about us
Connecting Populations. Conserving the Future.
The Metapopulation Initiative (TMI) is a science-driven conservation organisation focused on securing the long-term survival of cheetahs and other endangered species across fragmented landscapes. As habitat loss and human development continue to isolate wildlife populations, we work to keep them connected—genetically, ecologically, and geographically.
At the heart of our work is metapopulation management: the strategic translocation of animals between protected areas to mimic natural gene flow, reduce inbreeding, and maintain resilient, thriving populations.
The Metapopulation Initiative together with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and Ashia Cheetah Conservation co-manage one of the most successful models of carnivore conservation in Africa, overseeing cheetah populations across more than 76 fenced reserves with the EWT and Ashia, and supporting international reintroduction efforts.
our vision
Restoring Africa’s iconic wildlife to their ancestral lands, ensuring thriving metapopulations in balanced ecosystems through bold, science-driven conservation. Empowering reserves and communities while fostering biodiversity and a lasting legacy for our planet.
our mission
We protect Africa’s endangered wildlife by reconnecting habitats, restoring ecosystems, and building harmony between people and nature. Through science-driven metapopulation management, collaboration with landowners, governments, and communities, and ethically guided action, we work to safeguard biodiversity, enhance species fitness, and ensure that conservation delivers lasting benefits for wildlife and people alike.
our story
The Metapopulation Initiative (TMI) was born from a vision first pioneered by the late Vincent van der Merwe during his time at the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).
In 2011 , the Endangered Wildlife Trust launched the Cheetah Metapopulation Project that was headed by Vincent van der Merwe, driven by the National Cheetah Conservation Forum, to address the urgent need to safeguard South Africa’s cheetah population from inbreeding and local extinction. Through translocations, genetic monitoring, and unprecedented collaboration with private and state reserves, the project became one of the most successful carnivore conservation programmes in the world.
Under the coordination of Vincent van der Merwe, with the support of many collaborators, the population grew from 217 cheetahs on 41 reserves to over 500 individuals across 5 countries — a landmark in global conservation.
In 2022, Vincent established The Metapopulation Initiative (TMI) as an independent non-profit to expand this proven model beyond cheetahs to other threatened carnivores such as African wild dogs and lions.
Though Vincent passed away in March 2025, his legacy lives on in TMI. Guided by his pioneering vision, our team continues the work he began: protecting Africa’s carnivores through science, collaboration, and community partnership.
our founder
Vincent van der Merwe dedicated his life to securing a future for southern Africa’s cheetahs.
As the heart behind the Cheetah Metapopulation Project and one of the top conservation scientists in his field, Vincent didn’t just protect cheetahs—he transformed the way we conserve them. His bold, strategic approach to metapopulation management gave cheetahs the space, safety, and opportunity to thrive across more than 76 reserves in South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, and beyond Africa.
Vincent’s work helped to reshaped how the world views conservation for wide-ranging carnivores. But for him, it was never about accolades—it was always about the cheetahs.
After his tragic passing in March 2025, we continue this journey, carrying his vision with pride and purpose—committed to building on his legacy and ensuring his life’s work lives on in every pawprint across the continent.
Rest in peace, Vincent. You will always be part of this visionary journey.
our team
Vincent laid the foundation. Now, TMI’s team of dedicated conservation scientists, reserve managers, and community partners are committed to building on his legacy. Our focus remains on science-driven management, global collaboration, and securing a future where Africa’s carnivores continue to thrive.
KULANI NYAKANE
Cheetah Metapopulation Manager
Kulani Nyakane is a dedicated carnivore conservationist committed to safeguarding Africa’s threatened predator species.
Based on the western boundary of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa, he currently serves as the Cheetah Metapopulation Manager for TMI, where his work spans translocations, rewilding initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and the long-term conservation of large predator through the metapopulation strategy.
With over a decade of experience working in big 5 conservation areas, Kulani’s career has centred on wildlife research, monitoring, and conflict mitigation for species including African wild dogs, cheetahs, lions, hyenas, rhinos, and vultures. His expertise covers human–carnivore conflict resolution, threatened species conservation, stakeholder collaboration, and ranger training in rapid wildlife poisoning response.
Originally from Bushbuckridge in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, Kulani began his conservation journey in 2013 as an Ecological Research Technician at Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, where he was involved in habitat assessments, wildlife monitoring, and anti-poaching operations.
He later served as Field Manager for Human Wildlife Solutions in Cape Town, managing complex human–wildlife conflict scenarios in urban environments.
For seven years, Kulani served as a Carnivore Field Officer with the EWT, focusing on the conservation of species such as African wild dogs, cheetahs, and lions across the Greater Kruger region and into Mozambique.
His work combines scientific precision with community-driven action, reflecting his passion for capacity-building and outdoor education to promote coexistence between people and wildlife.
A National Geographic Explorer since 2018, Kulani has worked across Southern Africa including in Zambia, Botswana, Angola, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique developing and implementing conservation strategies that benefit both ecosystems and local communities. He holds a Diploma in Nature Conservation from Tshwane University of Technology.
Through his leadership, field expertise, and community engagement, Kulani continues to champion innovative, collaborative solutions for the protection of Africa’s iconic carnivores and its people.
AKIL RAMCHARAN
Database Manager
Akil Ramcharan is our Database Manager specializing in wildlife conservation, with extensive experience managing a cheetah metapopulation database.
Akil is skilled in genetic background analysis, reintroduction and translocation planning, and maintaining accurate population records.
He brings strong fieldwork experience with many hours spent in the field monitoring wildlife, coupled with excellent teamwork and collaboration skills. He is also experienced in conservation-focused social media management and public engagement.
SIZIE MODISE
Marketing & Communications Manager
Sizie Modise is a passionate conservation communicator, brand strategist, and production manager who has been working with endangered species—particularly big cats—since 2014.
With a strong background in journalism and marketing, she has spent over a decade turning complex conservation work into compelling stories that move people to care and act. Sizie has played a pivotal role in amplifying the efforts to protect Africa’s iconic species, especially cheetahs, and now brings her expertise to the Metapopulation Initiative.
Her work focuses on building partnerships, strengthening the brand, and sharing the powerful stories behind wildlife conservation across the continent.
SUSAN YANETTI
Fundraising - USA Based
Susan Yannetti is a strategist and fundraiser for cheetah conservation projects. Susan designed initiatives for Namibia’s Cheetah Conservation Fund for almost a decade before joining with founder Vincent van der Merwe to help launch The Metapopulation Initiative/Cheetah Metapopulation Project in 2024.
She is best known for her work on the reintroduction of cheetah in India. Beginning in 2015, Susan became the frontline communicator with international press on this groundbreaking achievement, culminating with the translocation of 20 cheetah from Africa to India in 2022 and 2023.
Susan is also credited with developing a strategic plan to disrupt the illegal trade in cheetah cubs in the Horn of Africa, which included building a conservation and education center in Somaliland, writing and winning a series of grants to fund a community-based approach, and producing high-profile media stories with CNN, NBC News, AFP, Reuters, and Mongabay to generate global attention for the threat.
Susan holds a Juris Doctor and a communications degree from Boston University. She is based in the United States, sharing her time between Florida and Washington, D.C.
DR ALI SHAMS
Conservation Biologist- Asiatic Cheetah, Iran
Dr. Ali Shams is a conservation biologist specialising in the protection of the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah and the Northwest African cheetah.
With a deep-rooted connection to nature since childhood, he began his career at 18 as a nature and adventure tour leader, later earning an MA in Environmental Assessment and Land Use Planning and his PhD in Biology.
Driven by his passion for wildlife conservation, Ali has been a steadfast guardian of Iran’s vanishing Asiatic cheetah population since 2014.
As part of his PhD research at UCT, Ali began his research in 2021, focusing on the Northwest African Cheetah Conservation Project in Benin and Chad. This groundbreaking initiative marked the first comprehensive monitoring effort for the subspecies in high-risk, unsecured regions.
Currently, Ali serves as the Project Coordinator for the Asiatic Cheetah Conservation Program, leading critical efforts to protect the last remaining populations of this iconic species. His work spans in-situ and ex-situ conservation, collaborating with governments, NGOs, and local communities.
With extensive field experience and academic expertise, Ali has taken on diverse roles: ecologist, project manager, researcher, facilitator, and consultant—to advance wildlife conservation. His dedication extends beyond Iran, contributing to cheetah preservation efforts in South Africa, Central Africa, and Northwest Africa.
DR NEJAT JIMMY SEID
Veterinarian
Dr. Nejat Jimmy Seid is a dedicated Ethiopian veterinarian, renowned for her expertise in wildlife and domestic animal care, earning her the nickname “Animal Whisperer.”
With over 19 years of experience, she has worked extensively in both Ethiopia and Somaliland, focusing her efforts on the conservation and treatment of Lions, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Caracals, and various domestic species.
Dr. Seid holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Hargeisa, complemented by qualifications in Clinical Nursing from Addis Ababa Medical College, Hargeisa Campus. Her academic credentials are further enhanced by practical experience gained through her engagement in various reputable institutions, solidifying her status as an expert in her field.
Her professional journey includes significant roles, such as Intern Veterinarian at Animal Refuge, DECAN, Djibouti, and positions at the
Aspinall Foundation, Cheetah Conservation Fund in Hargeisa, Comprehensive Community-Based Rehabilitation in Somaliland, German Agro Agriculture in Somaliland, and ongoing collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) since 2007.
Dr. Seid is a multilingual professional, proficient in several international and local languages, which has greatly facilitated her ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments. Her commitment to continuous learning and professional development reflects her passion for expanding her expertise, building relationships, and enhancing her career trajectory in veterinary medicine and wildlife conservation.
JOHAN LA GRANGE
Admin and Logistics support
COLLEEN DE VILLIERS
Admin and Logistics support
DR MARIA CALADO
Rooiberg Veterinary Services
JUSTIN RODGER
Country Representative Zimbabwe & Mozambique
our directors
The Metapopulation Initiative is led by a core group of highly experienced non-executive directors:
KEVIN LEO–SMITH
Director
Kevin Leo-Smith is a seasoned sustainability expert with extensive experience in safari tourism, wildlife conservation, and integrated sustainable development.
As a co-founder of Conservation Corporation Africa (now &Beyond), Kwando Safaris and African Conservation Development Group, he has developed luxury safari camps and complex integrated conservation initiatives across Africa.
Kevin serves on the board of The Metapopulation Initiative, Rhino Revolution and is chairperson of the Kruger to Canyon Biosphere Region. He is also a non-executive director of immedia, a Durban-based tech company, and co-founder of Safari Investment Advisory.
Residing at Rietspruit Game Reserve, Kevin is dedicated to enhancing the value of wild spaces and endangered species for their protection and expansion.
DR ANDY FRASER
Director
Dr Andy Fraser was born and raised in Johannesburg but developed a passion for wildlife and conservation on the family farm in the Limpopo bushveld. He received his secondary education at King Edward VII School after which he spent a year in the UK broadening his horizons before returning to South Africa to study Veterinary science at Onderstepoort.
After graduating from University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort in 2014, Andy began growing a career in wildlife management and conservation in Limpopo.
In 2017 Andy started Rooiberg Veterinary Services which provides Veterinary consulting, translocation and treatment services in the Waterberg region of the Limpopo province.
In 2022 RVS Purchased a small farm with a fully functional wildlife holding and quarantine facility.
Andy currently contributes to various specialist groups that are involved in the management and conservation of endangered species.
Andy has a strong core belief of community development and conservation through education of our youth in rural communities surrounding wildlife habitat.
Career highlights recently include contributing to the international translocation of wild dogs to Malawi and Cheetah to Mozambique and India.
DR PETER ROGERS
Director
As a dedicated wildlife veterinarian with over 38 years of experience, Dr Rogers has specialised in the conservation and care of numerous South African wild animal species, with a particular focus on endangered species such as rhinos and cheetahs.
He has performed over 1,700 immobilisations of both black and white rhinos for translocations, treatment of poaching wounds, and horn trimming (dehorning) procedures. His experience also includes more than 1,000 cheetah immobilisations for management, treatment, disease testing, and translocation purposes.
Between 2000 and 2010, while involved in a disease-free buffalo breeding program, he carried out at least 5,000 immobilisations to screen animals for disease prior to relocation. His expertise extends to the immobilisation, translocation, and treatment of a wide range of other species, including pangolins, elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and numerous species of antelope.
Dr Rogers continues to play an active role in local, regional, and international wildlife translocation operations, primarily involving rhinos and cheetahs. Additionally, he served in a consultancy capacity at Al Bustan Zoological Centre in the United Arab Emirates for several years, where he worked extensively with various Arabian species, including both antelope and carnivores.
our core values
Science First
We ground every decision using rigorous research and evidence-based practices.
Collaboration Over Competition
We work alongside governments, NGOs, private landowners, scientists, and communities—because conservation is strongest when done together.
Innovation in Action
We pioneer adaptive solutions for a rapidly changing world, from strategic translocations to tech-enabled monitoring.
Species Before Borders
Wildlife doesn’t recognise political boundaries—and neither do we. Our work spans across countries, ecosystems, and continents.
Long-Term Impact
We’re here for more than short-term wins. We build resilient systems and partnerships designed to secure a future for generations of wildlife to come.
Be Part of the Win: Help Africa’s Wildlife Thrive
Cheetahs and other endangered wildlife are running out of time. With your support, we can relocate, protect, and monitor these species while working with communities to secure their future.