Meet the Team
Species Conservation Programme
Dr Linda van den Heever
Species Conservation Programme Manager
linda.vdheever@birdlife.org.za
Linda has conducted extensive research on lead poisoning in South Africa’s Cape and White-backed Vultures, successfully linking the source of lead poisoning to lead-based ammunition, as well as providing the first definitive evidence of the negative physiological impacts lead may have on these endangered birds. Linda manages the Species Conservation Programme, which incorporates BirdLife South Africa’s Vulture Project, the Secretarybird Project, the Birds and Agrochemicals Project, as well as several Species Guardian projects. Linda represents BirdLife South Africa on the national Lead Task Team (with the aim to minimise the threat of lead poisoning to South Africa’s wildlife), the National Wildlife Poisoning Prevention Working Group, the National Vulture Task Force and the Bearded Vulture Recovery Programme.
Cassie Carstens
Secretarybird Project Manager
cassie.carstens@birdlife.org.za
Cassie joined BirdLife South Africa in January 2023 as Secretarybird Conservation Officer. He will be responsible for monitoring nesting behaviour and distribution of these endangered grassland birds and will engage extensively with farmers and other stakeholders. He has been involved with bird research and conservation work for almost a decade, having previously worked with Southern Ground Hornbills and Cape Parrots. A highly qualified bird, field, and cultural guide with more than 20 years’ experience, Cassie also holds an BA Honours in Heritage and Cultural Tourism and a BSc Honours in Geography.
Justin Henry
Vulture Conservation Officer
Justin.Henry@birdlife.org.za
Justin is the Vulture Conservation Officer. Growing up on a farm in Gauteng, Justin’s interest in the natural world was nurtured from a young age. After completing an Honours degree in Conservation Ecology from Stellenbosch University he worked in various conservation positions within South Africa. In his new position, Justin will be tasked with expanding the reach of the lead advocacy project and increasing the shift to lead-free bullets. He will also be involved with the Vulture Safe Zones by maintaining and expanding existing sites under BLSA’s management
Dr Lorinda Hart
Birds and Agrochemicals Project Manager
Lorinda.Hart@birdlife.org.za
Lorinda is the Birds and Agrochemicals Project Manager at BirdLife South Africa. She has extensive experience in avian research, with a special interest in the fields of ecotoxicology, ecophysiology, and urban and invasive ecology. Lorinda will oversee pioneering research on the impact of agrochemicals on South Africa’s agricultural bird species, which will inform effective and long-term mitigation strategies. The project, the first of its kind South Africa, will once again place BirdLife South Africa at the forefront of research with real-life conservation application.
Programme Interns
Valery Phakoago
Landscape Conservation Intern
valery.phakoago@birdlife.org.za
Valery Phakoago holds an MSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of Venda, where she studied geophagic practices (consumption of earthly materials) in Sekhukhune area. Currently, Valery is in her final stages of submitting her PhD in Wildlife Conservation Physiology, at the University of the Witwatersrand, working on the ecology of aardvarks and Temminck’s pangolins in the Kalahari. Valery joined BirdLife South Africa as the 2023-2024 Landscape Conservation Intern and is responsible for assisting the Landscape Conservation Programme Manager with administrative duties including report writing, taking minutes, social media and website updates. At some point during her internship, she will assist in fieldwork and also be involved in coordinating upcoming events such a the Learn About Birds (LAB) Conference.
