Deon Furstenburg
Independent Private Scientist & Consultant
Profile
About
Dr Deon Furstenburg is a wildlife scientist and consultant with over 44 years of professional experience in applied ecology and game production
He earned his B.Sc. (Zoology, Botany, Geology, Entomology, & Chemistry) and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Wildlife Management under the Eugene Marais Chair, as well as an M.Sc. (Wildlife Management) with landmark research on giraffe feeding ecology, all from the University of Pretoria.
Beginning his career as Scientist in Ecology and Animal Production at Kruger National Park and Science Technician for the Eugene Marais Chair, Deon went on to serve as Senior Wildlife Scientist with the Agricultural Research Council (Port Elizabeth and Irene) and Senior Lecturer in Game Science at Grootfontein Agricultural College and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. From 2015–2021 he directed Wildlife Science & Game Production at GEO WILD Consult, and since 2021 has provided independent scientific and management consulting through Afri Wild Services.
An acknowledged leader in wildlife risk assessments, habitat suitability evaluations, carrying-capacity studies, and game-ranch business planning, Deon has authored dozens of peer-reviewed papers, policy memoranda to government departments, and comprehensive eco-zoological reports for private and public stakeholders. He continues to advise landowners, insurers, and conservation agencies on sustainable wildlife production and ecosystem management, helping shape the future of southern Africa’s wildlife industry.