In Memoriam – Prof Robert "Bob" Millar

Prof Robert "Bob" Millar

The Mammal Research Institute extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Prof Robert "Bob" Millar, former Director of the MRI and one of the world's foremost figures in reproductive neuroendocrinology.

Prof Millar joined the University of Pretoria in 2011 to lead the MRI, before stepping aside in 2016 to found the Centre for Neuroendocrinology in the Faculty of Health Sciences, which he directed until his retirement in 2024. Over a career spanning more than five decades, his research reshaped our understanding of gonadotropin-releasing hormones. This work helped opened the door to new treatments for prostate cancer, endometriosis, infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Eight of the drugs his research helped develop reached the clinic. His contributions were recognised with honours including the Wellcome Gold Medal, the Oppenheimer Gold Medal, the John FW Herschel Medal, and fellowships at the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Society of South Africa amongst others.

Beyond the more than 350 papers, 18 patents and 11,000-plus citations, Prof Millar was known as a generous mentor whose broad training across chemistry, zoology, physiology and clinical endocrinology shaped generations of students and researchers who passed through his labs. As a former President of the International Neuroendocrinology Federation and Editor-in-Chief of Neuroendocrinology, his influence extended across the global scientific community he helped build.

Our thoughts are with his wife, Wendy, their four daughters, and the many colleagues, collaborators and students whose careers he shaped. He will be deeply missed.

Applications Open: Leibniz-IZW Academy Summer School 2026

Applications are now open for the Leibniz-IZW Academy Summer School on Non-invasive Monitoring of Hormones, taking place in Berlin, Germany, from 14–18 September 2026. This intensive five-day programme combines hands-on laboratory training, expert-led lectures, and practical experience in non-invasive hormone monitoring techniques that are advancing wildlife research, conservation, and animal welfare. With only 12 participant places available, this is an exceptional opportunity to learn from internationally recognised experts. Early Bird registration closes 17 July 2026. Learn more and register here.

In Memoriam – Dr Michael G.L. Mills

Gus Mills and friend (Source: Facebook)

The Mammal Research Institute extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr Michael "Gus" G.L. Mills, one of Africa's most respected carnivore ecologists.

Through decades of pioneering research, Gus transformed our understanding of African carnivore ecology and behaviour, first in the Greater Kruger system and later in the Kalahari. His deep appreciation for the complexity of African ecosystems led to some of the most influential contributions to carnivore science, conservation and management over the past five decades.

For many aspiring scientists, his research papers were more than scientific publications—they were an invitation into the secret world of African carnivores, sparking a lifelong curiosity that would inspire many to dedicate their own careers to understanding and conserving these remarkable animals. His work inspired generations of students, researchers and conservationists to ask better questions and deepen our understanding of these remarkable species. His legacy will continue to shape our understanding of African carnivores and the challenges of conserving them for years to come.

Our thoughts are with his family and the many people whose lives and careers he touched. He will be missed.

The Cats Nobody's Watching

Image credit: Swayde Lessing

While lions and cheetahs often steal the spotlight, servals and caracals play a vital ecological role and remain far less studied. Swayde Lessing, an Honours Wildlife Management student from the Mammal Research Institute, is currently conducting her project on these enigmatic medium-sized cats, validating a non-invasive method of monitoring stress through faecal hormone analysis.

By tracking glucocorticoid levels before and after a safe ACTH challenge, her study aims to understand how these cats respond to changes in their environment — with real implications for their welfare and conservation.

Read the full story in the Cheetah Experience June newsletter to find out more about Swayde's research and what her results could mean for these often overlooked carnivores.

Blubber as a Blueprint: Rethinking Baleen Whale Health

Featured in the latest edition of Squared UP — the newsletter of the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences — MRI Whale Unit postdoctoral research fellow Dr Bharti Arora is rethinking how we assess baleen whale health.

Baleen whales face growing physiological pressures in a rapidly changing ocean, from elevated stress and suppressed immunity to declining reproductive rates — much of it driven by human activity. Dr Arora's work explores blubber as a minimally invasive window into whale health, storing key reproductive and stress-related hormones that complement traditional survey methods.

Working alongside researchers from Argentina, the USA, and New Zealand, she has helped refine and unify blubber hormone extraction protocols — reducing hazardous solvent use, streamlining methodology, and improving reproducibility across laboratories worldwide.

A quiet but significant step forward for global whale research. Read the full feature in the May 2026 edition of Squared UP for more.

How three semi-aquatic carnivores divide up dinner in a South African grassland

African clawless otters, spotted-necked otters, and water mongooses all call the same Highveld rivers home, but new MRI research, led by Michael Somers, Sonica Grünschloss, Elréze Scott, André Ganswindt, and Mmatsawela Ramahlo, reveals how these species manage to share this space. The team provides the first dietary assessment of these three carnivores coexisting in a Highveld grassland river system.

Analyzing scat samples collected over two years, the team found that freshwater crabs dominated the diet of all three species, resulting in high trophic overlap. Despite this, coexistence appears to be maintained through differences in dietary breadth and seasonal flexibility, with water mongooses foraging more broadly on land, while African clawless otters increased fish consumption in winter.

These findings highlight the importance of healthy riparian ecosystems. Freshwater crabs and fish, which underpin all three species' diets, depend on thriving river habitats, making their conservation inseparable from the health of the rivers themselves.

You can read the full research paper in the IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin here.

The Secret Language of Wild Cats Decoded

Image credit: Bruce Crossey

Featured in Cheetah Experience’s latest newsletter, the PhD project of MRI student Juanita Wessels is exploring how wild cats communicate through scent. Species such as cheetah, leopards, servals and African wild cats use chemical signals in urine, faeces and gland secretions to convey information about territory, identity and reproduction.

Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Juanita’s study compares volatile organic compound profiles across species to better understand this hidden form of communication. This research also investigates whether human-made pollutants may interfere with these chemical signals, potentially disrupting essential behaviours.

With implications for conservation and wildlife management, this work highlights how human activity may be subtly reshaping animal communication and we cannot wait to see the exciting results coming out of this cutting edge work soon!

JWO Research Grant Applications Now Open For 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant, a prestigious initiative supporting early-career African scientists in the fields of biodiversity and conservation.

Now in its eighth year, the grant provides funding of USD 150,000 to a single recipient, supporting an independent research project for up to three years. The programme is specifically designed to advance African-led research that addresses the continent’s unique environmental challenges while fostering scientific leadership.

Eligible applicants must hold a PhD, have no more than seven years of postdoctoral experience, and be affiliated with an African institution. Established in memory of Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer, the grant continues to play a significant role in strengthening conservation science and innovation across Africa.

Applications close on 1 May 2026, and the successful candidate will be announced in October 2026.

Further details and application materials are available here.

MRI research reveals how feeding behaviour affects exposure to soil toxins

Rhinos ingest more soil when they graze than herbivores that browse on trees. Image credit: Bruce Crossey

Every mouthful of grass, leaves or roots comes with something extra: soil. New research from the Mammal Research Institute (MRI) at the University of Pretoria shows that this often overlooked detail can shape how different herbivores are exposed to naturally occurring toxic elements in their environment.

Led by MRI postdoctoral researcher Dr Andrea Webster, the study examined 16 African herbivore species at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, revealing that grazing and burrowing animals ingest far more soil than browsers that feed higher in trees. The findings also link feeding behaviour and tooth structure to potential exposure risk.

For deeper insights into how animals interact with the soil beneath their feet. You can read Dr Webster’s full article in The Conversation Africa here and the full research paper in Science of the Total Environment here.

From Safari to Spotlight: MRI Research Captures Widespread Media Interest

Image credit: Bruce Crossey

New research from the Mammal Research Institute (MRI) at the University of Pretoria is challenging long-held ideas about what truly excites us on safari—and the story has resonated far beyond academia. By revealing surprising emotional responses to wildlife encounters, research conducted by an MRI PhD student has attracted significant media attention across broadcast, print, and digital platforms, bringing the MRI’s work to a broad public audience.

Led by PhD student Bruce Crossey in collaboration with German ambulatory monitoring specialists Movisens GmbH, the study uses wearable sensors to measure tourists’ real-time physiological responses to wildlife encounters on safari. By capturing unconscious emotional reactions through electrodermal activity, the research challenges traditional survey-based approaches and long-held assumptions around the dominance of the “Big Five”, showing that novel sightings such as birds and reptiles can elicit even stronger emotional responses than charismatic megafauna.

Following its release, the research has been featured across radio, television, print, and online media:

Listen to Bruce’s Radio interviews here:
• SAfm
• HOT 102.7
• Radio 786

See the Television feature here:
• kykNET’s Groot Plaas TV

Read the Print & online coverage here:
• University of Pretoria RE.Search magazine
• Sentience Magazine (December issue)
• The Witness

This research was funded by the Oppenheimer Chair for Emerging African Scientists in Non-invasive Wildlife Research.

MRI Students Bring Home Awards Hat Trick at ORC 2025

MRI Students Miane Reynolds, Laurene van Dijk, and Cilliers van der Merwe (left to center) celebrate a hat trick of student awards at the 2025 ORC. Image credit: Bruce Crossey

The Mammal Research Institute (MRI), University of Pretoria, celebrated a hat trick of awards at the 14th annual Oppenheimer Research Conference (ORC), held from 15–17 October 2025.

The MRI was strongly represented across both results presentations and poster formats. Laurene van Dijk delivered a student results speed presentation based on her Honours project, while Juanita Wessels presented findings from her MSc research. Poster presentations featured Cilliers van der Merwe, Miane Reynolds, Loraine Shuttleworth, Jawi Ramahlo, Bruce Crossey, Bharti Arora, and Erin Brooke, showcasing the breadth of research currently on the go at the MRI.

The celebrations continued as Cilliers van der Merwe took the 1st place award for Best Poster, with Miane Reynolds earning 3rd place in the same category, and Laurene van Dijk winning Best Student Speed Presentation — securing an impressive awards hat trick for the MRI team.

Hosted by Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation, the ORC remains a leading African platform for sharing scientific innovation and driving collaboration in biodiversity, ecology, and conservation.

Congratulations to all of our MRI students for their outstanding achievements and for proudly representing the Institute on this prestigious stage!

Measuring Excitement on Safari: MRI Student Featured in UP’s RE.Search

The Mammal Research Institute (MRI) is proud to celebrate PhD student Bruce Crossey, whose research has been featured in the latest edition of UP’s flagship magazine, RE.Search. This issue, themed “Global”, showcases research that has impact far beyond South Africa’s borders.

The article, “Listening in on Emotion: A New Way to Understand Wildlife Tourism,” explores a pioneering approach utilized as part of Bruce’s PhD to study how tourists truly respond to viewing wildlife. Moving beyond traditional memory-based surveys – in collaboration with German ambulatory monitoring specialists Movisens GmbH – this study used wearable sensors to measure tourists’ electrodermal activity, tracking real-time physiological responses such as excitement, joy, and calm during safari encounters. The results challenge conventional assumptions: while iconic animals like elephants remain popular, rare sightings of birds or reptiles often triggered stronger emotional reactions. Context also played a key role – a close elephant encounter spiked excitement by 60%, while overcrowding during a cheetah sighting reduced the emotional impact.

Read the full feature article here.

This research was funded by the Oppenheimer Chair for Emerging African Scientists in Non-invasive Wildlife Research and conducted in collaboration with Movisens GmbH.

Professor Ara Monadjem Wins 2025 Royal Society Africa Prize

We are proud to share that Professor Ara Monadjem, fellow of the Mammal Research Institute and the newly appointed Head of the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria, has been awarded the 2025 Royal Society Africa Prize.

This prestigious award recognises African scientists making innovative contributions to the sciences and building capacity across the continent. Professor Monadjem was honoured for his groundbreaking work in biodiversity research and conservation, alongside his commitment to training and mentoring the next generation of African scientists.

Congratulations to Professor Monadjem on this outstanding achievement and new leadership role — both marking an exciting new chapter in his career and for science on the African continent as a whole.

MRI Whale Unit Wins Prestigious NSTF-South32 Award

We are thrilled to congratulate the Mammal Research Institute (MRI) Whale Unit on their truly extraordinary achievement: winning the Data for Research Award at the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards, often referred to as the “Science Oscars” of South Africa.

Since 1998, the NSTF-South32 Awards have celebrated outstanding contributions to science, engineering, technology, and innovation (SETI) in South Africa. This recognition underscores the MRI Whale Unit’s dedication to advancing knowledge, conservation, and education in marine science.

The team’s pioneering work has built Africa’s most comprehensive marine mammal monitoring programs, tracking population trends, habitat use, and climate change impacts. These data-driven insights not only inform conservation policies at both national and international levels but also support public education initiatives that benefit communities and wildlife alike.

By combining meticulous research with practical conservation action, the MRI Whale Unit exemplifies how science can drive meaningful change—ensuring the protection of our marine biodiversity for generations to come.

You can view the ceremony here: Watch on YouTube

MRI Students Shine at ZSSA 2025

The Mammal Research Institute (MRI) of the Department of Zoology and Entomology made an impressive mark at this year’s Zoological Society of Southern Africa (ZSSA) Biannual Conference, held from 27–31 July at the beautiful ATKV Goudini Spa in Rawsonville.

Representing the diverse and exciting research happening at the MRI, Juanita Wessels presented her MSc project, Reproductive behaviour, space-use and endocrine correlates of free-ranging impala (Aepyceros melampus) during the pre-rut, rut and post-rut phases, in the form of a poster. Her engaging presentation and insightful research earned her the Best Student Poster award at the awards ceremony on 30 July.

The MRI’s talent didn’t stop there. Loraine Shuttleworth (PhD) and Lea Smith (MSc) also presented their findings, impressing audiences and judges alike. Both walked away with third place in their respective presentation categories — a testament to the strong research culture and expertise within the Institute. From insightful talks to well-received posters, MRI researchers once again highlighted their valuable contributions to wildlife and conservation science in South Africa.

Congratulations to all our presenters for flying the MRI flag high!

Digging Deep: Mole-Rats, Medical Marvels, and the Next Generation of Scientists

On Monday, 28 July, the Mole-Rat Laboratory of the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria opened its doors for an inspiring day of science, curiosity, and muddy paws. In collaboration with the NSTF Brilliants Programme, the lab welcomed top-performing matriculants from each province—young minds currently pursuing degrees in science, medicine, and engineering—for a behind-the-scenes look at Africa’s underground ecosystem engineers: mole-rats.

Led by Dr. Daniel Hart, Dr. PJ Jacobs, and Kerryn Grenfell, learners had the opportunity to get hands-on with the animals and explore how mole-rat research is helping answer major questions in biology, ecology, medicine, and even sports science.

As part of the program, several students, including some representing the MRI, proudly showcased their honours research projects. These included Erin Brooke, who is examining the effects of heavy metal and microplastic pollution on mole-rats in Gauteng; Jarike Stapelberg who is exploring how mole-rats might help us better understand insulin resistance and diabetes; and Megan Holland highlighted their ability to recycle lactic acid after exertion—an insight with exciting applications in sports recovery.

The visiting students left with a deeper appreciation of these often-overlooked animals, and of the critical, real-world research being done at the University of Pretoria. Events like these highlight how science reaches well beyond the lab—informing conservation, improving lives, and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Inspiring Future Zoologists: MRI Postgraduates Engage with SANParks Junior Honorary Rangers

On Saturday, 12 July, the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria opened its doors to a lively group of young nature enthusiasts. As part of an outreach initiative hosted by Dr Carel Oosthuizen, the department welcomed the SANParks Junior Honorary Rangers from the Pretoria Branch for a day of inspiration, education, and scientific discovery.

A key feature of the programme was a series of engaging presentations by postgraduate researchers, including representatives from the Mammal Research Institute (MRI), aimed at sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world among primary and secondary school learners.

The speakers — all at various stages of their academic journeys — included Dr Bharti Arora, a postdoctoral researcher from the MRI Whale Unit; Bruce Crossey, a PhD candidate; Laurene van Dijk, an MSc student; and Cameron McLean, an honours student in wildlife management. Together, they shared not only fascinating insights into their ongoing research projects but also personal stories about how they discovered their passion for zoology and what it takes to pursue a career in the life sciences.

Following the talks, attendees had the opportunity to explore the Department of Zoology and Entomology’s undergraduate laboratory, where a range of interactive exhibits awaited them. From looking at specimens under the microscope to handling biological specimens, the hands-on component allowed the Junior Honorary Rangers to experience science in action — and ask plenty of questions along the way.

The day was filled with enthusiasm, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose. Events like these are a testament to the power of outreach in inspiring the next generation of scientists, and the MRI is proud to have played a role in connecting these enthusiastic young people with the exciting worlds of research, conservation and wildlife.

Running for Research: Prof André Ganswindt Tackles the Comrades to assist Students in Need

On 8 June 2025, our Director, Prof André Ganswindt, will swap his lab coat for running shoes as he takes on the legendary 90km Comrades Marathon – all to help students reach their dreams.

Prof Ganswindt, who holds the Oppenheimer Chair for Emerging African Scientists in Non-Invasive Wildlife Research, has dedicated his career to mentoring the next generation of conservation leaders. Now, he's pushing himself to the limit to raise funds for the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Scholarship Fund – supporting bright students in South Africa’s “missing middle” who are too often left behind.

Want to be part of the journey? Donate here.

DNA from Wild Dog Faeces Reveals Unexpected Dietary Secrets

©Bruce Crossey

Groundbreaking research from the Honours project of Bridget O’Connor which was supervised by Carel Oosthuizen, Andre Ganswindt, Grant Hall, and Bruce Crossey revealed surprising new insights into the diet of the endangered African wild dog. Using DNA metabarcoding to analyse faeces collected across the Kruger National Park, the team confirmed that wild dogs primarily eat impala and other medium-sized antelope—but they also found evidence of smaller prey, including Cape hares, vlei rats, and francolins.

This suggests that wild dogs may not always hunt in packs, as traditionally believed. Instead, individual dogs may supplement their diet by hunting smaller animals alone—highlighting their adaptability in changing environments.

🔬 Read the full article in The Conversation here.

The MRI continues to lead the way in innovative wildlife research, using science to secure the future of Africa’s iconic species.

*Bioinformatics analysis was supported by Clarity, a DIPLOMICS initiative.

MRI students make their mark at the 13th Oppenheimer Research Conference

MRI STUDENT Laurene van Dijk (HONS) was awarded first place for her poster assessing "How the construction of artificial waterholes is likely to influence cyanobacterial blooms in the face of climate change”.

Between 9-11 October, around 450 scientists, policy makers, NGO's and environmental stakeholders from over 28 countries attended the 13th Oppenheimer Research Conference in Midrand. The conference places a strong emphasis on "African voices in global conversations" around sustainability, climate change, conservation and the environment. The conference aimed to profile research excellence in Africa, empower young researchers and offer biodiversity professionals with networking opportunities and impactful dialogue.

Postgraduate students, Bruce Crossey (PhD), Megan Hutson, Juanita Wessels, Sian Willoughby (MSc) and Laurene van Dijk and Mattheus Louw (Hons) represented the Mammal Research Institute in the poster presentation session. Laurene van Dijk was awarded first place for her poster assessing "How the construction of artificial waterholes is likely to influence cyanobacterial blooms in the face of climate change”.