Tali Hoffman
MSc Candidate, UCT Zoology Department
Tali Hoffman, a postgraduate zoology student from the University of Cape Town is the principal investigator in the study of the spatial ecology of the Cape Peninsula baboon troops. Tali has always had a fervent interest in animal welfare and conservation, and is driven by a deep adoration of animal life and an appreciation of the natural environment. After several years of working as a tour guide in southern and east Africa she realised that effective management and conservation of biodiversity can only be attained through a sound scientific understanding of the natural world. Based on this realisation she began her academic career in 2003 at the University of Cape Town.
She married her interests in zoology and the environment by obtaining two Bachelor of Science majors: Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, and Environmental and Geographical Science. During her final undergraduate year Tali was introduced to several zoology students who were involved in chacma baboon (Papio h. ursinus) research. She was immediately drawn to the plight of these semi-urban troops and decided to become involved in their conservation.
Tali began an Honours degree in Zoology in 2006, when she studied the spatial ecology of the largest of the Cape Peninsula baboon troops – the Tokai troop. This research is now being expanded to incorporate detailed studies of all of the Peninsula baboon troops. Tali hopes that this project will provide the Cape’s environmental officials with the information they require to better manage and conserve this endangered population of primates.
