Meet our new PhD student and wildlife veterinarian, Robin Gieling!
Robin recently started her PhD with IBREAM and the University of Pretoria, focusing on the African wild dog. She has just arrived in South Africa for her research, making this the perfect moment to introduce her work and why it is so important.
The African wild dog is an endangered species living in fragmented habitats, which increasingly brings them into contact with humans and domestic animals. At the same time, their reproduction is far from straightforward, as it is closely linked to their complex social structure. With separate male and female hierarchies, breeding, especially in captivity, is particularly challenging. Even small interventions, such as introducing a new pack m ember, can have serious or even fatal consequences. This is the complex challenge Robin will be working on.
During her PhD, Robin will focus on developing field-friendly artificial insemination and sperm collection protocols for African wild dogs. If successful, this work could play a crucial role in preserving and restoring genetic diversity within the species. Low genetic diversity makes populations more vulnerable to disease, infertility, and environmental change. Increasing genetic diversity helps build healthier and more resilient populations for the future. And that is what IBREAM is all about!
A little bit about Robin:
With over 12 years of veterinary experience, Robin has worked with both domestic and wild species in different countries all across the world. She previously led the veterinary clinic at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and worked closely with the Kalahari African Wild Dog Conservation Project (KAWDCP) in Namibia. Her work has ranged from clinical care to the capture and immobilisation of free-ranging carnivores, as well as training the next generation of (para)veterinary professionals!
In 2019 Robin also started the CCF rabies vaccination campaign as part of a One Health initiative in the Eastern Communal Conservancies, which is still ongoing.
Since 2021 Robin has been the veterinary advisor for KAWDCP and has been assisting projects in the field whenever possible; dart-immobilizing free roaming African wild dogs for collaring, treating injured wildlife, supporting research projects, mentoring students, and working with local communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict. One recent highlight: assisting with the successful translocation of an entire pack of wild dogs, including puppies!
We’re proud to have Robin on the team and look forward to sharing more of her journey and impact in the field.