The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve was established in 1956 and forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The Timbavati possesses incredible physical features which includes the attractive landscape and the home to a variety of animals. Recently, they were privileged to announce Edwin Pierce as the newly appointed warden at Timbavati.
Edwin’s background
Edwin was brought up in Nelspruit where he would spend all his free time in the Kruger National Park and Nelspruit Nature Reserve. With the amount of time he spent in the wilderness, Edwin gained a lot of knowledge and experience where he was able to further his passion for the wilderness.
As a student, Edwin did his practical training in ecology, conservation and wildlife management in the Timbavati. After his practical training, he then moved to the Sabi Sands. However, he has now returned to the Timbavati as the warden.
Comments Edwin, “It was an incredible opportunity to learn from the TPNR Management Team, Field Rangers and General Staff. I was involved in absolutely everything – from repairing fences, building erosion structures, cleaning septic tanks and removing alien plants, to assisting with presentations, undertaking research, and learning about the importance of sustainable utilisation. I am very excited to be returning to the Timbavati, the Reserve that I fondly refer to as my home”.
Educational achievements
Edwin’s qualifications speak for itself. His credentials include a National Diploma in Nature Conservation, his Bachelors in Technology in Nature Conservation which were both completed at SAASVELD and was enrolled at the University of Free State where he accomplished his Master’s in Environmental Management.
Career timeline
Edwin started off his career as an ecologist while working for Lion Sands Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin. His role was to manage the ecological, conservation and operational aspects of the property. The Lion Sands Game Reserve was later renamed Lion Sands Kruger National Park. Edwin was then promoted to the Ecologist of both Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park Properties.
In 2013, Edwin’s role certainly continued to grow as he gained more experience and worked on the Sabi Sand Widltuin Management Team as their ecologist. He was assigned to veld management, burning programmes, legal compliance and environmental impact assessments.
In 2015, Edwin was promoted to the Sabi Sand Wildtuin Infrastructure and Environment Manager, where he was given the authority and responsibility of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin Operations Portfolio.
Candice, who is Edwin’s wife, has joined him in the Timbavati, where they’ll be working closely together. She is the Project Co-ordinator for Funani Trust, the Local Beneficiary Trust of the Sabi Sands Wildtuin.
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve forms part of the larger Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR). Consequently, the Timbavati, Klaserie and Umbabat Private Nature Reserves and Balule Nature Reserve all form part of the APNR. Furthermore, these reserves represent 180 000 hectares of land dedicated to conservation.
We are excited to see how Edwin continues to carry the Timbavati’s standards of sustainability high, with conservation practices and supporting local communities during his time as warden.