Our Team, Board & Governance
Leadership
on the Front Line
Protecting rhinos demands leadership rooted in deep experience, rigorous science, and unrelenting commitment.
Ground-Led Conservation
Driven by those protecting rhinos every day.
Endangered Rhino Conservation is a truly ground-led organisation, shaped and driven by the very people working daily in conservation and wildlife protection.
Our work is powered by those who know the harsh realities of safeguarding endangered species—not from afar, but from the front lines of the field.
Meet Our Conservation Leadership
Founder of Mankwe
62 yearsof conservation experience
Reserve Manager
26 yearsof conservation experience
Research Coordinator
PhD in Rhino Habitat Utilisation 11 years at Mankwe
Reserve Assistant Manager
Masters degree in Ecology 7 years at Mankwe
Reserve Assistant
5 years at Mankwe
Nature Conservation Graduate
4 years at Mankwe
Conservation Supervisor
24 years at MankweOur Field Teams
Conservation Rangers
Willard Chiphonda, Zhipo Ngubane, Maurice Molesi, Ackim Banda
Collectively50 years
of experience
Anti-Poaching Supervisors
Vincent Thebyane and Jonas Molekwa
12 yearsat Mankwe
Anti-Poaching Scouts
Hans Motshabi, Jan Mibiletsa, Jonas Matjila, Tshepo Matjila, Stephen Molekwa, Mccarthy Segotso, Kagiso Makakaba, Michael Molautsi, Peter Senokane, Kagiso Ndeshebe
Collectively45 years
of experience
Our strength lies in experience.
Our purpose is protection.
Conservation Leadership
Dr Lynne MacTavish
At the heart of Endangered Rhino Conservation's work is Dr. Lynne MacTavish, Operations Manager of Mankwe Wildlife Reserve and a conservation scientist with over 20 years of hands-on experience in wildlife protection, research, and education.
Lynne's focus shifted decisively to rhino conservation after a tragic poaching incident on Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in 2014, when five rhinos were brutally killed. Devastated, she vowed that their deaths would not be in vain — committing to become a powerful voice for rhinos and to dedicate her efforts to preventing further losses.
Since that turning point, Lynne has tirelessly raised global awareness of the rhino poaching crisis. She has engaged with media outlets, presented to the South African Government, spoken on behalf of the Private Rhino Association at the 2016 CITES Convention, and been appointed to the Rhino Alive Board.
In recognition of her profound contributions to wildlife conservation and conservation science, Lynne received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Brighton.
Alongside her frontline leadership, she lectures in Ecology, teaching approximately 300 students each year about ecosystem management and conservation, and has co-authored numerous scientific publications.
Governance & Accountability
Board of Directors
ERC is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors who provide strategic oversight, governance and accountability, ensuring the organisation remains focused on its mission and operates to the highest standards.
Board Members
- Cathryn Gabor
- Rob Fuller
- Casey Cole
- Cindy White
- Laura Rosa
Board Members
- Prof Adam Hart
- Prof Anne Goodenough
- Sandra Raw
Board Members
- Dr Lynne MacTavish
- Jason Martin
- Wendy Baxter
- Trevor Fletcher
The Board brings a range of experience and perspectives to support ERC’s long-term sustainability,
governance and strategic direction.
Governance, Structure & Compliance
Transparent, Accountable and Built for Impact
Endangered Rhino Conservation operates as a registered charitable organisation with robust governance and full transparency.
In the United States, ERC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 83-1313041). In the United Kingdom, ERC UK is a registered charity (number 1206850, CIO). In South Africa, ERC SA details are to be added.
We adhere to strict governance standards, ensuring all funds support frontline rhino protection at Mankwe Wildlife Reserve and partner organisations in South Africa.
This framework ensures ERC can operate effectively across borders while maintaining a clear focus on frontline conservation impact.
Governance structures oversee
Financial management and compliance
Ethical conservation practices
Partnerships and collaborations
Risk management and organisational oversight
Working Together for Rhinos
Collaboration That
Drives Conservation
Endangered Rhino Conservation’s impact is made possible only through deep collaboration—among conservation leaders, board members, frontline partners, donors, and supporters worldwide.
Together, we are united by a shared commitment: protecting rhinos through practical, on-the-ground action, evidence-based decisions, and dedicated long-term stewardship.