Vincent van der Merwe
Vincent van der Merwe (born 1983 - 16 March 2025) was a South African conservationist, scientist, and National Geographic Explorer.[1] Vincent was known for his role in cheetah conservation and reintroduction projects in Africa and Asia.[2][3]
Education and career
[edit]Vincent was born in 1983 in Limpopo province of South Africa. After school he completed a BSc (Hons) degree in Entomology through the University of Pretoria and later graduating with a Master of Science (PhD) at the University of Cape Town .[4] He founded the Cheetah Metapopulation Initiative (TMI) which managed the growth of the cheetah population across various wildlife reserves worldwide.[5][6]His efforts helped improve genetic diversity and ensure the survival of the species in reserves across Africa.[7]
In 2017 Vincent van der Merwe received a Kudu Award from the South African National Parks for his contribution to conservation through the growing of the cheetah population in and outside the national parks system.[8]
Death
[edit]Vincent was found dead in his apartment on March 16, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where he was involved in India's Project Cheetah.[9][10]He played a key role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Project Cheetah in Madhya Pradesh, along with local officers.[11]
Awards and recognition
[edit]Endangered Wildlife Trust Conservation Achiever of the Year (2015).
South African National Parks Kudu Award 2017.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ TV, NatGeo. "National Geographic - Explorer Vincent Van Der Merwe". www.natgeotv.com. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
- ^ "Our Burning Planet: In memory of top SA cheetah scientist Vincent van der Merwe". Primedia Plus. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
- ^ "Conservationist behind PM Modi's Project Cheetah found dead in Saudi flat". India Today. 2025-03-20. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
- ^ "Mx Vincent van der Merwe | University of Cape Town". Faculty of Science. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
- ^ Roger (2020-11-11). "Cheetah Conservation in SA: Growth in Populations Inspires Hope". The Expedition Project. Retrieved 2025-04-03.
- ^ "The Metapopulation Initiative". metapopulation.org. Retrieved 2025-04-03.
- ^ Nitnaware, Himanshu (2023-08-08). "Cheetah reintroduction 'highly complex', more sites needed as reserves, expert says". Down To Earth. Retrieved 2025-04-03.
- ^ "Media Release: Kudu Award Winners Lead SANParks Conservation Efforts in Style – News". SANParks. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
- ^ Getaway (2025-03-20). "SA shocked by death of cheetah conservationist". Getaway Magazine. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
- ^ "Setback for cheetah project as key South African expert dies in Riyadh". The Indian Express. 2025-03-23. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
- ^ "Cheetah Conservationist Vincent Van Der Merwe Found Dead In Saudi Arabia With Head Injury". News18. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
- ^ "Media Release: Kudu Award Winners Lead SANParks Conservation Efforts in Style – News". SANParks. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
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