Lizzy Machuga (PhD) – My research focuses on understanding how environmental gradients, such as elevation, influence the changes in behaviour and parasite loads of small mammals in the mountains of South Africa. I am particularly interested in wildlife behaviour, ecology, and host–parasite interactions, with a focus on understanding how changes in elevation affect wildlife populations.

Toka Mosikidi (PhD) – I apply passive acoustic monitoring to investigate biodiversity patterns, soundscapes, and ecosystem dynamics across spatial and temporal scales in mountain environments. My research interests include mountain ecology, behavioural ecology, bioacoustics, and soundscape ecology, with a particular focus on applying emerging technologies to address ecological and conservation challenges.

Sphindile Dlamini (PhD) – I am a doctoral researcher who is passionate about understanding biological invasions and their ecological consequences in grassland ecosystems. My research explores the interactions between invasive wattle species and vertebrates – particularly birds and mammals – to better understand how these relationships influence invasion dynamics and ecosystem functioning.

Thembelihle Mofokeng (MSc) – I am a researcher in ecology and conservation sciences, bridging knowledge between spatial and social sciences to assist the conservation of the endangered mountain reedbuck in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Lefty Mpya (MSc) - I am a master's researcher passionate about understanding the connections between environmental conditions and community wellbeing. My research explores the often-overlooked mental health impacts of rodent infestations in South African townships by integrating ecological data with residents' perspectives. By investigating how these environmental stressors affect anxiety, sleep and everyday quality of life in the Free State, I hope to inform humane, locally relevant pest management strategies that promote physical and psychological healthier communities.

Mijke Muller (Postdoc) - I am fascinated by what we can learn when we look beyond what animals do and start asking how and why they behave the way they do. My research explores cognition in free-living Kalahari meerkats, building on previous work with urban yellow mongooses. I study how wild animals solve problems, make decisions, and respond to challenges, and what these insights can tell us about conservation in an increasingly human-dominated world.