In his lecture, titled A Single Bracelet Does Not Jingle: Contemplating the Power of the Collective, Professor Parker noted that biology is the science of the 21st century and holds the key to addressing many of the world’s most pressing challenges.
“When we think about challenges such as global disease, pandemics, climate change, food and water insecurity, and pollution, we realise that many of these issues are linked to human population growth and how we interact with our natural environment.”
He further explained that in Africa alone, the United Nations estimates that the human population will double over the next half-century, from 1.5 billion to more than 3 billion people. “With big numbers come even bigger challenges,” he said.
“Where will people live, what will they eat, and how will we manage the waste and water demand that will come with this growth? Throwing up our hands and saying we do not know is not an option. This is where biology comes in. It gives us the tools to understand and act.”
Professor Parker illustrated the power of collective action and interdisciplinary collaboration through four examples from his research. The first focused on African wild dogs – Africa’s second most threatened carnivore after the Ethiopian wolf.
He explained that while wild dogs were once widespread across the continent, their numbers have declined sharply due to habitat loss, disease, road mortality, and human–wildlife conflict.
“Through the work of my postdoctoral researcher, Courtney Marnewick, we assessed the success of artificially formed wild dog packs in South Africa’s managed metapopulation,” he added. “We found that reducing the time spent in pre-release enclosures significantly improved their chances of success once released. This research provided tangible guidelines for conservation managers and, most importantly, demonstrated the value of collaboration and shared learning in species recovery.”
He went on to discuss another aspect of wild dog research conducted by one of his master’s students, Jess Watermeyer, who studied community attitudes along the borders of the Kruger National Park. “Jess found that many local communities were surprisingly tolerant of wild dogs and even supportive of their presence. This highlights the importance of social cohesion and community engagement in conservation. The collective tolerance of people can determine whether a species survives beyond park boundaries.”
Understanding Human–Lion Conflict
Professor Parker also shared insights from his research on human–lion conflict in the Tsholotsho communal lands adjacent to Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Working with colleagues from Oxford University and his then honours student, Tim Kuiper, he investigated cattle herding practices and how they influenced livestock losses to lions.
Professor Parker's lecture called for collective thinking towards conservation.
“We found that lions killed more cattle during the wet season, when livestock grazed further from homesteads near the park. By encouraging farmers to corral their cattle at night, especially during this period, we could reduce losses. It was a small but powerful example of how local knowledge, science, and cooperation can lead to practical solutions.”
In addition to carnivore research, Professor Parker highlighted the work of his PhD student, Vusani Mphethe, who studied fruit bats in agricultural landscapes.
“Vusani found that even in litchi orchards, fruit bats preferred native fruiting trees and played a vital role in seed dispersal, supporting natural vegetation regeneration. This means that preserving small patches of native vegetation within farms can enhance both biodiversity and ecosystem health.”
He added that this research challenges the perception of bats as pests. “By excluding bats and birds from litchi trees, we saw lower yields, likely due to the loss of natural pest control. These findings show that biodiversity and agricultural productivity are not in opposition. In fact, when farmers and scientists work together, we can find win–win solutions.”
Expanding on his theme, Professor Parker said the examples from his work on wild dogs, lions, and bats all demonstrate one key lesson: that conservation challenges cannot be solved in isolation. “Whether we are dealing with endangered species, agricultural systems, or human communities, collective effort is essential. Collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and communities is the only way forward.”
Professor Parker concluded by calling on scientists and institutions to embrace teamwork and humility. “We must put aside our academic pride and differences and work together as a collective across disciplines. Biology may be the science of the 21st century, but it will only succeed if we act collectively. The future of our children and our children’s children depends on it.”
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by CL Photography. Copyright © UMP