Joshua Overmeyer

Growing up in Cape Town, Joshua’s love for the natural world was nurtured through time spent with his grandparents on nature walks at local reserves and hiking trails, as well as gardening at home. He began his tertiary education studying toward a Bachelor of Laws with an interest in environmental law. However, he soon realised that his true calling and passion was in hands-on conservation science.

He went on to earn a National Diploma in Nature Conservation at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), completing his final internship year at Karoo Ridge Conservancy (KRC) in 2021. Following his internship, he remained at KRC for an additional year, further honing his skills and developing a keen interest in behavioural ecology and ecosystem functioning. Through these experiences he gained a deeper appreciation for the intricate connections and interactions between species and their environments.

Continuing his academic journey, Joshua obtained an Advanced Diploma (2023) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Science (2024) while working part-time as a tutor at CPUT and volunteering as a research assistant.

Joshua is currently pursuing his Masters in Conservation Science with CPUT and the Cape Leopard Trust to investigate leopard density and activity patterns across a multi-use landscape within the Western Cape. Through his work, Joshua hopes to provide valuable insights into leopard conservation, while also informing management strategies that promote coexistence between wildlife and human activities. He looks forward to learning from and contributing to the CLT team, supporting the conservation of leopards and their habitats.