community.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Ferreira has supervised numerous MSc and PhD students, fostering the next generation of conservationists. His efforts in capacity building extend to his roles as a lecturer and examiner. His leadership in various conservation projects has been equally impactful, with a focus on restoring ecosystems and managing wildlife populations sustainably.
Dr. Ferreira’s work reflects a commitment to integrating science, policy, and community engagement. His innovative approaches to tackling wildlife crime, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, and enhancing biodiversity restoration are hallmarks of his career. Beyond his professional pursuits, he enjoys hiking, sports, and reading, underscoring his deep connection to the natural world.
In sum, Dr. Sam M. Ferreira’s career exemplifies a remarkable blend of scientific excellence and practical conservation, positioning him as a pivotal figure in safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity for future generations.
Publications
Journal Articles
Latest 10 Publications
Clauss, M., Roller, M., Bertelsen, M.F., 3,4, Von Rohr, C.R., Müller, D.W.H., Schiffmann, C., Kummrow, M., Encke, D., Ferreira, S.M., Duvall, E., Maré, C. & Abraham, A.J. 2025 Zoos must embrace animal death for education and conservation. PNAS, 122(1), p.e2414565121.
Ferreira, S.M., Knight, M.H., Vigne, L. & Goldenberg, S. 2024. Diceros bicornis (Green Status assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T6557A655720242.Accessed on 21 November 2024. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/6557/152728945#green-assessment-information
Knight, M., Mosweu, K. & Ferreira, S.M. 2024. African Rhino Specialist Group Chair report Rapport du Groupe de Spécialistes du Rhinocéros d’Afrique. Pachyderm, 65, pp.20-34.
Ferreira, S., Crowhurst, E., Greaver, C. and Simms, C., 2024. Sample-Based Estimates of Elephants in Kruger National Park, South Africa. African Journal of Wildlife Research, 54(1).
Selier, J., Miller, S.M., Coverdale, B., Ferreira, S., Kruger, J. and Parker, D.M., 2024. Wild lions in small, fenced reserves in South Africa conform to a meta‐population. Ecological Solutions and Evidence, 5(3), p.e12341.
Maruping-Mzileni, N.T., Bezuidenhout, H., Ferreira, S., Ramoelo, A., Mapuru, M., Munyai, L. and Erusan, R., 2024. Implications of Ecological Drivers on Roan Antelope Populations in Mokala National Park, South Africa. Diversity, 16(6), p.355.
Ferreira, S.M., Goodman, P., Balfour, D., Vigne, L., Knight, M. and Mosweu, K., 2024. Conservation Impacts and the Future of the Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). African Journal of Wildlife Research, 54(1).
Ferreira, S.M., Balfour, D., Barichievy, C., Chege, G., Dean, C., Doak, N., Dublin, H.T., du Toit, R., Ellis, S., Emslie, R.H. and Flamand, J., 2024. Risky conclusions regarding shrinking rhino horns. People and Nature, 6(3), pp.1015-1018.
Ferreira, S.M., Crowhurst, E.T., Greaver, C. and Simms, C., 2024. Resizing Kruger National Park: Trends in numbers of rhinoceroses within priority zones. Koedoe, 66(1), pp.1-9.
Nams, V.O., Parker, D.M., Weise, F.J., Patterson, B.D., Buij, R., Radloff, F.G., Vanak, A.T., Tumenta, P.N., Hayward, M.W., Swanepoel, L.H. and Funston, P.J., 2023. Spatial patterns of large African cats: a large‐scale study on density, home range size, and home range overlap of lions Panthera leo and leopards Panthera pardus. Mammal Review, 53(2), pp.49-64.
15 Most cited Publications
Chase, M.J., Schlossberg, S., Griffin, C.R., Bouché, P.J., Djene, S.W., Elkan, P.W., Ferreira, S., Grossman, F., Kohi, E.M., Landen, K. and Omondi, P., 2016. Continent-wide survey reveals massive decline in African savannah elephants. PeerJ, 4, p.e2354.
Jackson, T.P., Mosojane, S., Ferreira, S.M. and van Aarde, R.J., 2008. Solutions for elephant Loxodonta africana crop raiding in northern Botswana: moving away from symptomatic approaches. Oryx, 42(1), pp.83-91.
Ferreira, S.M. and Funston, P.J., 2010. Estimating lion population variables: prey and disease effects in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Wildlife Research, 37(3), pp.194-206.
Funston, P.J., Frank, L., Stephens, T., Davidson, Z., Loveridge, A., Macdonald, D.M., Durant, S., Packer, C., Mosser, A. and Ferreira, S.M., 2010. Substrate and species constraints on the use of track incidences to estimate African large carnivore abundance. Journal of Zoology, 281(1), pp.56-65.
van Aarde, R.V., Ferreira, S.M., Kritzinger, J.J., Van Dyk, P.J., Vogt, M. and Wassenaar, T.D., 1996. An evaluation of habitat rehabilitation on coastal dune forests in northern KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Restoration Ecology, 4(4), pp.334-345.
Towns, D.R. and Ferreira, S.M., 2001. Conservation of New Zealand lizards (Lacertilia: Scincidae) by translocation of small populations. Biological Conservation, 98(2), pp.211-222.
van Aarde, R.J., Jackson, T.P. and Ferreira, S.M., 2006. Conservation science and elephant management in southern Africa: Elephant conservation. South African Journal of Science, 102(9), pp.385-388.
Birkett, P.J., Vanak, A.T., Muggeo, V.M., Ferreira, S.M. and Slotow, R., 2012. Animal perception of seasonal thresholds: changes in elephant movement in relation to rainfall patterns. PloS One, 7(6), p.e38363.
Miller, S.M., Bissett, C., Parker, D.M., Burger, A., Courtenay, B., Dickerson, T., Naylor, S., Druce, D.J., Ferreira, S., Slotow, R. and Funston, P.J., 2013. Management of reintroduced lions in small, fenced reserves in South Africa: an assessment and guidelines. South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 43(2), pp.138-154.
Young, K.D., Ferreira, S.M. and Van Aarde, R.J., 2009. Elephant spatial use in wet and dry savannas of southern Africa. Journal of Zoology, 278(3), pp.189-205.
Wassenaar, T.D., Van Aarde, R.J., Pimm, S.L. and Ferreira, S.M., 2005. Community convergence in disturbed subtropical dune forests. Ecology, 86(3), pp.655-666.
Ferreira, S.M., Greaver, C., Knight, G.A., Knight, M.H., Smit, I.P. and Pienaar, D., 2015. Disruption of rhino demography by poachers may lead to population declines in Kruger National Park, South Africa. PloS One, 10(6), p.e0127783.
Shrader, A.M., Ferreira, S.M., McElveen, M.E., Lee, P.C., Moss, C.J. and Van Aarde, R.J., 2006. Growth and age determination of African savanna elephants. Journal of Zoology, 270(1), pp.40-48.
Haas, T.C. and Ferreira, S.M., 2016. Combating rhino horn trafficking: The need to disrupt criminal networks. PLoS One, 11(11), p.e0167040.