Sydney Tshilingalinga is a conservationist with experience in marine mammal monitoring, invasion biology, plant ecology and terrestrial invertebrates. He holds a BSc degree in Botany and Zoology from the University of Venda and a BSc (Honours) in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology from the University of the Western Cape. He also holds an MSc degree in Invasion Biology from the University of Fort Hare that focused on the ecology of invasive alien plants and their interaction with terrestrial invertebrates. 

Throughout his academic journey, Sydney has acquired and developed extensive skills in data collection and management, specimen collection and identification, and the management and control of invasive alien species.

Answering Marion’s call 

After completing his honours degree and with a background in zoology, Sydney landed himself a spot on the Marion Island 73 overwintering team as a field assistant with one of the long-term research projects on the island – the Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme. Upon his return from the sub-Antarctic Marion Island, he joined the Invasive Species Unit at the City of Cape Town as an assistant conservation officer, managing and controlling invasive alien species within the City of Cape Town.

Being passionate about invasion biology and willing to further his study, he decided to go back to the university full time. While completing his MSc degree at the University of Fort Hare, another call from Marion herself reached his ears and he immediately answered.

This time he returned to the island as an environmental control officer under the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). His duties were to represent the department in all the environmental issues and compliance of all research being conducted on the island, as the DFFE is the main custodian of both the Prince Edward Islands.