Phillip Swart

Southern Drakensberg Conservation Project Priority Species Monitor

I was fortunate enough to have grown up in the bushveld in a farming community on the banks of the Limpopo river surrounded by many wild animals. Although I always had an interest in nature, it was during my Nature Management Diploma at Centurion Academy that I realised that this is more than just a passion of mine. After completing my practical year at a wildlife game-capturing service, I decided to pursue another interest of mine and completed my BSC in Information Technology at the North West University Potchefstroom last year. By then I was more certain than ever that I needed to be pursuing a career in conservation or nature management.

Since I’ve started at Wildlife ACT, I have had the opportunity to combine both these fields and I’m very excited to find new ways to protect these wonderful animals we monitor. I have already learned so much in my time here and my appreciation for nature and the great people I get to work with, has grown exponentially.