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Written by Tumelo Nhlapo

Pullen Nature Reserve was delighted to host 14 students from the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø Ecology and Conservation course, accompanied by a dedicated teaching team. This 100-day programme welcomed students to Pullen offering a valuable introduction to South Africa’s diverse ecosystems.

From left to right: Dr Liezl Retief, Siyabonga Sangweni, Dr Emma Fagan and Tom Smyth.

Accredited by the University of Connecticut, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), and the University of Cape Town (UCT), the course combines ecological science, conservation practice, and field-based research. Students explore the fascinating mesic savanna ecosystem, observe nature firsthand, and conduct research that deepens their understanding of biodiversity and conservation.

According to Dr Liezl Retief, an OTS lecturer, Pullen Nature Reserve’s breathtaking views, comfortable accommodation, and welcoming facilities provide an ideal setting for learning, discovery, and connecting with nature.

Pullen Nature Reserve continues to bring people closer to nature, creating opportunities for learning, research, and a deeper understanding of our natural heritage.

At Pullen Nature Reserve, nature is more than a place to visit, it is a place to learn, explore, connect, and be inspired. Come experience it for yourself!

By Tumelo Nhlapo

The Wits Pullen Nature Reserve recently hosted a three-day camera trap workshop that brought together researchers, students, and staff for an engaging exploration of wildlife monitoring technology.

The workshop was presented by Prof. Travis Perry from Furman University and Natural Curiosity, USA, whose expertise in wildlife research and technology provided participants with valuable insights into the use of camera traps in ecological studies.

The main goal of the workshop was to introduce and demonstrate the Photogofer software platform, a relatively unique tool designed to manage and prepare camera trap images for later analyses. This software offers researchers an efficient way to handle the vast amounts of data generated by camera traps, streamlining the process from fieldwork to analysis.

Why Pullen Nature Reserve?

The Pullen Nature Reserve was chosen as the venue due to its excellent field accommodation and facilities, making it an ideal environment for both practical demonstrations and collaborative learning.

The workshop was attended by students, post-doctoral fellows, and staff from the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) and Wits University, fostering collaboration across institutions and disciplines.

"While camera traps are invaluable for wildlife research, they come with challenges. Researchers often face difficulties related to placement, data loss, and interference from wildlife, all of which were discussed during the workshop. These real-world issues highlighted the importance of effective data management tools like Photogofer." Professor Daniel Parker, University of Mpumalanga

By combining hands-on training with cutting-edge software, the workshop not only enhanced participants' technical skills but also strengthened the role of Wits Pullen Nature Reserve as a centre for ecological research and innovation.