For lions, Mthethwa is always ready to roar into action
SINCE the age of five, Lesego Mthethwa has been fascinated with lions.
Today at 24, she is a field officer with the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Carnivore Conservation Programme working largely in the Greater Kruger areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
In a world where poaching, wildlife trafficking, and poisoning pose an ever-looming threat to lions, Mthethwa works to support their conservation and ensure their continued protection.
“My parents used to take my sister and I to the Kruger National Park every year during the school holidays, and those trips had a huge impact on me. Being surrounded by wildlife sparked a deep love for lions and nature in general. That early connection stayed with me and eventually grew into a passion for conservation, it just felt natural to turn that childhood wonder into a career path focused on protecting the animals and environments I care so deeply about,” she said.
“Conservation isn’t just about animals, it’s about preserving the environment for future generations, promoting coexistence between people and wildlife, and ensuring that natural heritage remains intact,” she explained.
Mthethwa, who hails from Mbombela, Mpumalanga, studied a BSc in Biological Sciences, focusing on Zoology and Physiology at the University of North West Potchefstroom Campus.
Her first hands-on experience in carnivore conservation was gained through an internship with the Kevin Richardson Foundation.
“The first project I was involved in was a lion population assessment in the Nxanatseni South Region of the Kruger National Park. It was a sobering experience, as the survey, which the EWT undertook for SANParks, revealed a decline in lion numbers in the northern part of the park due to targeted poisonings and poaching. Despite the findings, the project was an invaluable learning opportunity and a strong introduction to wildlife survey work.
“I worked closely with several colleagues and partners as we covered over 5,100 kilometers, using both vehicle-based photography and camera traps. By analysing the lions’ unique whisker spot patterns, we were able to identify individuals and estimate population numbers in the region,” Mthethwa said.
A typical day at work for the young conservationist includes routine patrols across the landscape, and responding to situations where lions have moved into high-risk areas, whether these threats are linked to human-wildlife conflict or other threats.
“I’m also involved in regular snare sweeps to help mitigate poaching risks,” she said.
Another key aspect of Mthethwa’s work is the collaring of lions. She explains that when specific lions are identified as needing closer monitoring, they are fitted with tracking collars to help ensure their safety and provide data on their movements.
Mthethwa pointed out that among the biggest threats facing conservation in her field is poaching and poisoning, often linked to human-wildlife conflict and the illegal wildlife trade.
“This is worsened by the unregulated use of toxic pesticides, which are frequently misused to poison predators. I believe stronger enforcement, community education, and tighter regulation of these chemicals are essential. Another challenge is exploitative wildlife tourism activities like cub petting and predator selfies mislead the public and harm true conservation.”
Last month, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said government was making progress toward publishing a Prohibition Notice that will ban the establishment of new captive lion breeding facilities in South Africa. This forms part of a broader strategy to phase out intensive breeding practices for commercial gain and to strengthen the country’s biodiversity laws under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), 2004.
Being a woman in her field is not without its challenges, as Mthethwa describes conservation, especially fieldwork as still being a very male-dominated field which she navigates, “staying confident in my abilities, being consistent in my work, and finding mentors and allies who support and uplift women in the field”.
“Women in conservation often face a mix of challenges, ranging from being underestimated in the field, to limited representation in leadership roles, to balancing safety concerns while working in remote or male-dominated environments.
“As a young woman, I’ve often had to prove myself in ways my male counterparts haven’t. There can be assumptions about physical strength or capability, and sometimes I’ve been underestimated simply because of my age or gender. But rather than letting that discourage me, it’s pushed me to work even harder and let my results speak for themselves. Over time, I’ve earned respect through consistency, resilience, and a genuine passion for the work. I also hope that by showing up and doing the work well, I can help open doors for more women to enter and thrive in this space.”
Cape Times