Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Categories
UFS News Media Release Research
Years
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Months
January February March April May
Previous Archive
17 January 2024 | Story Nonku Nonkululeko | Photo Supplied
Edward Netherlands
Dr Edward Netherlands, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Zoology and Entomology.

Dr Edward Netherlands, Senior Lecturer and notable figure in the field of zoology and entomology at the UFS, was recently honoured with a nomination in the Emerging Researcher category of the prestigious National Science and Technology Forum-South32 (NSTF) awards.

“It really is a great honour. Having my efforts and contributions acknowledged at this level is truly humbling,” he expresses. The recognition not only validates his work, but also motivates him to push boundaries and leave a lasting mark in the field of blood parasites and their effect on African wildlife.

Advancing knowledge through research

Dr Netherlands’ impactful research is centred on blood parasites that infect ectotherms, particularly amphibians and reptiles. Over the past six years, he has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers and contributed to shedding light on the ecology, systematics, and evolutionary biology of these parasites. His work has led to the discovery and description of more than 20 new species, significantly enriching the understanding of their diversity and evolution in the African context. Furthermore, his exploration of the life cycles of these parasites has provided valuable insights into their complex relationships with hosts and vectors, offering a new perspective on classification and ecology.

Implications for society and biodiversity

Beyond scientific curiosity, Dr Netherlands’ research carries implications for society and biodiversity. “My research on various blood parasites of ectotherms, which include species closely related to malaria and trypanosomes, contributes to a broader understanding of vector-borne diseases and their impact on the ecosystem. By studying these asymptomatic blood parasites and their interaction with wildlife, we can gain insights into the dynamics of these diseases. This knowledge has implications for wildlife conservation and public health, as understanding the ecology and transmission of these parasites is vital for developing effective strategies to control vector-borne diseases and protect biodiversity,” he highlights.

It really is a great honour. Having my efforts and contributions acknowledged at this level is truly humbling.

 

The power of collaboration

Dr Netherlands acknowledges that collaboration has been a keystone in his research journey. His partnerships with other researchers, institutions, and organisations locally and internationally have enabled comprehensive studies and data collection. “Working with colleagues from different backgrounds has enriched my research and facilitated the exchange of knowledge and ideas,” he says.

Dr Netherlands envisions a future where his contributions extend beyond individual studies, integrating diverse perspectives to address complex research questions. He inspires future researchers to explore the fascinating world of parasitology and its relevance to conservation and public health.

Advice for aspiring researchers

For aspiring researchers, Dr Netherlands emphasises the following: “Perseverance, collaboration, and pursuing passion-driven topics. Despite challenges, never lose sight of your goals. Seek opportunities for collaboration; this can enrich your research and open doors to new possibilities. Lastly, share your findings and knowledge with the broader community, as effective science communication is vital for creating a positive impact on society,” he concluded.

News Archive

Researchers international leaders in satellite tracking in the wildlife environment
2015-05-29

 

Ground-breaking research has attracted international media attention to Francois Deacon, lecturer and researcher in the Department Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences at the UFS, and Prof Nico Smit, from the same department. They are the first researchers in the world to equip giraffes with GPS collars, and to conduct research on this initiative. Recently, they have been joined by Hennie Butler from the Department of Zoology as well as Free State Nature Conservation to further this research.

“Satellite tracking is proving to be extremely valuable in the wildlife environment. The unit is based on a mobile global two-way communication platform, utilising two-way data satellite communication, complete with GPS systems.

“It allows us to track animals day and night, while we monitor their movements remotely from the computer. These systems make possible the efficient control and monitoring of wildlife in all weather conditions and in near-to-real time. We can even communicate with the animals, calling up their positions or changing the tracking schedules.

“The satellite collar allows us to use the extremely accurate data to conduct research with the best technology available. The volume of data received allows us to publish the data in scientific journals and research-related articles.  

“Scientific institutions and the public sector have both shown great interest in satellite tracking, which opens up new ground for scientific research for this university. Data management can be done, using Africa Wildlife Tracking (AWT) equipment where we can access our data personally, store it, and make visual presentations. The AWT system and software architecture provide the researcher with asset tracking, GPS location reports, geo-fencing, highly-detailed custom mapping, history reports and playback, polling on demand, history plotting on maps, and a range of reporting types and functions,” Francois said.

Data can be analysed to determine home range, dispersal, or habitat preference for any specific species.

Francois has been involved in multiple research projects over the last 12 years on wildlife species and domesticated animals, including the collaring of species such as Black-backed Jackal, Caracal, African Wild Dog, Hyena, Lion, Cheetah, Cattle, Kudu, Giraffe, and Black Rhino: “Giraffe definitely being the most challenging of all,” he said.

In 2010, he started working on his PhD, entitled The spatial ecology, habitat preferences and diet selection of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) in the Kalahari region of South Africa.

 

Since then, his work has resulted not only in more research work (supervising four Masters students) but also in a number of national and international projects. These include work in the:

  • Kalahari region (e.g. Khamab Nature Reserve and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park)
  • Kuruman region (Collared 18 cattle to identify spatial patterns in relation to the qualities of vegetation and soil-types available. This project took place in collaboration with Born University in Germany)
  • Woodland Hills Wildlife Estate and Kolomella Iron Ore – ecological monitoring
  • A number of Free State nature reserves (e.g. Distribution of herbivores (kudu and giraffe) and predators (camera traps)

Francois is also involved with species breeding programmes and management (giraffe, buffalo, sable, roan, and rhino) in Korrannaberg, Rustenburg, Hertzogville, Douglas, and Bethlehem as well as animal and ecological monitoring in Kolomella and Beesthoek iron ore.

Besides the collaring of giraffes, Francois and his colleagues are involved in national projects, where they collect milk from lactating giraffes and DNA material, blood samples, and ecto/endo parasites from giraffes in Southern Africa.

With international projects, Francois is working to collect DNA material for the classification of the nine sub-species of giraffe in Africa. He is also involved in projects focusing on the spatial ecology and adaptation of giraffe in Uganda (Murchison Falls), and to save the last 30 giraffe in the DRC- Garamba National Park.

This project has attracted a good deal of international interest. In June 2014, a US film crew (freelancing for Discovery Channel) filmed a documentary on Francois’ research (trailer of documentary). Early in 2015, a second crew, filming for National Geographic, also visited Francois to document his work.

 

More information about Francois’ work is available at the GCF website. 

Read Francois Deacon's PhD abstract

Direct enquiries to news@ufs.ac.za.

 

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept