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Written by Tumelo Nhlapo

Pullen Nature Reserve is providing two final-year Nature Conservation students from the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) with valuable practical experience through their Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme.

Nomcebo Masipayi Mabaso (Left) and Chantel Luyanda Kuma (Right) standing with Tumelo Nhlapo their mentor began their practical training at Pullen in March 2026. They will have to complete the 10-month programme in December 2026. The programme provides an opportunity for them to apply the knowledge and skills they gained during their first and second years of study in a real conservation environment.

Throughout their placement, the students are gaining experience across a range of nature conservation activities, including animal behaviour, animal censuses, animal identification and animal capture. Their plant-related training includes veld condition assessments, invasive alien plant control, bush encroachment, plant identification and fire management. The students are also gaining practical skills in soil erosion control, fence maintenance and general reserve maintenance, giving them a broader understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities involved in managing a nature reserve.

Pullen Nature Reserve plays an important role in providing students with hands-on learning opportunities, allowing them to move beyond the classroom and experience the practical realities of conservation.

The students are monitored and guided by Tumelo Nhlapo, who supports their learning and introduces them to the different aspects of nature conservation. Through the WIL programme, Pullen Nature Reserve continues to contribute to the development of future conservation professionals by providing students with practical skills, knowledge and experience that will prepare them for careers in nature conservation.

Written by Tumelo Nhlapo

Pullen Nature Reserve is strengthening its role as a platform for practical learning and knowledge exchange following a recent visit by forestry academics from the University of Mpumalanga (UMP).

Dr Ratsodo Phillip Tshidzumba and Dr Lucky Makhubele Forestry Lecturers visited Pullen Nature Reserve to explore opportunities for bringing UMP forestry students to the Reserve for practical training and field-based learning.

The proposed collaboration builds on the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and UMP, creating an opportunity to translate this institutional partnership into meaningful practical experiences for students. During their visit, the lecturers expressed interest in using the Reserve as a field-based learning environment where students can gain practical exposure to several important areas of forestry and natural resource management. These include forest ecology, fire management, road maintenance and plant physiology.

The Reserve provides an ideal setting for students to connect theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom with practical applications in a functioning natural environment. Through field-based activities, students would have the opportunity to observe ecological processes, understand forest management practices and gain insight into some of the challenges involved in maintaining and managing natural areas.

For Pullen Nature Reserve, the proposed collaboration also presents an opportunity to strengthen its contribution to teaching, learning and community engagement. Hosting students from UMP would allow the Reserve to serve not only as a conservation space, but also as a living classroom where future forestry professionals can develop practical skills and experience.

Written by Tumelo Nhlapo

Pullen Nature Reserve continues to provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience and engage with South Africa’s rich biodiversity.

Joshua Thomas Marais, a third-year BSc student in the School of Animal, Plant & Environmental Sciences (APES), recently visited Pullen as part of his studies in Ecology and Conservation. Joshua is also the current Chairperson of the APES Student Council.

During his visit, Phiwase Khoza, an MSc candidate in APES, introduced Joshua to the use of camera traps, giving him practical experience in wildlife monitoring and field research.

Joshua chose Pullen because it allowed him to explore an area of South Africa, he had not previously spent much time in.

“I chose Pullen as it is an area of the country that I have yet to really explore.”

Having conducted fieldwork in Limpopo, the Western Cape and Gauteng, Joshua was particularly interested in experiencing the biodiversity of Mpumalanga and the Lowveld.

“The area fascinates me. I'm particularly drawn to its diversity. I'm interested in the mammal diversity at Pullen but I can't help but get distracted by the bird and butterfly diversity.”

Joshua believes Pullen offers valuable opportunities for both students and nature enthusiasts to learn and conduct research.

“Pullen is a great place for students and nature enthusiasts alike to come and discover, explore and learn about the natural world.”

His experience highlights the Reserve’s role as a living classroom, providing students with opportunities to develop practical skills, explore biodiversity and contribute to meaningful ecological research.

Written by Tumelo Nhlapo

On the 27th of February 2026, staff members from the Pullen Nature Reserve participated in a specialised snake handling course hosted at Inyathi Park in Pretoria.

The training was conducted by the µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø Snakebite Institute, a leading authority on snake awareness and safety in Southern Africa.

The course provided comprehensive knowledge on the importance of snake awareness, identification, biology, and behaviour. Participants explored common myths and superstitions surrounding snakes, while also gaining practical skills in first aid for snakebite incidents. In addition, the training covered awareness and first aid for scorpions, spiders, and other venomous invertebrates found in Southern Africa.

As part of the practical training, staff worked with several highly venomous snake species, including the puff adder, snouted cobra, Cape cobra, and rinkhals. Under expert supervision, they practised safe handling and release techniques, reinforcing both confidence and caution in dealing with these dangerous reptiles.

A key highlight of the programme was the emphasis on legal responsibilities associated with snake handling, ensuring that all practices align with conservation and safety regulations. This training equips the Pullen Nature Reserve team with essential skills to protect both wildlife and visitors, reinforcing the Reserve’s commitment to conservation, education, and safety.

The Pullen Nature Reserve staff would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the School of APES, for granting the staff the opportunity to attend such an important and impactful course. The support from the school made this valuable training possible.

University of Mpumalanga visits Pullen Nature Reserve

Written by Tumelo Nhlapo

On the 23^rd of February 2026, the University of Mpumalanga’s Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences leadership, led by Dean Prof. Ndiko Ludidi and Head of the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences Prof. Mduduzi Ndlovu, visited the Pullen Nature Reserve.

The purpose of the visit was to reaffirm and rekindle the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2023 between the University of Mpumalanga and the University of the Witwatersrand’s Pullen Nature Reserve.

Prof Ndlovu and Prof Ludidi of the University of Mpumalanga.

The renewed engagement underscores the commitment of both institutions to foster collaboration in teaching, research, and academic development. During the visit, discussions focused on strengthening areas of cooperation, which include:

• Undergraduate Practical Teaching: Utilising the reserve’s facilities to provide students with hands-on field experience.
• Postgraduate Teaching and Research: Expanding opportunities for advanced studies and collaborative research projects.
• Staff Research Initiatives: Supporting faculty-led investigations into biodiversity, ecology, and environmental sciences.
• Writing Retreats for Staff: Offering a conducive environment for academic staff to focus on scholarly writing and publications.
• Joint Teaching of Undergraduate and Honours Field Courses: Promoting shared expertise and interdisciplinary learning across institutions.

The visit marks a significant step toward ensuring the MOU continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for both universities and contributes to the broader goals of environmental conservation, scientific inquiry, and academic excellence.