“The wildlife and its habitat cannot speak, so we must and we will.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt
Wendy Collinson is a conservation biologist specialising in ecological connectivity, road ecology, and the impacts of linear infrastructure on wildlife. Before joining the SAWC, Wendy worked extensively with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), where she led pioneering work on road ecology and contributed to national policy guidance, research programmes, and mitigation strategies aimed at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions. Her leadership helped position South Africa as a regional leader in understanding the ecological impacts of transportation networks. She also worked with the Global Conservation Corps (GCC), supporting projects focused on conservation education, community engagement, and empowering young people to participate in wildlife protection and stewardship.
Wendy’s career spans applied conservation, academic teaching, and scientific research. She has published in leading international journals and collaborates with partners across Africa, Europe, and the United States. Her work focuses on identifying landscape-scale threats to wildlife, designing practical conservation solutions, and improving ecological outcomes through cross-sector partnerships.
Driven by a belief that science must inform practice, Wendy’s work bridges the gap between research and implementation. She is committed to creating stronger connections between people, wildlife, and the landscapes they share – working tirelessly to advance conservation solutions that are both scientifically sound and socially grounded.