Population Genetics of sub-Antarctic Marine Mammals

Yinhla Shihlomule, Top Predator Monitoring Coordinator at the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI)

Yinhla works for SAPRI under the National Research Foundation’s South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON) as a Top Predator Monitoring Coordinator. Yinhla has overwintered on Marion Island as a field biologist for the government and the university of Pretoria, working on seals and killer whales.

He has a background in Marine Biology with a focus on the genetics of apex predators. Having participated in four overwintering expeditions on Sub-Antarctic Marion Island, Yinhla gained invaluable field experience crucial for monitoring top predator populations. This hands-on involvement equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to assume the role of a Top Predator Monitoring Coordinator.

Yinhla is currently pursuing a PhD on the genetics of southern elephant seals, and this aligns with the role and duties of the Top Predator Monitoring Coordinator.

With a dedication to advancing our understanding of marine biodiversity and conservation, Yinhla is poised to make significant contributions to the role of Top Predator Monitoring Coordinator.