The Mandela Initiative for Conservation Science (MICS) is a diverse community of conservation scientists dedicated to understanding the factors driving biodiversity loss and developing evidence-based solutions for people and nature. Our research questions are typically co-created with field conservation practitioners and policy makers to ensure our work is both impactful and relevant.
We are inspired by Mandela's vision for a just society that thrives alongside the natural world.


Proudly based in the Department of Conservation Management at NMU

Latest research
Globally, rangers patrol thousands of protected areas on a daily basis. The data they collect have immense potential for tracking biodiversity and threats to it.
Check out our recent paper and work on this theme.

Science-management colloboration
Protected area managers at the frontline of rhino conservation in the Greater Kruger approached us to statistically evaluate the cost and effectiveness of eleven anti-poaching interventions (2022-2023).
Check out the report here.
"The poverty of the people and the destruction of the environment painfully strikes me"
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
(c) Getty Images
