Dr.Zwannda Nethavhani | Biodiversity and conservation | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Dr.Zwannda Nethavhani | Biodiversity and conservation | Young Scientist Award

Researcher at Agricultural Research Council, South Africa

Dr. Zwannda Nethavhani is a passionate biodiversity researcher specializing in genetics, biosystematics, and conservation science. With a strong academic foundation and a PhD in Genetics from Stellenbosch University, she has contributed significantly to the understanding of edible insects, termites, pangolins, and Lepidoptera. Currently serving as a Researcher at the Agricultural Research Council’s Biosystematics Unit, she employs integrative taxonomic approaches combining morphological and molecular tools. Dr. Nethavhani has experience in mentoring students, leading conservation-centered research, and presenting findings through respected publications and conferences. Her work bridges science and community, especially in sustainable resource use and species protection in Africa. She is a rising leader in conservation genetics and insect biodiversity, with a vision for knowledge translation and biodiversity preservation across ecosystems.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Nethavhani earned her PhD in Genetics from Stellenbosch University , focusing on cataloguing edible insect biodiversity in South Africa. Her research integrated advanced molecular techniques such as DNA barcoding, RAD-sequencing, mitogenomics, and population genetics. Prior to this, she completed an MSc in Zoology at the University of Venda, where she analyzed the spatial structure and sustainable harvesting of Mopane worms. Her Honours explored the impact of environmental stressors on ant biodiversity using statistical modeling in R. She also holds a BSc in Botany and Zoology. Her academic journey reflects a consistent focus on African invertebrate species, conservation ecology, and molecular systematics—skills that position her as a subject matter expert in the field of biodiversity genomics.

Professional Experience

Dr. Nethavhani brings over Nine years of progressive experience in biodiversity and conservation research. As a current researcher at the ARC’s Biosystematics Unit, she manages projects on Lepidoptera systematics, curates collections, and leads collaborations. Her prior postdoctoral work at Tshwane University of Technology involved pangolin conservation, mapping trafficking routes and identifying parasites. At Stellenbosch University, she was a lab supervisor, co-supervised student theses, and served as a practical demonstrator in molecular genetics. Her foundational experience at SANBI, where she supported insect taxonomy for the FBIP-Karoo BioGaps project, shaped her taxonomic and ecological acumen. Zwannda excels at integrating laboratory techniques with fieldwork and public outreach—vital for bridging research with real-world impact.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Zwannda Nethavhani’s academic and research contributions have earned her recognition in the field of conservation biology. While specific awards are not listed in the document, her selection for multiple prestigious research roles—such as the postdoctoral fellowship at Tshwane University of Technology and her appointment at the Agricultural Research Council—demonstrates trust in her scholarly merit and leadership capacity. She has published in high-impact journals like Conservation Genetics, PeerJ, and Global Ecology and Conservation, which highlights her scientific credibility and international recognition. Additionally, her role in capacity building through mentorship and teaching has amplified her influence beyond publications. Her trajectory reflects a researcher consistently entrusted with responsibilities that signal excellence, innovation, and societal contribution—qualities that merit consideration for academic and research awards.

Research Focus

Dr. Nethavhani’s research centers on the biodiversity, conservation, and systematics of African insects and endangered species. Her PhD focused on the genomics of edible insects, specifically using DNA barcoding and mitogenomics to catalog species for sustainable use. She has extensively researched the genus Macrotermes, pangolins, and various Lepidoptera using both morphological and molecular data to resolve phylogenetic and taxonomic challenges. A significant area of her work includes conservation genomics—applying genetic tools to inform species protection and combat illegal wildlife trade, particularly for pangolins. Her integrative approach—bridging taxonomy, phylogenetics, conservation policy, and education—addresses biodiversity threats while supporting capacity-building and sustainable ecosystems. Her research is not only scientifically relevant but also socially responsive, making her work both innovative and impactful.

Skills 

Dr. Nethavhani has a robust skill set spanning laboratory, computational, and field-based research. Her technical proficiencies include DNA extraction, PCR, Sanger and Next-Generation Sequencing (including RAD-seq), and bioinformatics analyses using software such as Geneious, MEGA, MrBayes, PhyloBayes, IQ-tree, and BEAST. She’s proficient in phylogenetic reconstruction, species delimitation, and population genetics using DnaSP, Arlequin, and haplotype networks. She also uses R and QGIS for statistical and spatial analyses. Beyond lab work, she is experienced in specimen curation, collection management, and field surveys. Dr. Nethavhani is skilled in mentoring students, preparing course content, conducting practical lab demonstrations, and writing scientific and popular articles. These multifaceted competencies allow her to work independently and collaboratively across institutions, contributing to impactful research and teaching.

Publications Top Noted

1. Under the scales: Identification of ticks in rehabilitated African pangolins and confiscated scales

  • Authors: Zwannda Nethavhani, Thando Radebe, Catherine Maria Dzerefos, Essa Suleman, Raymond Jansen

  • Journal: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife

  • Year: 2025 (December)

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101117

  • Summary: This study investigates the diversity and identification of ticks found on rehabilitated African pangolins and their confiscated scales. By using morphological and molecular approaches, it highlights parasite-host interactions and provides insights important for pangolin health management and conservation, especially in the context of wildlife trafficking.

2. Scaly trade: Analyses of the media reports of pangolin (Pholidota) scale interceptions within and out of Africa

  • Authors: Zwannda Nethavhani, Catherine Maria Dzerefos, Raymond Jansen

  • Journal: Global Ecology and Conservation

  • Year: 2025 (September)

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03669

  • Summary: This paper analyzes media reports related to pangolin scale seizures to map trafficking routes and the extent of illegal trade within and outside Africa. It underscores the challenges in pangolin conservation, emphasizing the role of public awareness and law enforcement in curbing illicit wildlife trade.

3. Multimarker genetic analyses of Gonimbrasia belina, the most harvested wild edible insect of mopane woodlands in Southern Africa, supports concerns over the sustainability of the species

  • Authors: Zwannda Nethavhani, Ruan Veldtman, Casper Nyamukondiwa, William Versfeld, Barbara van Asch

  • Journal: Conservation Genetics

  • Year: 2025 (June)

  • DOI: 10.1007/s10592-025-01687-1

  • Summary: This research uses multiple genetic markers to evaluate the population structure and genetic diversity of Gonimbrasia belina (Mopane worm), an important edible insect. Results suggest that current harvesting practices may threaten its sustainability, calling for improved management and conservation strategies.

4. Mitogenomics of the Olive Seed Weevil, Anchonocranus oleae Marshall and Implications for Its Phylogenetic Position in Curculionidae

  • Authors: Samuel J. Smit, Elleunorah Allsopp, Zwannda Nethavhani, Virgilio Caleca, Rolf G. Oberprieler, Barbara van Asch

  • Journal: Insects

  • Year: 2022 (July 6)

  • DOI: 10.3390/insects13070607

  • Summary: This paper presents the complete mitochondrial genome of the olive seed weevil and analyzes its phylogenetic placement within the Curculionidae family. It contributes to a better understanding of weevil taxonomy and evolutionary relationships using mitogenomic data.

5. Mitogenomics and phylogenetics of twelve species of African Saturniidae (Lepidoptera)

  • Authors: Zwannda Nethavhani et al.

  • Journal: PeerJ

  • Year: 2022 (April 18)

  • DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13275

  • Summary: This study reconstructs the mitochondrial genomes and phylogenetic relationships of twelve African Saturniidae moth species. The findings improve taxonomic clarity and evolutionary understanding of this group of moths, important for biodiversity studies in Africa.

6. Overview of the Genetic Diversity of African Macrotermes (Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) and Implications for Taxonomy, Ecology and Food Science

  • Authors: Zwannda Nethavhani

  • Journal: Insects

  • Year: 2021 (June 3)

  • DOI: 10.3390/insects12060518

  • Summary: This comprehensive review examines genetic diversity within African Macrotermes termites. It highlights implications for taxonomy, ecosystem functioning, and their role as edible insects, underscoring the need for integrative approaches in research and sustainable harvesting practices.

Conclusion

Dr. Zwannda Nethavhani embodies the qualities of a visionary scientist: innovative, community-driven, technically skilled, and academically accomplished. Her contributions to biodiversity, from molecular systematics to conservation research, have significant implications for African ecosystems and beyond. She is a powerful advocate for the sustainable use of natural resources, mentorship, and public science engagement. With her interdisciplinary expertise and growing body of high-quality research outputs, Dr. Nethavhani stands as an exemplary candidate for research accolades and continued leadership in conservation science.