Dr Andrea Webster’s current research aims to establish a Kalahari specific stable isotope signature that facilitates examination of predator-prey interactions between brown hyaena and black backed jackal to better understand their influence on mesoherbivore recruitment rates in Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. The project will provide essential baseline data related to seasonal changes in diet of scavenging carnivores and will lay the foundation for future research related to the impact of other carnivore species on the property. The project Is a collaborative effort between the Mammal Research Institute, Stable Isotope Laboratory, University of Oxford, University of Northern Arizona, the Tswalu foundation and Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation.
Dr Elisa Seyboth is a postdoctoral researcher with the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit. She is studying humpback whale distribution, population status, and feeding and reproductive aspects of the species in the Southern Hemisphere considering climate change effects on the marine ecosystem. Elisa is a member of the Brazilian High Latitudes Oceanography Group (GOAL- Federal University of Rio Grande), of the West Antarctic Peninsula and Scotia Arc (WASPA) - Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS) and the national representative of Brazil in the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Her research at UP is funded by a grant to Griffith University from a private charitable trust as part of the Whales and Climate Research Program.
Just a girl hailing from the city of lights, Delhi, India, and who is in a consistent effort to leave a footprint in the field of wildlife conservation. So here I am on an exciting journey starting as a postdoctoral fellow at the Mammal Research Institute (MRI), University of Pretoria. Intrigued by the biodiversity in my backyard, I started my career by pursuing a BSc in Zoology from the University of Delhi, India, introducing me to various avenues of wildlife in urban settings. I extended my interest by pursuing my master’s in Zoology from the University of Delhi, India. Later I received an opportunity to work in the field of wildlife while studying for my PhD at National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan. I worked on the reproductive physiology of the world’s most trafficked mammal, the Chinese pangolin using endocrinological tools. Apart from endocrinology, I have also worked in the Trans- Himalayan region and Deccan plateau, India understanding the dimensions of human-wildlife conflict and developing strategies in mitigating it. After working on different projects, I found my calling which is working on wildlife biology and thus far, I have worked on stress and reproductive physiology of Asian elephants, Indian Rhinoceros, Great Indian Bustard, Markhor, and Takin.
As a budding and motivated researcher, I am interested in working with diverse mammalian fauna developing my expertise and niche in the field of conservation physiology, and contributing to the wildlife biology of understudied species. Working at MRI brings a great opportunity for me to study the physiology of baleen whales, where I am trying to optimize blubber extraction for reproductive steroid hormones and stress hormones. In addition to that I aim to understand the impact of anatomical locations, subepidermal length, and environmental factors on blubber hormone concentration. When not working in the laboratory I enjoy experimenting with food and engaging myself in outdoor sports.
