The Senate Hall on the University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus recently welcomed Prof Bob McCleery, a leading researcher in wildlife ecology and conservation, for a captivating lecture titled Using Experiments to Guide Mammal Conservation.

Prof McCleery, from the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida, embarked on a captivating journey, sharing the experiences that shaped him as a researcher. He did both his PhD and master’s at Texas A&M University and is currently based in the Kruger National Park as a Fulbright fellow. He has produced more than 180 publications, and his work is cited more than 600 times a year.

Prof McCleery’s talk covered a range of subjects. He stared his career in Eswatini, where he was a Peace Corps volunteer for two and a half years and where he still has strong ties. As an academic, he has consistently used experiments to tackle pressing conservation issues affecting mammals. In his talk, he spoke about small and large mammals in different environments and settings. Drawing on his extensive research conducted in the south-eastern parts of the United States and in Southern Africa, Prof McCleery provided insightful examples of his work. He delved into his efforts to understand the population decline of Africa's large mammals and explored strategies to address the threat posed by invasive pythons in the US.

The lecture concluded with Prof McCleery's thought-provoking perspective on the future of experimentation in an era dominated by big data.  He addressed the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for researchers using this vital approach in the ever-evolving field of conservation.

Prof McCleery’s passion for his field and his commitment to empowering future generations were evident throughout the lecture.  He strives to equip his students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become not only accomplished professionals, but also responsible and informed citizens dedicated to environmental well-being.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Prof McCleery's dedication to a balanced life was a heartwarming touch. The audience learned about his life in rural Florida with his wife, Amanda, son Jack, their loyal dog Blu, and even their adorable donkeys, Mr White and Buckity Buck.

Prof McCleery's visit to the UFS Qwaqwa Campus undoubtedly sparked discussions and ignited a renewed interest in the power of experimentation to guide effective mammal conservation strategies.