Derek Schuurman

Born in South Africa, where I studied Psychology and Sociology, I have had a strong interest in wildlife (birds in particular) for as long as I can remember.   As a result of a long-standing fascination with Madagascar', I began visiting the island from 1992. While working in South Africa, I undertook many exploratory trips to Madagascar, as well as to the Mascarene islands, Mozambique, Uganda, Ethiopia and Eritrea. 

I had the opportunity to co-author the first three editions of 'Madagascar Wildlife: A Visitors Guide' for Bradt Guides, which scooped The Sunday Times (UK) 'Small Publisher of the Year Award. Outlets in which I have had articles published, include BBC Wildlife and World Birdwatch magazines.

In 2009-'10 and 2018-'20 I participated in a voluntary team of individuals including conservationists and biologists from NGOs such as Missouri Botanical Gardens, Global Forest Watch and World Resources Institute, on a campaign surrounding illegal logging issues within protected areas of Madagascar. The studies, which also address wider conservation-related topics in Madagascar, can be viewed on ResearchGate.  

While Madagascar will always be my favourite destination, I have enjoyed a myriad of unforgettable experiences in other African countries. Top of the list among these include gorilla tracking in both Rwanda and Uganda; seeing green turtle hatchlings scurrying to the sea in Sao Tome & Principe; phenomenally productive night drives in Botswana; safari in Kenya and spotting black-bellied pangolin along with other unusual Upper Guinea forest wildlife in Ghana. It is moments like these that one cherishes forever. They are a continual source of inspiration and I enjoy facilitating similar experiences for our clients who wish to appreciate rare wildlife in sometimes remote and offbeat countries.