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Shivan Parusnath

@shivanparusnath

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I lead African conservation programmes, partnerships, biodiversity science and environmental impact work.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead collaborative conservation programmes and partnerships that connect rigorous biodiversity science with practical, measurable impact across Africa.

I've led conservation programmes across Africa as Regional Lead: Africa at the National Geographic Society, supporting Explorers across science, conservation, education, technology and storytelling.

I built strategic partnerships, guided grant-making and portfolio planning, and delivered capacity-building workshops while connecting African practitioners with global teams, including The Walt Disney Company.

As an independent environmental consultant and specialist herpetologist, I've completed four EIAs for renewable-energy developments and led threatened-species surveys across more than 100,000 hectares.

My research on the Sungazer combines conservation genetics, ecology and landscape modelling, informing national biodiversity planning and illegal-wildlife-trade investigations. I've secured over ZAR2.68 million in competitive funding and use science storytelling, photography and documentary production to make conservation evidence accessible.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Independent Environmental Consultant

Current

Self Employed

Jan 2024 - Present (2 years 8 months)

Independent specialist biodiversity consultant delivering EIA reporting, species surveys, mitigation design and habitat assessment for major renewable energy developments. Completed 4 Environmental Impact Assessments for large-scale renewable energy projects, spanning 3 wind farms and 1 solar farm in the Free State.

Environmental Impact Assessment Biodiversity Assessment Herpetology Ecological Surveys Mitigation Planning Habitat assessment GIS ArcGIS QGIS Spatial Analysis Renewable Energy Sungazer Survey Methodologies Technical Reporting Stakeholder Engagement

Regional Lead: Africa

National Geographic Society

Jan 2022 - Dec 2024 (2 years 11 months)

Served as National Geographic Society's regional representative for Africa, leading regional programmes and supporting a continent-wide community of National Geographic Explorers. Led grant-making, reviewed proposals, monitored funded projects, and built strategic partnerships with conservationists, scientists, NGOs, and academic institutions.

Programme Leadership Grantmaking Proposal Evaluation Portfolio Management Strategic Partnerships Stakeholder Engagement Capacity Building Workshop Facilitation Cross Cultural Collaboration Budgeting Monitoring and Evaluation Science Communication

Senior Communications Officer

University of the Witwatersrand

Jan 2020 - Dec 2022 (2 years 11 months)

Produced multimedia science and institutional communication for one of Africa's leading research universities, combining photography, videography, writing and design to translate complex research into engaging content. Managed multimedia production from concept through delivery, including shoot planning, lighting, photography, videography, post-production and design using Adobe Creative Suite.

Science Communication Photography Videography Writing Editing Adobe Creative Suite Multimedia Production Post production Graphic Design Press Releases Digital Content Stakeholder Collaboration

Teaching Assistant

University of the Witwatersrand

Jan 2008 - Dec 2019 (11 years 11 months)

Taught experimental design, statistical analysis, scientific methods and photography as a tool for science and science communication.

Teaching Experimental Design Statistical Analysis Scientific Method Photography Science Communication

Professional Development Programme Fellow

National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Jan 2014 - Dec 2017 (3 years 11 months)

Collected forensic tissue samples for the Google Barcode of Wildlife Project; conducted DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing for parentage analyses; and developed microsatellite markers for conservation-genetics research.

Conservation Genomics DNA Extraction PCR Sequencing Microsatellite Markers Forensic Sampling Wildlife Research

Research Intern, Molecular Genetics

National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Jan 2012 - Dec 2013 (1 year 11 months)

Conducted DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing for parentage analysis and developed a non-invasive tissue-sampling protocol for Sungazers.

DNA Extraction PCR Sequencing Pedigree Analysis Non Invasive Sampling Conservation Genomics

Research Intern, Plant Physiology

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Jan 2009 - Dec 2009 (11 months)

Supported experimental research on plant physiology, including gas-exchange measurements and laboratory sample preparation.

Plant Physiology Gas Exchange Measurements Laboratory Techniques

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of the Witwatersrand

Doctor of Philosophy, Zoology and Genetics

2014 - 2020

Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology and Genetics, specializing in landscape and population genetics, biogeography, and sociality. Research focused on population genetics and sociality in the Sungazer (Smaug giganteus).

University of the Witwatersrand

Master of Science, Zoology

2011 - 2014

Grade: With Distinction

Master of Science in Zoology with distinction, specializing in ecology, conservation, and population modelling. Research focused on a conservation assessment of the Sungazer (Smaug giganteus).

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor of Science Honours, Biological Science

2010 - 2010

Grade: Cum Laude

Bachelor of Science Honours in Biological Science with cum laude, specializing in ecology and behaviour. Research focused on colour change in Tropical House Geckos.