Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni | Ecology and Conservation | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni, General Manager: Scientifc Services, South African National Parks, South Africa

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni, renowned for her expertise in Ecology and Conservation, has been honored with the prestigious Women Researcher Award. Serving as the General Manager of Scientific Services at South African National Parks, she exemplifies dedication to biodiversity preservation and sustainable practices. Dr. Maruping-Mzileni’s leadership underscores her commitment to advancing ecological research and fostering conservation initiatives. Her contributions are pivotal in shaping environmental stewardship in South Africa and beyond. 🌿🏆

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Academic Record

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni has a rich academic background spanning over a decade, culminating in a DTech in Nature Conservation from Tshwane University of Technology. Her research journey began with a BSc in Zoology and Ecology from St. Francis Xavier University, Canada, followed by an Honors BSc in Wildlife Management and an MSc in Wildlife Management from the University of Pretoria. Her doctoral work focused on the emergence of bovine tuberculosis in lions at Kruger National Park, South Africa, from 2011 to 2015. 🦁 Her expertise extends to reintroducing captive-bred cheetahs into the wild, demonstrating a deep commitment to wildlife conservation and management.

Work Experience

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni brings a wealth of expertise to her role as General Manager of the Cape and Arid Research Units at South African National Parks. With a career spanning from ecological consulting to regional ecology, she excels in coordinating biodiversity conservation research across national parks. Her leadership emphasizes adaptive management principles, ensuring effective science-management interfaces. Previously a lecturer and research manager, she has nurtured future conservationists through training and mentoring. Dr. Maruping-Mzileni’s contributions extend globally, shaping conservation strategies and fostering a deep understanding of wildlife management. 🌿🔬

Teaching Experience

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni offers a range of specialized diploma and BTech courses focused on environmental conservation and wildlife management. The curriculum includes diverse programs such as Nature Conservation, Ecotourism Management, and Wildlife/Game Ranch Management. These courses are designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge essential for preserving biodiversity and managing natural resources sustainably. Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni’s dedication to education in these fields ensures that graduates are prepared to tackle current and future challenges in conservation and ecotourism 🌿🦒.

Research Achievements

Dr. Nkabeng Thato Maruping-Mzileni’s research illuminates critical insights into the dynamics of African wildlife. 🦁 Her recent study explores the impact of ecological factors on Roan Antelope populations in Mokala National Park, South Africa, highlighting the intricate balance between environmental drivers and species survival. Previous works delve into diverse aspects of wildlife ecology, including disease transmission in lions, spatial patterns of large cats, and shifts in lion prey selection. 🌍 Through her comprehensive approach, Dr. Maruping-Mzileni contributes significantly to our understanding of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management in African savannas.

Relevant Field skills

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni brings a wealth of experience in Conservation Biology, spanning diverse regions like Canada, Namibia, and South Africa. 🌍 Her expertise includes telemetry, Cybertracker, CMore, and extensive surveys—both aerial and ground-based—focusing on various animal and vegetation surveying techniques. She specializes in the capture and monitoring of large, free-roaming mammals such as cheetahs, leopards, lions, rhinos, and various African ungulates. 🦁🦏 Dr. Maruping-Mzileni also excels in vegetation surveys, encompassing woody and herbaceous plants, plant taxonomy, classification, dynamics, and phenology. Additionally, her skills extend to captive animal care and handling, including species like vervet monkeys, chacma baboons, spotted hyenas, and more. 🌿

Community Engagement and Outreach

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni brings a wealth of experience and passion to her roles across various platforms. As a former board member of the International Wildlife Fellowship Foundation 🌍, her focus on promoting sustainable wildlife use for biodiversity conservation is evident. She also actively engages with the Next Einstein Forum, advocating for science and inspiring Lesotho’s youth since 2015 🧬. At the National University of Lesotho, she shares her expertise, emphasizing science as a catalyst for development 🎓. Her contributions to The Conversation Africa from 2014 to 2019 highlight her commitment to bridging scientific research with public awareness on conservation 📚.