Meet the Selati
Research Team

The Team

Steven Seager Selati ResearchRhino Dehorning Operation at Selati Research

Steve Seager

Wildlife
Manager

My role is to oversee monitoring on all wildlife aspects of the reserve and to suggest management decisions through astute scientific data to the GM. I also manage the Selati Research Volunteer programme and coordinate all wildlife operations.

I have a BSc Hons degree in International Wildlife Biology, a FGASA nature guide qualification.

What I love about my job:
That every day is different, it’s a challenge and there is no limit to what can be achieved. Working in conservation can be difficult for so many reasons but it has its rewards. Getting to be hands on with some of the most incredible species on the planet is truly amazing.

Madeline Siegel Selati Research

Madeline Siegel

Research Coordinator
and Field Guide

Hi I am responsible for the monitoring of key species through radio telemetry tracking and camera trap footage; Data capture and analysis of flora and fauna throughout the reserve; data capture during annual aerial game count.

I have a BSc in Forestry & Natural Resources, emphasis on wildlife biology; FGASA Level 1 (apprentice field guide?), Back-up Trails Guide, Advanced Rifle Handling, Wilderness Medicine Levels 1 & 2, Basic & Advanced Birding…

Previous Work Experience: Lab & field technician for a loggerhead sea turtle conservation genetics lab (in US); veterinary nurse for small animal clinic (also in US)

Why I love to work in Conservation:
Working in conservation is hard work but incredibly rewarding. It is a special field because everyone involved is so passionate about their work, so it’s always fun getting to collaborate with others in the industry. My favourite aspect of my job is waking up and not knowing what the day might bring. No day is ever the same!

Matt Niederer Selati ResearchMatt, Field Guide at Selati Research

Matt Niederer

Field Guide &
Marketing

Hi, I am a field guide and responsible for marketing. You will often see me running around with my camera or flying the drone during game drives or wildlife operations to create content for our social media channels.

Why I love to work in Conservation:

There are no boring days in conservation! Every day is an adventure, and being able to share this passion with like-minded people is a blessing. Educating people about ecosystems and their incredible wildlife is key to conservation and may be one of the most important things to do at the moment. I am proud to work in frontline conservation, surrounded by the most wonderful and inspiring people.

Selati Research Team

Santenay Ayers Selati ResearchSantenay Ayers

Santenay Ayers

Field Guide &
Research Assistant

Hi, I’m Sante! I’m a Guide at Selati Research and assist with any research related work and camp coordination.
I spent a lot of my childhood growing up next to the Kruger and knew that one day I would work in wildlife conservation.

I have a BSc Hons degree in International Wildlife Biology, from the UK. Plus I have my FGASA NQF2 Field Guide qualification (and marine guide but there’s not much ocean at Selati)

Why I love to work in Conservation:

Although I love all wildlife, from diving with whale sharks to working to release baby turtles into the sea, South Africa has my heart.

The range of species and biodiversity we have here blows my mind, and I’m now the luckiest girl ever to be able to say that my “office” is the African bush.

Ezra, Camp Coordinator, Selati ResearchEzra, Camp Coordinator

Ezra Makamu

Camp
Coordinator

Hi I’m the Camp Coordinator at Selati Research. I take care of all logistics to make sure our volunteers and researchers don’t lack anything during their stay. I handle the bookings and make sure the camp is ready and neat for our guests.

I welcome and brief our guests, plan our menus, take care of our food logistics and prepare our delicious meals. But you can find me anywhere in camp helping wherever help is needed: Fixing tents, creating path signs, gardening, …

I’ve previously worked at The Oupost Lodge in Kruger National Park as an administrative clerk, at Kololo Game Reserve as a Lodge Anchor and EcoTraining as a Camp Coordinator and am happy to use my experience for Selati Research now.

Lisca, Selati ResearchLisca

Lisca Malajti

Camp Staff

Hi, I’m Lisca. I ensure our camp remains pristine by managing cleanliness and overseeing gardening tasks. Additionally, I handle laundry services and lend a hand in meal preparation, ensuring everyone enjoys a comfortable and tidy environment throughout their stay.

Jasper Selati Research

Jasper

Bodyguard &
Troublemaker

I am Jasper, the coolest dog in South Africa! My team-mates also call me troublemaker. But I take my work “to keep the camp safe” very serious. Most of the time I chase warthogs away. From time to time I also face the two Cheetah-Brothers. I require a big amount of cuddles and bum-rubs.

Selati Research VolunteersVolunteers Selati Research

Volunteers

Join our Team

Without the help of Volunteers we couldn’t do what we are doing. You will be directly involved in our field work and helping us collecting data. As well helping out processing photos from our Camera Traps.

“Where do I even begin? The warmth and passion of the entire Selati Research team stood out from day one. Despite my MANY questions, you were always enthusiastic and encouraging, making sure we truly got involved. Being hands-on with impact surveys, drive counts, monitoring, and identifying wildlife was more than I had hoped for. And assisting with operations—especially the rhino dehorning—was absolutely life-changing.

Selati exceeded all my expectations. I’ve wanted to do something like this for years, and I’m so grateful it was recommended to me. These past two weeks have been truly transformative. Thank you for everything you do—I hope to be back before too long!“

Dee Selati Research VolunteerDeirdre O’Hagan, from Ireland, volunteered with us in 2023 for 2 weeks and again in 2024 for 3 weeks

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