UP vets lead Cambodia’s first elephant tusk removal procedure

Posted on July 02, 2025

A distressed elephant with a fractured tusk is not unfamiliar to Professor Gerhard Steenkamp, a veterinary specialist in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Veterinary Science. Over the years, he has travelled the world to lead and assist with...

UP scientists contribute to a key global study on the effects of grazing in deserts

Posted on December 05, 2022

Two University of Pretoria scientists have contributed to the first-ever global field assessment of the ecological impacts of grazing in drylands.

UP researchers call for the urgent protection of bat-inhabited caves

Posted on April 17, 2022

University of Pretoria researchers Dr Mariëtte Pretorius and Professor Wanda Markotter have published a study which shows that land around important bat-inhabited caves are changing and that natural habitats are being destroyed.

WWF and UP team up to keep watch on southern right whales

Posted on March 01, 2022

UP’s Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit and WWF South Africa are teaming up to support research on southern right whales in response to warming oceans and changes to ocean processes which are affecting the number of whales visiting SA's shores.

UP study finds that lions hunt particular cattle types

Posted on February 09, 2022

When wild lions sneak up on a herd of cattle to grab an easy meal, the dice seem to be loaded more heavily against certain herd members, which are more likely than the others to be killed and eaten, according to a new study conducted by scientists from the University of Pretoria (UP).

South African bats are losing their trees, UP research shows

Posted on December 18, 2021

Research at UP is looking at how tree harvesting is causing the destruction of natural habitat, bringing wild animals like bats into closer contact with humans than ever before and leading to increased risk of new zoonotic diseases.