Kyle Hinde

Kyle grew up in rural Zimbabwe and developed a love for the outdoors from a young age. After finishing school in Zimbabwe, Kyle completed his BSc (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology) and Honours (Biodiversity and Ecology) at Stellenbosch University, before joining the FitzPatrick Institute. Kyle has volunteered and worked in several wildlife conservation projects, notably including a year spent anti-poaching and guiding in Mana Pools, anti-poaching support in Kariba, and ecological support on the Kafue River in Zambia. Kyle is also a member of Lessons in Conservation, a student-run NPO educating children about nature.

Having had the privilege of visiting undisturbed wilderness areas growing up, Kyle has observed how the landscape has been changing, with distressing signs of human impact becoming prevalent. Kyle aims to preserve the remaining natural areas in Southern Africa and actively work towards restoring altered ecosystems. “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it” (Robert Swan), is a quote Kyle has taken to heart. He hopes to rectify this personally, and through educating children and communities surrounding wildlife areas.

Any extra time Kyle has through the year will be spent outside, hopefully with a fishing rod in his hand.

Thesis: The density of leopards in a mixed-use landscape in the Western Cape, South Africa. (Supervisors: Justin O'Riain, Katherine Williams (Cape Leopard Trust)