WELCOME TO OUR RESEARCH CENTRE
The Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre (BBRC), situated on Zingela Nature Reserve 50km from the Botswana border in the Northern part of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Established in 2022 by Pieter and Chanelle Becker, our passion for this remote landscape drove us to create a platform for exploration and learning. Our mission is to facilitate research and foster knowledge exchange. Our aim is to contribute to research and conservation, alongside community outreach. We offer unique opportunities for students and volunteers to engage in practical fieldwork on 27,000 hectares of continuous reserve. Surrounded by magnificent baobab trees and boasting over 17 different antelope species, the reserve also hosts a diverse range of predators, including Leopard, Cheetah, Caracal, African Wildcat, Brown Hyena, and Serval, making it an ideal location for research.
The Research Centre is located within the Savanna biome, Central Bushveld bioregion. Typically this central bushveld bioregion is represented by woody vegetation and a grass dominated herbaceous layer. Depending on local conditions, trees form semi-open to closed thickets or woodlands, and can range from short deciduous bush cover to a medium-tall +5m tree cover of deciduous and evergreen trees.
MEET OUR TEAM
PIETER BECKER
BBRC DIRECTOR
Pieter was born and raised in South Africa on a game and potato farm. He served his country for two years in the South African Defence Force where he was a corporal, artillery and parabat. Afterwards, he studied Agricultural Research and Botany. Upon finishing his degree, he moved back to the family farm to farm with his father. After farming potatoes, onions, and sugar beans for 33 years, he decided to move to the Western Cape to their family-owned properties. Pieter and his wife Chanelle manage the day-to-day operations at the BBRC.
DR LEAH FINDLAY
RESEARCH MANAGER
Leah holds a PhD in human-wildlife conflict from Durham University. Her research focuses on mitigating tensions between human communities and wildlife, emphasising sustainable co-existence. With a strong academic foundation, she implements fieldwork, applying her expertise to develop practical solutions that benefit both people and wildlife. She brings a wealth of experience as a mentor, having supervised numerous undergraduate, master’s and PhD students, guiding them on their academic journeys. Beyond her academic achievements, Leah has made a tangible impact by establishing a successful research centre in Alldays, South Africa and is now extending her impact assisting other research centres in their establishment and success. Recognising the importance of shared knowledge, she actively facilitates information exchange, delivering data collected at these research sites to other organisations who can use the data in the most impactful way. Driven by a passion for conservation, Leah’s work at the intersection of academia and on-the-ground initiatives showcases her commitment to fostering harmony between humans and the natural world.
CHANELLE BECKER
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Born and raised in South Africa, Chanelle developed an unwavering passion for wildlife and conservation from a young age. Her formative years spent exploring the wonders of Kruger National Park solidified her dedication to preserving the natural world. Her academic journey led her to specialize in Game Ranch and wildlife Management and achieve FGASA Level 1 certification in Kruger National Park. Chanelle’s career trajectory began with managing lodges, where she was introduced to volunteer and student research programs, igniting her interest in ecological research and conservation initiatives. As a research assistant at Mogalakwena Research Centre, Chanelle honed her skills and gained invaluable field experience. Subsequently, she joined Wildlife Ecological Investments, conducting research in the Greater Kruger and Waterberg area, collaborating with renowned organizations like Panthera, Wildlife Ecological Investments and participating in camera trap monitoring projects in various reserves. Chanelle’s expertise extends to game translocation, habitat management, and conservation efforts focused on protecting endangered species like rhinos. Today, she is realizing her lifelong dream of establishing her own research centre, Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre where she collaborates with volunteers and students contributing to conservation endeavours, embodying her commitment to safeguarding the rich biodiversity of South Africa’s landscapes.
LÉA GILBERT
CO-ORDINATOR AND RECRUITMENT
Léa moved all the way from Belgium to South Africa after falling in love with the country. Passionate about wildlife and conservation, she obtained a BSc in Zoology (University of Nottingham) and a MRES in Ecology and Environmental Biology (University of Glasgow). Afterwards, she had different experiences in research and conservation until meeting Chanelle and joining the BBRC!
