A hub for African-led and impact-focussed conservation research at Nelson Mandela University


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

Unlocking the value of data collected by wildlife rangers


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

Evaluating rhino anti-poaching interventions 

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



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