Vincent Naude

Vincent is Namibian living in Cape Town, South Africa. Currently a PhD student at the University of Cape Town, his research in collaboration with Panthera (Big Cat Conservation NGO) is about the illegal leopard skin trade.

Using genetic tools, they hope to determine the spatial extent and geographic origins of illegally traded skins across southern Africa. He hopes to inspire future conservationists by exposing the need, not only for cutting-edge science behind conservation, but also the social and political savvy to translate innovative designs into feasible policies. This is particularly true for the management of human-wildlife conflict in Africa, where resources and capacity are often lacking.