Musa has been contributing to priority species monitoring in Zululand with Wildlife ACT for over four years, monitoring Cheetahs, Lions, and Elephants at Manyoni Private Game Reserve while working closely with volunteers. With a BSc in Ecology and an Honours in Biological Sciences, he brings dedication and a strong scientific foundation to his daily fieldwork.
Musa is from the rural area of KwaMhlabuyalingana, near Tembe Elephant Park, and first became interested in conservation during a Grade 7 farewell visit to Ndumo Game Reserve. He went on to complete a BSc in Ecology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2014, followed by an Honours degree in Biological Sciences the following year.
During his studies, he volunteered on game counts across various protected areas, deepening his exposure to the conservation space. After graduating, he spent several months as a Wild Dog Monitor at Somkhanda Game Reserve, where his commitment to conservation grew further.
Musa joined Wildlife ACT in 2022 as a Priority Species Monitor at Manyoni Private Game Reserve, where his daily fieldwork forms part of the real-time data collection that underpins how the reserve protects its most vulnerable wildlife.
By consistently observing and reporting on Cheetahs, Lions, and Elephants, he helps build the detailed, on-the-ground picture that allows conservation decisions to be driven by fact, supporting faster responses to emerging threats and contributing to the long-term survival of the species he monitors.
Outside of work, Musa enjoys working on renovations and gardening.
“Everyday I am inspired by the ability to monitor priority species, making sure that I know their condition and if there is emergency, it is immediately reported to management.”