Branch Member – Hardekool

Francois Meyer

Pangolin Conservation and Research

“The saying – hunting is conservation – is often used loosely. More than ever before, we should set an example of sustainable conservation for the everyone to see. Conservation is a perspective and a responsibility that rests on our shoulders. Become involved wherever you can and set a positive example to others. Let our actions demonstrate conservation.”

Francois Meyer completed his BSc degree in conservation ecology in 2009. He started his career in the game industry where he had gained experience in game capture, research, tourism, professional hunting, and game management. During this time, he developed an interest in private game farms and specifically their potential to conserve threatened species. In 2015, Francois was given the opportunity to become involved in a monitoring and conservation project to protect rhino in the reserve. He experienced this as a valuable opportunity where he also came into contact with pangolin for the first time. He was involved with the confiscation and release of a pangolin, which triggered his interest to do research about this species. Francois obtained an MSc that focused on the release procedures of pangolin in South Africa. He is also working on his PhD in this field. He serves on the African Pangolin Working Group and the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group). Francois is the conservation coordinator of the Hardekool Branch of SA Hunters.