Exhibitions

Every year the National Museum adds more items dedicated towards persons with a range of disabilities, to its permanent exhibitions - and almost every year prepare temporary displays of artefacts for an educational experience to the visually impaired. These artefacts represents material from a large number of research fields addressed by the scientists from our different research departments. These displays attempt to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities and other people alike in an enjoyable, learning encounter at the National Museum. Since 2008 the National Museum has been on a path of developing more displays for all people to enjoy. This led to a steady development of making displays more accessible to everybody.

Members of the Aganang and the Rondezvous Support Groups of the Free State Society for the Blind regularly visit the National Museum for a memorable experience in our exhibition halls. Depending on the specific occasion both scientists and Museum guides treats guests to a touch, sound and truly educational experience. Our visitors are typically divided into smaller groups, allowing each person to “see” a number of objects from up close, while both scientists and guides share interesting information and answer questions. Hands are sanitized before and after touching objects.

Following regular feedback from the Society for the Blind, a visit to the National Museum is always one of thé highlights on their support groups’ annual calenders. For the Museum, on the other hand, such visits encourage the continuous feedback and upgrade of our exhibitions to give a unique experience to persons with a variety of disabilities. Upgrades typically include the development of exciting new objects in our exhibitions (such as the enlarged and skillfully painted 3D prints of minute organisms), making use of easier readable fonts in accompanying texts, and improving lighting to enhance the experience of partially sighted persons. Detailed feedback from all our visitors are therefore, always, highly valued.

Temporary and interactive exhibitions

Similar to Museum outings by visually impaired visitors, attendees to the annual Amanzi Wildsfees (Amanzi Wildlife Festival) can take part in our “interactive displays” where they are encouraged to ask questions and handle a selection of specially prepared specimens.

Recent temporary exhibitions by the Mammalogy Department include:

1. At the Amanzi Game Festival, 9 and 10 August 2024: an interactive exhibition of a collection of small carnivore study skins, skulls and taxidermy specimens.
2. Mammal specimens and text for a National Museum exhibition (exhibited by Design Department) at the 2024 National SAMA conference, 3-5 September 2024.
3. Temporary exhibition at the Bainsvlei Library in Langenhovenpark: Fascinating mammals. Open to the public from 27 June 2023 until 26 January 2024.

Supervision of students 

Dr. N. Avenant currently co-supervise a PhD student, Mr. Alistair Green, together with Dr. Haemish Melville from UNISA in the project titled Spatio-temporal ecology between mesopredators in the Eastern Cape. Fieldwork for the specific project has ended, but A. Green’s PhD write-up continues.

Dr. Avenant is also a supervisor for MSc student Ms. Alida Jordaan, Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State. The title of her dissertation is “Impact of climate variation on small mammal presence and activity in sandy habitats of the Kalahari Desert, South Africa”.

Ongoing field work in long-term research projects

(Photo: Marcus Westberg)

May 2021
In the quest to better understand and interpret observed changes in the Kalahari ecosystem, drs Nico Avenant (National Museum Mammalogy Department) and Duncan MacFadyen (Head Research and Conservation, Oppenheimer Generations) have recently started the project Small mammals as an indicator of habitat change in the Kalahari.

This work, done in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, will form part of the extensive and long term Kalahari Endangered Ecosystems Project (KEEP) that aims to address the impact of climate change on the Kalahari ecosystem. As such the small mammal component will be integrated with the work of a large number of other specialists / senior researchers in other fields, from at least six other South African universities, and results correlated to various abiotic, soil, vegetation and insect variables.

Information from the KEEP project, and therefore also our specific part on the small mammal species and communities, should potentially make a significant contribution to species and nature/ecosystem conservation at Tswalu and in the larger Kalahari. Improved understanding of the processes of change, coupled to environmental and habitat change, and the intricate web of Kalahari organisms, will also help scientists to better predict future scenarios. All of this information are bound to be included in the biodiversity monitoring protocols and management plans of the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, and have the potential for wider application as well.

(Photo: Nico Avenant)

November 2021
Dr Nico Avenant is one of more than 60 scientists from eight French and 10 South African research institutions currently collaborating in the long-term project Biodiversity and global change in Southern Africa. This project has been running since 2005. Pictured here are Dr Guila Ganem from the University of Montpellier (France) and PhD student Hamilcar Keilani doing fieldwork in the southern Free State.

Conferences

The scientists from our Mammalogy Department regularly contribute on their research at national and international conferences and workshops, and through seminars. The most recent ones include:

2023 (July) - 13^th International Mammalogical Congress, Anchorage, Alaska:

Small mammals as an indicator of habitat change in the Kalahari, South Africa. Contribution by Nico Avenant and Duncan MacFadyen.

2023 (July) – Nico Avenant present a seminar at the Wildlife Services National Research Centre in Fort Collins, USA: Managing small stock predation in South Africa – progress since our 2010 visit.

2023 (September) – 14^th African Small Mammal Symposium, Swakopmund, Namibia:

1. Sampling murid community structure and composition in the central South African grasslands: removal versus non-removal trapping, by Avenant N.L., Nortier N. & Butler, H.J.
2. Expensive Tissue Hypothesis (ETH) and Counter-gradient variation in cricetid and murid rodents at high elevation, by Nengovhela A., Ivy C.M., Scott G.R., Denys C. and Taylor, P.J.
3. On the systematic position of horseshoe bats (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) from Lesotho, by Benda P., Uvizl M., Avenant N.L., Eiseb S.J. & Červený J.
4. Understanding the drivers of adaptation to increasing aridity, by Keilani H., Avenant N.L., Caminade P., Nokha R., Pillay N. & Ganem G.
5. Avenant also acted as Chair for one of the Symposiums and served on the Scientific Advisory Committee for the 14^th African Small Mammal Symposium.

2024 (September) – 2024 National SAMA conference, Bloemfontein:

Museum exhibitions: catering for Persons with Disabilities, by Nico Avenant & Christo Venter.

2024 (October) - 13^th Oppenheimer Research Conference, Randjiesfontein, Johannesburg:

1. Monitoring biodiversity through traditional ecological knowledge and leading-edge analytics - through the lens of small mammals, by Sky Alibhai, Nico Avenant, Zoe Jewell and Duncan MacFadyen (joint oral contribution by the first two authors).
2. Small mammals as an indicator of habitat change in the Kalahari, South Africa, by Nico Avenant and Duncan MacFadyen.

2025 (September) – 8th International Conference on Rodent Biology and Management (ICRBM), Canberra, Australia, 1-5 September 2025:

Reimagining small mammal monitoring: a non-invasive approach using footprint identification technology, by Nico Avenant, Maria Oosthuizen, Zoë Jewell and Sky Alibhai.

N. Avenant also served on the International Organising Committee, and chaired a session in the Ecology and Conservation symposium.

Specialist Museum Scientist and Head of Department

Nico L. Avenant PhD navenant@nationalmuseum.co.za

Nico Avenant is a small mammal ecologist with extensive field experience, working on a wide variety of rodents and their predators. He has joined the National Museum in 1995. Observations made during his early collection trips, together with his introduction to environmental impact assessments (EIAs), led to Nico’s current research field, i.e. small mammal community characteristics as indicators of habitat integrity. His PhD study (on the ecology of the exotic Marion Island house mouse) added value to his studies on small mammal ecology. Nico slowly started to merge the fields of “small mammals as indicators” and “predator-prey relations”. To date Nico has contributed towards >75 peer-reviewed publications, >65 research based reports, >130 national and international conference and workshop contributions, and five chapters in books. Current RG Score = 26.90; h-index 21; research interest 1231.8; work cited in 1361 publications.

Nico is a National Research Foundation (NRF) rated scientist and a Research Associate of the Centre for Environmental Management (CEM), University of the Free State (UFS). He collaborates on national and international research projects, and lectures to and supervises both undergraduate and post-graduate students. He has conducted research over a wide area in Southern Africa, at the Prince Edward Islands, and in Cambodia.

Since January 2000 Nico has acted as reviewer for manuscripts in 20 different accredited journals, for conference abstracts, for three books, and for five species profiles for the Mammals of Africa (Kingdon et al. 2013); as scientific advisor for the Mammals of the Southern African Subregion (Skinner & Chimimba 2005); as contributor and compiler for the SA Red Data Books for Mammals (Friedmann & Daly 2004; Child et al. 2016); as Guest Editor for the journals Integrative Zoology and Navorsinge van die Nasionale Museum, Bloemfontein. He is currently a Section Editor for African Zoology. More recently Nico has assessed applications for NRF evaluations and ratings, for NRF funding, and project proposals for a number of national and international Grant entities and tertiary institutions. He has also acted as an external examiner for 25 post-graduate studies (from 11 different universities), and as advisor for Recognition of Prior Learning applications.

Nico’s other responsibilities at the National Museum include involvement in certain educational activities, and overseeing the collections and administration of the Mammalogy Department. The Department’s research collection and database comprise c. 13 000 mammal specimens and records. As Curator of the collection he is primarily responsible for the systematic growth thereof, and for ensuring that it remains relevant and accessible for researchers internationally. His involvement in EIAs and participation in conservation initiatives represent contributions towards the conservation of species, biodiversity and ecosystems. Regarding involvement in education, Nico contributes actively to permanent and temporary Museum exhibitions, he presents both popular and academic lectures, provides information on mammals and ecosystems to individuals and groups, and supervises post-graduate students (14 MSc and PhD degrees awarded). The 29 popular publications, 23 newspaper articles, 74 popular talks and involvement with the “Big 5” computer game are further testimony to his commitment to research-based education at all levels.

Nico currently serves or has served on the following committees or forums: International Conference for Rodent Biology and Management; International Association for Impact Assessment, Free State Branch; Free State Conservation Forum; Free State Biodiversity Planning Steering Committee; Eskom's Multi-disciplinary Committee; the South African National Defence Force Regional Environmental Advisory Forum; various National Museum committees, e.g. Science Forum Committee (ex-chair), HOD Works Committee (ex-chair), Collections Audit Committee, Exhibitions Committee. He currently also serves on the Editorial Advisory Boards of Integrative Zoology and is a Section Editor for African Zoology. He is a member of the Zoological Society of Southern Africa, as well as the South African Institute of Ecologists and Environmental Scientists.

Senior Museum Scientist and Collections Manager – Mammalogy

Candice N. Neves PhD candice.neves@nasmus.co.za

Candice obtained her PhD in animal cognition and neural morphology from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in 2021. She undertook two post-doctoral fellowships between 2023 and 2026 (Wits and the University of Pretoria), before joining the National Museum in September 2026 as a Senior Museum Scientist and Collections Manager in the Mammalogy Department. Candice oversees the management and collection of mammal material, conducts research on the biology of small mammals in different environments and provides collections access to postgraduate students and academic researchers, and supervises postgraduate students. She has peer-reviewed publications for Scientific Reports, Zoologischer Anzeiger and the Journal for Mammalian Evolution and is a member of the Zoological Association of Southern Africa.  

Candice’s research is focused on understanding how ecological drivers influence brain size and sensory morphology in small mammals from different environments, what adaptations have arisen in small mammals that allow them to exploit extreme environments, and developing quantitative methods that would allow us to identify cryptic species (species that on the surface appear identical) without the need for genetic testing. 

General Assistant / Preparator

Tshediso Putsane

Tshediso Putsane started his career at the National Museum in March 2013, as a General Assistant / Preparator at the Department of Mammalogy. Tshediso’s main tasks include: assistance during fieldwork, preparation of study material for inclusion in the Mammalogy Department’s Research Collection, assistance with the curation of this collection and the day-to-day running of the department. Tshediso is also involved with some educational activities for visitors to the Mammalogy Department and for students at the University of the Free State. His fieldwork experience includes extensive sampling in Free State provincial nature reserves, on iron ore mine properties, and in Lesotho.

General Assistant / Preparator

Ronny Nokha

Ronny Nokha started his career at the National Museum in April 2015, as Preparator at the Department of Mammalogy. Ronny’s main tasks include: assistance during fieldwork, preparation of study material for inclusion in the Mammalogy Department’s Research Collection, assistance with the curation of this collection and the day-to-day running of the department. He is also involved with educational activities for visitors to the Mammalogy Department and for students at the University of the Free State.

Current research includes the following projecCurrent research includes the following projects:

1. African striped mouse (Rhabdomys spp.) contact zones - windows on adaptability and climate change.

A collaboration with the research labs of Dr. Guila Ganem (University of Montpellier, France) and Prof. Neville Pillay (University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa). Fieldwork are being done all over Southern Africa, with sampling that has already being done in Namibia, Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa. Photo: M. Oosthuizen

2. Small mammals as an indicator of habitat change in the Kalahari

In the quest to better understand and interpret observed changes in the Kalahari ecosystem, the Mammalogy Department, in collaboration with Dr. Duncan MacFadyen (Head Research and Conservation, Oppenheimer Generations), continues with annual small mammal monitoring work in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. This work promises to make a valuable contribution towards ecosystem monitoring, conservation and management. Improved understanding of natural processes coupled to environmental and habitat change, and the intricate web of Kalahari organisms, should help scientists to better predict future scenarios, and are bound to make a significant contribution to species and ecosystem conservation in the larger Kalahari. Photo: M. Westberg

3. A new index towards monitoring biodiversity: small mammal species diversity using AI, traditional ecological knowledge, and track-plates.

A collaboration with drs Zoë Jewell and Sky Alibhai of WildTrack Inc., USA, with the primary objective to develop a proof of concept for a new technology that would provide a rapid, cost-effective and non-invasive means of monitoring small mammals to assess ecological integrity.

4. Mesocarnivore predation in South Africa – meeting the challenges to food security and biodiversity.

A collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services State Directors D. Bergman and M. Bodenchuk, and researcher Dr. Stewart Breck from the USDA WS National Wildlife Research Centre in Fort Collins, Colorado. In the latest sub-project we have recently reached the end of a two-year trial period in the US, on a specific protection collar tested against Coyote Canis latrans. The collar was developed and manufactured in South Africa for use against the closely related Black-backed jackal Lupulella mesomelas (until recently, Canis mesomelas). Writing up has started. As with other sub-projects that fall under the Canis-Caracal Programme livestock owners are encouraged to participate in the actual research.

5. Clever carnivores (to examine the effects of social complexity versus ecological complexity on brain structure and size in the family Herpestidae).

Drs. Aluwani Nengovhela and Prof. Aliza le Roux doing high resolution brain scans on the skulls of four different mongoose species at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, NECSA.

A collaboration between Drs. Aluwani Nengovhela and Nico Avenant of the National Museum, Bloemfontein, and Profs. Aliza le Roux and Peter Taylor of the University of the Free State, Qwaqwa campus.

Fields of Research

• 3D Cranial Morphometry, Sensory Ecology and Climate Change in African Rodents
• Distribution/biogeography of small mammals in the central interior of South Africa and Lesotho
• Distribution of small mammals in relation to floristic composition
• Small mammal biodiversity
• Distribution of small mammals in relation to the ecological value of grassveld
• Monitoring small mammals effectively: a comparison of trapping methods
• Small mammals as indicators of biological integrity
• Addressing the caracal and black-backed jackal problem in small stock areas in southern Africa

General

• The staff of the Department are actively involved with research and publish regularly in accredited and popular journals
• The staff of the Department are involved with Environmental Assessments, which they do on a contract basis.

Hamilcar Keilani, Nico Avenant, Pierre Caminade, Neville Pillay, Guila Ganem. 2025. Negative impact of mild arid conditions in natural rodent populations revealed using markers of physiological condition in natura. Peer Community Journal, 5: e28 (https://doi.org/10.24072/pcjournal.523)

Clements, H.S., Do Linh San, E., Hempson, G. et al. 2024. The bii4africa dataset of faunal and floral population intactness estimates across Africa’s major land uses. Sci Data 11, 191 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-023-02832-6.

Taylor, P.J., Nengovhela, A., Ivy, C.M., Scott, G.R. & Denys C. 2024. Adaptation in brain structure, respiratory and olfactory structures across environmental gradients in African and North American muroid rodents. Integrative Zoology 19, 165-181.

Petr Benda, Marek Uvizl, Seth J. Eiseb and Nico L. Avenant 2024. On the systematic position of the horseshoe bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from Lesotho. Mammalia 88(3): 239–258. (https://doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2023-0119).

Sophie Teullet, Marie-Ka Tilak, Amandine Magdeleine, Roxane Schaub, Nora M. Weyer, Wendy Panaino, Andrea Fuller, W. J. Loughry, Nico L. Avenant, Benoit de Thoisy, Guillaume Borrel, Frédéric Delsuc. 2023. Metagenomics uncovers dietary adaptations for chitin digestion in the gut microbiota of convergent myrmecophagous mammals. mSystems 8(5): 1-24. doi: 10.1128/msystems.00388-23.

Nengovhela, A., Ivy, C.M., Scott, G.R., Denys C. & Taylor, P.J. 2023. Counter-gradient variation and the expensive tissue hypothesis explain parallel brain size reductions at high elevation in cricetid and murid rodents. Scientific Reports 13, 5617.

Alistair Green, Nico L. Avenant & Haemish I. A. S. Melville. 2023. Getting a grip on jackals: Net-gunning as an efficient and cost-effective approach to capturing Black-backed jackals (Canidae: Lupulella mesomelas). Indago 39: 1–14. ISSN 0067-9208. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10093347.

N.L. Avenant & D.L. Bergman. 2021. Introduction. In: Mesocarnivore predation in South Africa – meeting the challenges to food security and biodiversity, Part 1. Indago 37: i-ii. ISSN 0067-9208.

Quinette Kruger, Nico L. Avenant and HO de Waal. 2021. The contribution of historical hunt club records to inform the management of damage-causing animals in South Africa. Indago 37: 17-30. ISSN 0067-9208.

Andries J. Strauss, Nico L. Avenant & H.O. de Waal. 2021. The impact of predation on Merino and Dorper sheep flocks in the central Free State Province, South Africa. Indago 37: 43–53. ISSN 0067-9208.

Nico L. Avenant & Jenny B. Morwe. 2021. Black-backed jackal diet in the Maria Moroka Nature Reserve, Free State Province: Implications for managing depredation on small stock farms. Indago 37: 55–66. ISSN 0067-9208.

Alistair Green, Nico L. Avenant & Haemish I.A.S. Melville. 2021. Ranging behaviour of a territorial male Black-Backed Jackal in a small stock farming area in the Southern Free State. Indago 37: 67–76. ISSN 0067-9208.

Rémi Allio, Marie-Ka Tilak, Celine Scornavacca, Nico L. Avenant, Andrew C Kitchener, Erwan Corre, Benoit Nabholz, and Frédéric Delsuc. 2021. High quality carnivore genomes using hybrid assembly from roadkill enable species delimitation in aardwolf and bat-eared fox. eLife 2021;10:e63167. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.63167

David L. Bergman, Nico L. Avenant, Michael J. Bodenchuk & Eddie Steenkamp 2020. Developing Alternatives to Protect Domestic Sheep from Predation in South Africa. Proceedings, 29th Vertebrate Pest Conference (D. M. Woods, Ed.). Pp.1-7. ISSN 0507-6773.

Guila Ganem, Claire Marie Soleil Dufour, Nico L. Avenant, Pierre Caminade, Seth J. Eiseb, Christelle Tougard & Neville Pillay 2020. An update on the distribution and diversification of Rhabdomys sp. (Muridae, Rodentia). J. Vertebr. Biol. 69(2): 1-17. DOI: 10.25225/jvb.20013.

Avenant N.L., Smit G.N., Du Plessis J.J. 2019. Changes in small mammal community structure following open-cast mining in central South Africa: an indicator of ecosystem integrity? In: BRYJA J. & MEHERETU Y. (Eds.): The 13th African Small Mammal Symposium, 16-21 September, 2019. Programme and Abstract Book. Published by: Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic First Edition, Brno 2019. ISBN 978-80-87189-27-6.

Claire M. S. Dufour, Neville Pillay, Nico Avenant, Johan Watson, Etienne Loire and Guila Ganem. 2019. Habitat characteristics and species interference influence space use and nest-site occupancy: Implications for social variation in two sister species. Oikos 128 (4): 503-516.

Avenant, N., Wilson, B., Power, J., Palmer, G. & Child, M.F. 2019. Mystromys albicaudatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T14262A22237378. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T14262A22237378.en.

Ganem G., Dufour C.M-S., Avenant N.L., Kotze L., Pillay N. 2019. An update on Rhabdomys sp. distribution, ecology and behavioural characteristics. In: BRYJA J. & MEHERETU Y. (Eds.): The 13th African Small Mammal Symposium, 16-21 September, 2019. Programme and Abstract Book. Published by: Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic First Edition, Brno 2019. ISBN 978-80-87189-27-6.

Du Plessis J.J., Avenant N.L. 2019. Adding ecological significance to the National Museum Mammal Collection by collating the information of small mammal records. In: BRYJA J. & MEHERETU Y. (Eds.): The 13th African Small Mammal Symposium, 16-21 September, 2019. Programme and Abstract Book. Published by: Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic First Edition, Brno 2019. ISBN 978-80-87189-27-6.

Paine OCC, Leichliter JN, Avenant N, Codron D, Lawrence A, Sponheimer M. 2019. The ecomorphology of southern African rodent incisors: Potential applications to the hominin fossil record. PLoS ONE 14(2): e0205476. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205476.

David L. Bergman, Nico Avenant, Francoais Schutte & Michael J. Bodenchuk 2019. Providing Education to Enhance Wildlife Conservation in South Africa Through the First Wildlife School for Game Ranchers - a Grassroots Effort by Government Authorized Conservationists. Proceedings of the 18th Wildlife Damage Management Conference. (J.B. Armstrong, G.R. Gallagher, Eds.). 2019. Pp. 68-76.

Kerley, G.I.H., Behrens, K.G., Carruthers, J., Diemont, M., Du Plessis, J., Minnie, L., Somers, M.J., Tambling, C.J., Turpie, J., Wilson, S. & Balfour, D. 2019. Building assessment practice and lessons from the scientific assessment on livestock predation in South Africa. South African Journal of Science 115: 1-4.

Kerley, G.I.H., Behrens, K.G., Carruthers, J., Diemont, M., du Plessis, J., Minnie, L., Somers, M.J., Tambling, C.J., Turpie, J., Wilson, S.L. & Balfour, D. 2018. Summary for Policymakers. In: Livestock predation and its management in South Africa: a scientific assessment (Eds Kerley, G.I.H., Wilson, S.L. & Balfour, D.). Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 7-14.

Jacqueline Codron, Nico L Avenant, Corli Wigley-Coetzee, Daryl Codron. 2018. Carnivore stable carbon isotope niches reflect predator-prey size relationships in African savannas. Integrative Zoology 13: 166-179.

Du Plessis, J.J., Avenant, N.L., Botha, A., Mkhize, N.R., Müller, L., Mzileni, N., O’Riain, M.J., Parker, D.M., Potgieter, G., Richardson, P.R.K., Rode, S., Viljoen, N. Hawkins, H-J., Tafani, M. 2018. Past and current management of predation on livestock. In: Livestock predation and its management in South Africa: a scientific assessment (Eds Kerley, G.I.H., Wilson, S.L. & Balfour, D.). Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 125-177.

Minnie, L., Avenant, N.L., Drouilly, M. & Samuels, I. 2018. Biology and ecology of the black-backed jackal and the caracal. In: Livestock predation and its management in South Africa: a scientific assessment (Eds Kerley, G.I.H., Wilson, S.L. & Balfour, D.). Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 178-204.

Tambling, C.J., Avenant, N.L., Drouilly, M. & Melville, H.I.A.S. 2018. The Role Of Mesopredators In Ecosystems: Potential Effects Of Managing Their Populations On Ecosystem Processes And Biodiversity. In: Livestock predation and its management in South Africa: a scientific assessment (Eds Kerley, G.I.H., Wilson, S.L. & Balfour, D.). Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 205-254.

Claire M.-S. Dufour, Guila Ganem, Neville Pillay & Nico L. Avenant 2018. Habitat characteristics and species interference influence space use and nest-site occupancy: implications for social variation in two rodent sister species. Proceedings of the Joint Conference of the Rodens et Spatium  and International Conference of Rodent Biology and Management (ISSN 1868-9892, ISBN 978-3-95547-059-3; DOI 10.5073/jka.2018.459.000). Page 58.

Nico Avenant, Jurie du Plessis & Nico Smit 2018. Rodents as indicators of the ecological impact of an open-cast iron mine in central South Africa. Proceedings of the Joint Conference of the Rodens et Spatium and International Conference of Rodent Biology and Management (ISSN 1868-9892, ISBN 978-3-95547-059-3; DOI 10.5073/jka.2018.459.000). Page 165.

Jacques de Klerk & Nico Avenant. 2017. Small mammal succession in rehabilitated areas: further evidence in support of their status as ecological indicators in southern Africa. Indago 33: 49-56.

McKenzie, V.J., Song, S., Delsuc, F., Prest, T.L., Oliverio, A.M., Korpita, T.M., Alexiev, A., Amato, K.R., Metcalf, J.L., Kowalewski, M., Avenant, N.L, Link, A., Di Fiore, T., Seguin-Orlando, A., Feh, C., Orlando, L., Mendelson, J.R., Sanders, J. & Knight, R. 2017. The effects of captivity on the mammalian gut microbiome. Integrative and Comparative Biology 57: 690-704.

Monadjem, A., Taylor, P., Schoeman, C., Monadjem, A., Cohen, L., MacEwan, K., Avenant, N., Balona, J., Jacobs, D., Richards, L & Sethusa, T. 2017. Cistugo lesueuri. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T44787A22069233. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T44787A22069233.en.

Jennifer Leichliter, Paul Sandberg, Benjamin Passey, Daryl Codron, Nico Avenant, Oliver Paine, Jacqueline Codron, Darryl de Ruiter, Matt Sponheimer. 2017. Stable carbon isotope ecology of modern small mammals from the Sterkfontein Valley: Implications for habitat reconstruction in mosaic environments. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 485: 57-67.

Kerley, G.I.H., Behrens, K.G., Carruthers, J., Diemont, M., du Plessis, J., Minnie, L., Richardson, P.R.K., Somers, M.J., Tambling, G.J., Turpie, J., Van Niekerk, H.N. & Balfour, D. 2017. Livestock predation in South Africa: the need for and value of a scientific assessment. South African Journal of Science 113: 1-3.

Jennifer Leichliter,  Matt Sponheimer, Nico Avenant, Paul Sandberg, Oliver Paine, Daryl Codron, Jacqueline Codron, Ben Passey. 2016. Small mammal insectivore stable carbon isotope compositions as habitat proxies in a South African savanna ecosystem. Journal of Archaeological Science 8:335-345.

Jenny H.E. Burgman, Jennifer Leichliter, Nico L. Avenant & Peter S. Ungar. 2016. Dental microwear of sympatric rodent species sampled across habitats in southern Africa:  Implications for environmental influence. Integrative Zoology 11: 111–127.

Morgan L. Hauptfleisch & Nico L. Avenant. 2016. Actual and perceived collision risk for bird strikes at Namibian airports. Ostrich 87(2): 161-171.

Jacqueline Codron, Kevin J. Duffy, Nico L. Avenant, Matt Sponheimer, Jennifer Leichliter, Oliver Paine, Paul Sandberg and Daryl Codron. 2015. Stable Isotope Evidence for Trophic Niche Partitioning in a South African Savanna Rodent Community. Current Zoology 61(3): 397 - 411.

Morgan L. Hauptfleisch & Nico L. Avenant. 2015. Integrating small mammal community variables into aircraft-wildlife collision management plans at Namibian airports. Integrative Zoology 10(6): 515-530.

Du Plessis, J.J., Avenant, N.L. & De Waal, H.O. 2015. Quality and Quantity of the Scientific Information Available on Black-Backed Jackals and Caracals: Contributing to Human - Predator Conflict Management? African Journal of Wildlife Research 45(2): 138–157.

Claire M.S. Dufour, Christine Meynard, Johan Watson, Camille Rioux, Simon Benhamou, Julie Perez, Jurie J. du Plessis, Nico Avenant, Neville Pillay and Guila Ganem. 2015. Space use variation in co-occurring sister species: response to environmental variation or competition? PLOS ONE 10(2):1-15.

Avenant, N.L. 2014. Rodent Biology and Management. Navorsinge van die Nasionale Museum, Bloemfontein. 30(3): i-ii (Editorial).

William G. Breed, Chris M. Leigh, Ken P. Aplin, Adel A. Shahin & Nico L. Avenant. 2014. Morphological diversity and evolution of the spermatozoon in the mouse-relared clade of rodents. Journal of Morphology 275: 540–547.

C.M. Kneidinger, H. van Heerden, D. MacFadyen , M. van der Merwe, N.L. Avenant & H. van der Bank. 2014. Species identification, habitat preferences and population genetics of Mastomys natalensis (A. Smith, 1834) and M. coucha (A. Smith, 1836) in an enclosed area, Kruger National Park, South Africa. Navorsinge van die Nasionale Museum, Bloemfontein 30(3): 31-45.

Gail C. Potgieter, Laurie L. Marker, Nico L. Avenant & Graham I. H. Kerley. 2013. Why Namibian farmers are satisfied with the performance of their livestock guarding dogs. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 18(6): 403-415.

Morgan L. Hauptfleisch, Nico L. Avenant & Alton Tsowaseb. 2013. A first analysis of Aircraft-Wildlife Collisions at two major Namibian airports, by, South African Journal of Wildlife Research 43(2): 177–184.

Bergman, D.L., De Waal, H.O., Avenant, N.L., Bodenchuk, M.J., Marlow, M.C. & Nolte, D.L. 2013. The need to address black-backed jackal and caracal predation in South Africa. Proceedings of the 15th Wildlife Damage Management Conference (J. B. Armstrong, G. R. Gallagher, Eds). P. 86-94.

Avenant, N.L. 2013. Pelea capreolus. In: Kingdon, J.S. & Hoffmann, M. (Eds). The Mammals of Africa. Vol. 6. Pigs, Deer, Giraffe, Bovids, and Hippos. Bloomsbury Publishing, London.

Avenant, N.L. 2013. Redunca fulvorufula. In: Kingdon, J.S. & Hoffmann, M. (Eds). The Mammals of Africa. Vol. 6. Pigs, Deer, Giraffe, Bovids, and Hippos. Bloomsbury Publishing, London.

MacFadyen, D.N.,  Avenant, N.L., Van der Merwe, M. & Bredenkamp, G.J. 2012. The influence of fire on small mammal abundance at the N’washitshumbe enclosure site, Kruger National Park, South Africa. African Zoology 47:138-146.

Olbricht,G., Sliwa, A.  & Avenant, N.L. 2012. Sengi research in the Free State, South Africa.Afrotherian Conservation News 9: 7-8.

Avenant, N.L. 2011. The potential utility of rodents and other small mammals as indicators of ecosystem integrity of South African grasslands. Wildlife Research 38: 626-639.

Avenant, N.L. 2011. Recent progress in Rodent Biology and Management. Integrative Zoology 6:297-298 (Editorial).

Hugo-Coetzee, E.A. & Avenant, N.L. 2011.The effect of fire on soil oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) in a South African grassland. Zoosymposia 6:191–201.

Kaiser, W., Avenant, N.L. & Haddad, C.R. 2009. Assessing the ecological integrity of a grassland ecosystem: refining the SAGraSS method. Afr.J.Ecol. 47: 308–317.

Van der Merwe, S.J., Avenant, N.L. & Lues, J.F.R. 2009. Pastoral farming and wildlife management influences on lion/livestock interaction in the Kgalagadi-South, Botswana: a synopsis. Journal for New Generation Sciences 7(1): 203-214.

Avenant, N.L. & Du Plessis, J.J. 2008. Sustainable small stock farming and ecosystem conservation in southern Africa: a role for small mammals. Mammalia 72:258-263.

Avenant, N.L., Watson, J.P. & Schulze, E. 2008. Correlating small mammal community characteristics and habitat integrity in the Caledon Nature Reserve, South Africa. Mammalia 72:186-191.

Kaiser, W., Avenant, N.L. & Haddad, C.R. 2008. Assessing the ecological integrity of a grassland ecosystem: refining the SAGraSS method. Afr.J.Ecol. (Early online)

Herrmann, E., Kamler, J.F.& Avenant, N.L. 2008. New records of servals Leptailurus serval in central South Africa. S.Afr.J.Wildl.Res. 38:185-188.

Avenant, N.L. & Cavallini, P. 2007. Correlating rodent community structure with ecological integrity, Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve, Free State Province, South Africa. Integrative Zoology 2:212-219.

Avenant, N.L. & Cavallini, P. 2006. Correlating rodent community structure with ecological integrity, Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve, Free State Province, South Africa. Peer reviewed abstract published in book (= proceedings), International Conference on Rodent Biology and Management, Hanoi, Vietnam, September 2006.

Avenant, N.L. & De Waal, H.O. 2006. The potential importance of rodents in managing two problem carnivores, and subsequently in promoting ecosystem conservation and sustainable small stock farming practises in southern Africa. Peer reviewed abstract published in book (= proceedings), International Conference on Rodent Biology and Management, Hanoi, Vietnam, September 2006.

Kaiser, W.& Avenant, N.L. 2006. The importance if including rodents in veld condition assessments: a case study. Peer reviewed abstract published in book (= proceedings), International Conference on Rodent Biology and Management, Hanoi, Vietnam, September 2006.

Avenant, N.L. & Van der Merwe, M. 2006. Expansion of the greater cane rat, Thryonomys swinderianus, into the drier parts of Southern Africa. Peer reviewed abstract published in book (= proceedings), International Conference on Rodent Biology and Management, Hanoi, Vietnam, September 2006.

Avenant, N.L., De Waal, H.O. & Combrinck, W. 2006. The Canis-Caracal Programme: a holistic approach. Proceedings to the national Workshop on the holistic management of human-wildlife conflict in South Africa, 10 - 13 April 2006, Ganzekraal Conference Centre, Western Cape. Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Avenant, N.L. 2005. Barn owl pellets: a useful tool for monitoring small mammal communities? Belgian Journal of Zoology 135:39-43.

Avenant, N.L. & Smith, V.R. 2004. Seasonal changes in age class structure and reproductive status of house mice on Marion Island (sub-Antarctic). Polar Biology 27:99-111

Van der Merwe, M. & Avenant, N.L. 2004. The Greater cane rat, Thryonomys swinderianus, is a pest species that is expanding its range in southern Africa. Navors.nas.Mus.,Bloemfontein 20: III-X.

Avenant, N.L. 2003. The use of small-mammal community characteristics as an indicator of ecological disturbance in the Korannaberg Conservancy. In: Rats, Mice & People: Rodent Biology and Management (eds. Singleton, G.R., Hinds, L.A., Krebs, C.J. & Spratt, D.M.). ACIAR Monograph No. 96, 564p.

Avenant, N.L. & Smith, V.R. 2003. The microenvironment of house mice on Marion Island (sub-Antarctic). Polar Biology 26:129-141.

Ferreira, S.M. & Avenant, N.L. 2003. Influences of trap-spacing on descriptors of hypothetical small mammal communities in Free State grasslands. Navors.nas.Mus.,Bloemfontein 19:21-30.

Avenant, N.L. & Nel, J.A.J. 2002. Among habitat variation in prey availability and use by caracal Felis caracal. Mamm. Biol. 67:18-33.

Avenant, N.L. & Watson, J.P. 2002. Mammals recorded in the Sandveld Nature Reserve, Free State province, South Africa. Navors.nas.Mus.,Bloemfontein 18(1):1-12.

Smith, V.R., Avenant, N.L. & Chown, S.L. 2002. Feeding ecology of Marion Island house mice. Polar Biology 25:703-715.

Avenant, N.L. & Kuyler, P. 2002. Small mammal diversity in the Maguga area, Swaziland. S. Afr. J. Wildl. Res. 32:101-108.

Avenant, N.L. 2000a. Small mammal community characteristics as indicators of ecological disturbance in the Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve, Free State, South Africa. S. Afr. J. Wildl. Res. 30:26-33.

Avenant, N.L. 2000b. Terrestrial small-mammal diversity in Korannaberg Conservancy, Free State, South Africa. Navors.nas.Mus.,Bloemfontein 16:69-82.

Avenant, N.L. & Nel, J.A.J. 1998. Home range use, activity and density of caracal in relation to prey density. Afr.J.Ecol. 36:347-359.

Avenant, N.L. 1997. Mammals recorded in the Qwa Qwa National Park (1994-1995). Koedoe 40:31-40.

Avenant, N.L. & Nel, J.A.J. 1997. Prey use by four syntopic carnivores in a strandveld ecosystem. S.Afr.J.Wildl.Res. 27:86-93.

Avenant, N.L. 1996. Identification and distribution of two Mastomys spp. in Lesotho and part of South Africa. Navors.nas.Mus.,Bloemfontein 12:49-58.

LYNCH, C.D. 1994. The mammals of Lesotho.  Navors. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein 10(4):177-241.

DU TOIT, J.S., FOURIE, L.J. & HORAK, I.G. 1994.  Sequential feeding of Ixodes rubicundus on its natural host, Elephantulus myurus: effects on tick mass and on engorgement and moulting success. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research 61:143-147.

DU TOIT, J.S., FOURIE, L.J. & HORAK, I.G. 1994.  Detachment rhytms of immature Ixodes rubicundus from their natural host, the rock elephant shrew (Elephantulus myurus). Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research 61:149-153.

DU TOIT, J.S. & FOURIE, L.J. 1994.  The effect of feeding immature Karoo paralysis ticks Ixodes rubicundus (Acari: Ixodidae) on the metabolic rate of the rock elephant shrew.  Experimental & Applied Acarology 18

DU TOIT, J.S. & FOURIE, L.J. 1993. Bait preferences of rock elephant shrews. S.Afr.J.Wildl.Res. 22:115-117.

KOK, D.J., FOURIE, L.J. & DU TOIT, J.S. 1992. The occurrence of the gall bladder trematode, Euparadistomum, in some lizards of the genera Cordylus and Pseudocordylus in South Africa. J. Herpetol. Assoc. Afr. 40:50.

LYNCH, C.D. & WATSON, J.P. 1992. The distribution and ecology of Otomys sloggetti (Mammalia: Rodentia) with notes on its taxonomy.  Navors. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein 8(3):141-158.

LYNCH, C.D. 1991. Population dynamics in the Lesser dwarf shrew, Suncus varilla (Mammalia: Soricidae). Navors. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein 7(9):465-473.

LYNCH, C.D. 1990. Reproduction in the Lesser dwarf shrew, Suncus varilla (Mammalia: Soricidae).  Navors. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein 7(3):45-59.

WATSON, J.P. 1990. The taxonomic status of the Slender mongoose. Galerella sanguinea (Rűppell, 1836) in Southern Africa. Navors. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein 6(10):351-492.

LYNCH, C.D. 1989. The mammals of the north-eastern Cape Province. Mem. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein 25: 1-116.

LYNCH, C.D. & WATSON, J.P. 1989. The mammals of Sehlabathebe National Park, Lesotho. Report submitted to Natal Parks Board.

LYNCH, C.D. & WATSON, J.P. 1989. A mammal survey undertaken at Mateanong at the junction of the Mokhotlong and Senqubethu rivers, Lesotho. Report submitted to Natal Parks Board.

LYNCH, C.D. 1988. Occurrence of Squamata in the termitaria in the Orange Free State, South Africa. Navors. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein 34: 42-43.

WATSON, J.P. & DIPPENAAR, N.J. 1987. The species limits of Galerella sanguinea (Rűppell, 1836), G. pulverulenta (Wagner, 1839) and G. nigrata (Thomas, 1928) in Southern Africa (Carnivora: Viverridae). Navors. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein 5: 355-414.

LYNCH, C.D. 1986. The ecology of the Lesser dwarf shrew, Suncus varilla with reference to the use of termite mounds of Trinervitermes trinervoides. Navors. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein 5: 277-297.

LYNCH, C.D. 1985. Mammalian distribution patterns in the Orange Free State. Navors. nas. mus., Bloemfontein. 4(16): 473-500.

LYNCH, C.D. 1983. The mammals of the Orange Free State. Mem. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein. 18: 1-218.

LYNCH, C.D. 1982. Die versameling van werweldiere. Praktikum 5: 1-23.

LYNCH, C.D. 1982. Die preparering van soogdier- en voëlstudievelle en die skoonmaak van skedels en skelette. Praktikum 7: 1-27.

LYNCH, C.D. 1981. The status of the Cape grey mongoose, Herpestes pulverulentus Wagner, 1839 (Mammalia: Viverridae). Navors. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein 4(5): 121-168.

LYNCH, C.D. 1980. Ecology of the suricate, Suricata suricatta, and the yellow mongoose, Cynictis penicillata, with special reference to their reproduction. Mem. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein. 14: 1-145.

KOK, O.B., LYNCH, C.D. & Van EE, C.A. 1979. Kommentaar m.b.t. die silwerjakkals. Bylae tot OVS Provinsiale Administrasie kommissie Verslag. 4pp.

POTGIETER, T.D. (Voorsitter), OLIVIER, P.J.S., PRINSLOO, H.F., KOK, O.B.,LYNCH, C.D., VAN EE, C.A., & LE ROUX, P.J. 1979. Verslag van die kommissie van ondersoek na ongedierte-bestryding en rondloperhonde in die Oranje-Vrystaat. OVS Provinsiale Administrasie. 50pp.

LYNCH, C.D. 1975. The distribution of mammals in the Orange Free State, South Africa. Navors. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein  3(6): 109-139.

LYNCH, C.D. 1974. A behavioural study of Blesbok, Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi, with special reference to territoriallity. Mem. nas. Mus., Bloemfontein 8: 1-83.

VON RICHTER, W., LYNCH, C.D. & WESSELS, T. 1972. Status and distribution of the larger mammal species on farmland in the Orange Free State. Nat. Con. Res. Report 1. O.F.S. Prov. Admin.: 1-28.

Avenant, N.L. & Nel, J.A.J. 1996. Mammals. In: Baseline Biology Survey and Reserve Development, Phase 1B, Mohale Dam, Lesotho. Final Report, LHDA Contract 1008, AfriDev Consultants, Darling, South Africa.

Irish, J., Avenant, N.L. & Lotz, L. 1997. Kogelbeengrot: verslag m.b.t. potensiële toerisme-ontwikkeling. Pp. 19. Unpublished report to the Griekwastad Publicity Organisation.

Avenant, N.L. 1998. Mammals. EIA Contract work: Maguga Dam, Swaziland. Work done for Afridev Consultants, Darling, South Africa.

Avenant, N.L. 2002. Mammals. In: Biological Monitoring, Mohale. LHDA Contract 1053. National University of Lesotho, Roma, Lesotho.

Avenant, N.L. 2002. Mammals. In: Letseng-la-Letsie Protected Area - Fencing and Reintroduction of Large Mammals. Part of the program Conserving Mountain Biodiversity in Southern Lesotho. National University of Lesotho, Roma, Lesotho.

Avenant, N.L. 2002. Mammals.  In: Development on Mohale Island. Geo Pollution Technologies, Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Avenant, N.L. 2002. Mammals.  In: Ladybrand solid waste site – scoping report. Geo Pollution Technologies, Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Avenant, N.L. 2002. Mammals.  In: Integrated Development Plan for Mangaung; State of the Environment Report. Spatial Solutions Inc., Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Avenant, N.L. 2003. Mammals. In: Biological Monitoring, Mohale. LHDA Contract 1053. National University of Lesotho, Roma, Lesotho.

Avenant, N.L. 2003. Mammals. In: Faunal Rescue Program, Mohale. National University of Lesotho, Roma, Lesotho.

Avenant, N.L. 2004. Mammal report. Submitted to UNDP, Lesotho, as part of the “Conserving Mountain Biodiversity in Southern Lesotho” program.

Avenant, N.L. 2006. Residential Development in Theunissen: Mammals. Scoping report prepared for Bokamoso Environmental, Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Avenant, N.L. 2006. Mammal report, MDTP Biodiversity Assessment. Contract GEF/002. Maloti Drakensberg Ecology Consultants.

Avenant, N.L. 2007. Mammals and the Senqu Sources Biosphere Reserve. In: Strategic Environmental Assessment for the proposed Senqu Sources Protected Area, Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Project. Strategic Environmental Focus, Lynwood Ridge, South Africa.

Avenant, N.L. 2008. Mammals of the Free State Botanical Gardens, Bloemfontein. Report to Mnr. P. Gavhi, SANBI.

N.L. Avenant 2008. (Contributor to the) Senqu Sources Management Plan, Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Project. Strategic Environmental Focus, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria.

N.L. Avenant 2008. (Contributor to the) Free State Environment Summit Report 2008. Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs, Bloemfontein.

Avenant, N.L. 2008. CN Code: the mammals and herpetofauna at Beatrix Main and Beatrix No. 4 slime dam complexes. Report to H₂ON Environmental Specialists, Bloemfontein.

N.L. Avenant 2009. (Contributor to the) Free State Province Environment Outlook Report 2009. Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Free State Province, Bloemfontein.

N.L Avenant 2010. (Contributor to the) Critical Habitat Assessment, Lesotho Highlands. Ecological Resources Management Southern Africa (ERM), Cape Town.

Avenant, N.L. 2010. Bio-monitoring protocol, mammals. Submitted to Kumba Iron Ore Mines. Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.

Avenant, N.L. 2011. Small mammal report, In: Zietsman, P.C, Seaman, M.T., Smit, G.N., Avenant, N., Buschke, F.T., Adendorff, J., Janse van Rensburg, G., Deacon, F., du Plessis, J. & Zietsman, L.E. 2011. Integrated Report on Biomonitoring at Kolomela Mine, Kumba Iron Ore. Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State.

Avenant, N.L. & Du Plessis, J.J. 2012. Letšeng Expansion Project: Project Kholo. Mammal Specialist Report, for Environmental Resources Management (Southern Africa) Pty Ltd.

Avenant, N.L. 2013. Small mammal monitoring on Kolomela mine properties, Postmasburg – 2012 season. Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.

Avenant, N.L. 2013. Field report: Mammal monitoring. LHDA Contract 1273, Biological Resource Monitoring within Phase 1 of the LHWP Catchments. Anchor Environmental.

Avenant, N.L. 2014. Field report 2014/1, Project nr. 1.2, Mammals, on Biomonitoring at Kolomela Mine, Kumba Iron Ore. Centre for Environmental Management, Univerity of the Free State.

Avenant, N.L. 2014. Small mammal monitoring on Kolomela mine properties, Postmasburg – 2013 season. Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.

Avenant, N., Du Plessis, J. & Senoge, J. 2014. Mammals of the Mohale Dam catchment. Specialist report for Contract 1273: Biological Resources Monitoring within Phase 1 of the LHWP Catchments 2013-14.  Report no. AEC/14/12 submitted by Anchor Environmental Consultants to the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority.

Du Plessis, J., Avenant, N. & Putsane, T. 2014. Mammals of the Katse Dam catchment. Specialist report for Contract 1273: Biological Resources Monitoring within Phase 1 of the LHWP Catchments 2013-14.  Report no. AEC/14/12 submitted by Anchor Environmental Consultants to the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority.

Jane Turpie, Nigel Barker, Barry Clark, Gerhard Diedericks, Gary Marneweck, David Allan, James Harvey, Nico Avenant & Katherine Forsythe. 2014. State of the Mohale Dam Catchment: synthesis of the 2013/14 monitoring studies. Contract 1273: Biological Resources Monitoring within Phase 1 of the LHWP Catchments 2013-14.  Report submitted by Anchor Environmental Consultants to the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority.

Jane Turpie, Nigel Barker, Barry Clark, Gerhard Diedericks, Gary Marneweck, David Allan, James Harvey, Nico Avenant & Katherine Forsythe. 2014. State of the Katse Dam Catchment: synthesis of the 2013/14 monitoring studies. Contract 1273: Biological Resources Monitoring within Phase 1 of the LHWP Catchments 2013-14.  Report submitted by Anchor Environmental Consultants to the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority.

Nico Avenant & Jurie du Plessis 2016. Small mammal monitoring on Kolomela mine properties, Postmasburg: 2015 results, and changes experienced since 2011. Report submitted to the Kolomela Mine.

Turpie, J.K., Forsythe, K., Reinecke, K., Diedericks, G., Dijkstra, K.D., Collins, S., Branch, W., Davies, T., Allan, D. & Avenant, N. 2016. Biodiversity of the Elephant Marsh; sub-study 4: Climate resilient livelihoods and sustainable natural resource management in the Elephant Marsh, Malawi. Anchor Environmental, Cape Town. 444 pages.

Taylor WA, Avenant NL, Schulze E, Viljoen P, Child MF. 2016. A conservation assessment of Redunca fulvorufula fulvorufula. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Taylor A, Cowell C, Drouilly M, Schulze E, Avenant N, Birss C, Child MF. 2016. A conservation assessment of Pelea capreolus. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Okes N, Ponsonby DW, Rowe-Rowe D, Avenant NL, Somers MJ. 2016. A conservation assessment of Aonyx capensis. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Light J, Pillay N, Avenant NL, Child MF 2016. A conservation assessment of Atelerix frontalis. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Avenant NL, Power RJ, MacFadyen D, Child MF. 2016. A conservation assessment of Thryonomys swinderianus. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Avenant, N.L., Drouilly, M., Power, R.J., Thorn, M., Martins, Q., Neils, A., du Plessis, J. & Do Linh San E. 2016. A conservation assessment of Caracal caracal. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Avenant NL, MacEwan K, Balona J, Cohen L, Jacobs D, Monadjem A, Richards L, Schoeman C, Sethusa T, Taylor PJ. 2016. A conservation assessment of Cistugo lesueuri. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Avenant NL, Wilson B, Power RJ, Palmer G, Child MF. 2016. A conservation assessment of Mystromys albicaudatus. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Avenant NL, Balona J, Cohen L, Jacobs D, MacEwan K, Monadjem A, Richards LR, Schoeman C, Sethusa T, Taylor, P. 2016. A conservation assessment of Laephotis wintoni. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Do Linh San E, Mbatyoti OA, Palmer G, Stuart C, Stuart M, Avenant NL, Cavallini P. 2016. A conservation assessment of Herpestes pulverulentus. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Minnie L, Avenant NL, Kamler J, Butler H, Parker D, Drouilly M, du Plessis J, Do Linh San E. 2016. A conservation assessment of Canis mesomelas. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Le Roux A, Balmforth Z, Mbatyoti OA, Bizani M, Avenant NL, Do Linh San E. 2016. A conservation assessment of Cynictis penicillata. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Nico Avenant & Jurie du Plessis 2016. Small mammal monitoring on Kolomela mine properties, Postmasburg: 2015 results, and changes experienced since 2011. Report submitted to the Kolomela Mine. 19 pages.

N.L. Avenant & J.P. du Plessis 2017. Using small mammals to monitor the ecological integrity at Kolomela Mine, Postmasburg: 2011 to 2016. Environmental assessment report submitted to Kolomela Mine, Postmasburg. 20 pages.

N.L. Avenant & J.P. du Plessis 2018. Small mammals as ecological indicator: Kolomela Mine, 2011 to 2017. Environmental assessment report submitted to Kolomela Mine, Postmasburg. 19 pages.

Nico Avenant and Jurie du Plessis 2018b. Small mammals as ecological indicator: Kolomela Mine, 2011 to 2018. Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. 22 pages.

Also contributed to the:

following African Chiroptera Reports: ACR2019; ACR 2018; ACR 2017; ACR 2016; ACR 2015; ACR 2014; ACR 2013; ACR 2012; ACR 2011; ACR 2010.

Senqu Sources Management Plan, Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Project (2008). Strategic Environmental Focus, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria.

Free State Environment Summit Report 2008. Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs, Bloemfontein.

Free State Province Environment Outlook Report 2009. Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Free State Province, Bloemfontein.

ERM 2010. Critical Habitat Assessment, Lesotho Highlands. Ecological Resources Management Southern Africa, Cape Town.

Avenant, N.L. 1992a.  Neem rooikat in diens. Custos 21:35-37.

Avenant, N.L. 1992b.  Stock thief or ally? Custos 21:39-41.

Avenant, N.L. & Van Staden, A. 1995.  Meganismes wat soogdiere gebruik om roofdiere te ontduik. Culna 48.

Avenant, N.L. & Van Staden, A. 1995.  Dis nie sommer 'n wolhaar-storie nie. Culna 49.

Avenant, N.L. 1996. 'n Eerste vir Suid-Afrika? Culna 50.

Avenant, N.L. 1996. Die rooikat: Gehaat of geliefd? Culna 51.

Avenant, N.L. 1997. Die rooikat: Aktiwiteite en sosiale gedrag. Culna 52.

Avenant, N.L., Irish, J. & Lotz, L. 1998.  Kogelbeengrot - 'n besondere natuurerfenis in die Noord-Kaap. Culna 53.

Avenant, N.L. 1999. Biodiversiteitskrisis en die Departement Soogdierkunde. Culna 54.

Avenant, N.L. 2000. Korannaberg Bewarea: biodiversiteit-juweel van die Vrystaat. Culna 55.

Avenant, N.L. 2001. Vlermuise: ons mees gehate vriende? Culna 56.

Avenant, N.L. 2002. Mohale-dam: omgewingsmonitering in die Maluti’s. Culna 57.

Avenant, N.L. 2003. Kruising tussen ‘n erdvark en ‘n ystervark! Culna 58.

Avenant, N.L. 2004. Knaagdiere as peste ... Culna 59.

Avenant, N.L. 2006. Kleinsoogdiertjies – aanwysers van ‘n gesonde ekosisteem. Culna 60.

Avenant, N.L. & Kaiser, W. 2006. The “other” mammals. Game Ranching in Central South Africa 1:52-56.

Avenant, N.L. 2006. Veldwerk te olifant in Kambodja. Culna 61.

Brink, J. & Avenant, N. 2007. The mountain reedbuck and grey rhebok. ToGoTo 19:42-43.

Avenant, N.L. 2007. Rooikat & Rooijakkals: is daar hoop vir kleinveeboerdery in Suid-Afrika? Culna 62.

Avenant, N.L. 2008. ‘n Museum vir gestremdes. Culna 63.

Avenant, N.L. 2009. The mammals of Lesotho. Culna 64.

Avenant, N.L & Von Kaschke, M. 2010. South African involvement in managing the new Mondulkiri Protected Forest, north-east Cambodia. Culna 65.

Avenant, N.L. 2011. Muise, muise … net waar jy kyk. Culna 66.

Nico Avenant. 2012. Rooikat en jakkalsprobleme: die rooies, die groenes, die blindes en die opportuniste. Culna 67:30-32.

Nico Avenant 2013. The bats of Lesotho. Culna 68:26-27.Nico Avenant 2015. Die Grasveldbioom, vuur en klein soogdiertjies. Culna 70:24-25.

Geolino 2/2018: A publication about the research that N. Avenant and collaborators do on caracal and black-backed jackal (see Project 375) has appeared in the German popular science journal for young readers, GEOlino 2/2018: "Frieden für die Schwarzohren".

March 2019. An article about Nico Avenant and his work on the damage-causing caracal in South Africa appeared in an Italian journal: M. Ricci, A. Cambone, R. Isotti. 2019. Simba mangu - un futuro per il caracal (a future for the caracal). La Rivista della Natura March 2019. pp. 44-51.

Nico Avenant 2019. Verstaan jakkalse en rooikatte om verliese te beperk. Landbouweekblad 16 Augustus: 50-53. (Understand jackal and caracal to limit stock losses).

Nico Avenant. 2020. Two hedgehogs rescued from the pet trade. Culna 74:30.

Nico Avenant. 2020. Kan aangepasde lamtye roofdierskade beperk? (Can changing lambing periods decrease predation damage?). Landbouweekblad VEE, issue 7, 2020. Pages 84-85.

2023. Avenant. 2023. Simbamangu – through the eyes of caracal: a popular scientific, photographic book. Text by Nico Avenant and Micòl Ricci, Photos by Roberto Isotti and Alberto Cambone (ISBN: 978-0-6397-6771-0).

Nico L. Avenant. Taxidermy specimens in the National Museum’s Mammal exhibitions. Culna Online, December 2023.

Roberto Isotti, Alberto Cambone & Nico Avenant 2024. YouTube video on the Simbamangu book: Simbamangu: through the eyes of Caracal, 22 January 2024.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVUwD09wurg

2024. Avenant 2024. Karakal, auf dem Sprung. HORZU (a German popular scientific publication, with 1 million readers, the largest in Europe, mid-February 2024.

2025. Avenant 2024. Museum wil almal betrek (“National Museum’s catering for persons with disabilities’), Bloemnuus 28 November 2024. https://www.netwerk24.com/netwerk24/za/bloemnuus/nuus/museum-wil-almal-betrek-20241127-2).

2026. Avenant 2025. Karooboer se halsbande teen roofdiere in Amerika getoets. Landbou.com, 08 Aug. 2025 (https://www.landbou.com/bedrywe/diere/karooboer-se-halsbande-teen-roofdiere-in-amerika-getoets-20250808-0953).

1995 - 2001:

“Bats of the Free State”: Talk at the Botanical Society of South Africa, Bloemfontein.

Slide show on Marion Island at the Ouditorium of the National Museum - open to public.

“Kleinsoogdiere van die Vrystaat / Small mammals of the Free State”: talk to the “Voortrekkers”, University of the Free State Commando.

“Vlermuise”: talk to “Landsdiens” pupils at Florisbad.

“Rietrotte”: talks on radio (Radio Sonder Grense “Ekoforum”; Radio Punt).

“Paargedrag”: talk on radio (Radio Hoogland).

“Environmental monitoring in the Maluti’s” (OFM Radio).

“Small mammals”: talk to members and interested persons, Odendaalsrus Urban Conservancy.

BBC Wildlife Series – telephonic & e-mail correspondences on caracal (with Peter Bassett, Adam Chapman and Alexandra Lang).

Cane rats; Bats; Civets; Impact Assessments – Die Volksblad, Express, Noordelike Stem, Forum, Vrystaat, Vista newspapers.

Mammalogy in the Maluti’s (Die Volksblad newspaper, Ons Stad newspaper).

2002-present:

“Big Five” educational computer game (on the mammals of Africa) – Prof. N. du Plessis, Bloemfontein, 2002.

Bats: Diversity, biology, control and housing; three lectures during “Science, Engineering & Technology Week”, Bloemfontein, 2002.

Comparative small mammal research in Australia. National Museum Auditorium, Bloemfontein, 2003.

The wonderful world of Bats; three lectures during “Science, Engineering & Technology Week”, Bloemfontein, 2003.

The wonderful world of Bats; four lectures at Universitas Primary School, reaching c. 400 kids from Grade 1 to 4. Bloemfontein, 2003.

“Environmental monitoring in the Maluti’s”. National Museum Auditorium, Bloemfontein, 2003.

“Ecological research in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho - mammals”. Bethuli High School, Bethuli, 2003.

“Centro al Faunalia: uno studio su piccoli mammiferi”. In: Il Tirreno, 30/9/03.

“Conserving Mountain Biodiversity in Southern Lesotho”. National Museum Auditorium, Bloemfontein, 2004.

“Sub-Antarctic birds”: Free State Ornithological Society, Bloemfontein, 2004.

“The wonderful world of Bats”. Association for Retired Persons and Pensioners, Bloemfontein, 2004.

“Die belang van Vlermuise” (The importance of Bats), Vrystaat Landbou Unie, Tierpoort, 2004.

“Klein soogdiere” (Small mammals), Radio Rosestad, Bloemfontein, 2005.

“Vlermuise” (Bats – two talks), Radio Rosestad, Bloemfontein, 2005.

“Rats” (Guest speaker, about rats used to indicate undetonated landmines), Rotarians, Bloemfontein branch, 2005.

“Japan” (Feedback on IMC9-conference, wildlife and wildlife areas, ecological research, culture & gardening). National Museum Auditorium, Bloemfontein, 2005.

“IMC9 & international collaboration”. Vrystaat Landbou Unie, Tierpoort-tak, 2005.

“Bats”. Heidedal Library Reading Group, National Museum, 2005.

“Those mammals we do not see”. Lecture and field training to pupils from St. Stithians during a 3-day canoeing trip on the Orange River; required as an activity for the President’s Award. 2006.

Reply to: “Probleembeheer-kursus” (on caracal, black-backed jackal and farmers). In: Smiffie (Smithfield local newspaper). May 2006.

"The value of using animal communities as an indicator of habitat change/rehabilitation/recovery" (WWF Cambodia). September 2006.

“The 3rd International Conference on Rodent Biology and Management, and research in the Srepok Conservation Area, Cambodia”. National Museum Auditorium, Bloemfontein, 2006.

“Klein soogdiere”, Die Volksblad newspaper. March 2007.

“Small mammals”, Bloemfontein Zoo Snooze. March 2007.

“Antarctica Month”, Express newspaper, 3 March 2007.

“The South African National Antarctic Program”. National Museum Auditorium, Bloemfontein, June 2007 (part of International Antarctica Month celebrations).

“A Strategic Environmental Assessment in the Senqu Sources area”. National Museum Auditorium, Bloemfontein, June 2007.

“Be part of Antarctica Month”, Express newspaper, 5 June 2007.

“Kundige van Bloemfontein praat op symposium in Benin”. Ons Stad newspaper, 8 November 2007.

“Onderneem veldwerksessie”. Bloemnuus newspaper, 9 November 2007.

Popular lecture presented to pupils from the Bartimea School for the Deaf and Blind (an opportunity for the children to also touch the small mammals), National Museum, Bloemfontein. November 2007.

“Kundige praat in Benin”. Bloemnuus newspaper, 23 November 2007.

“Giving persons with disabilities a lift – improved access at the National Museum!!” (Proposing and coordinating the temporary exhibition). To provide visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing and physically disabled visitors with an informative and enjoyable museum experience, and to create a greater awareness of the needs and requirements of persons with disabilities. The feedback from the successful temporary exhibition was invaluable in the planning of Phase 2, on how to best accommodate and cater for these people on a permanent basis. National Museum, Bloemfontein. 2007 – present.

“Exhibition for the disabled”. Radio Rosestad, 5 May 2008.

“Inauguration of our lift”. Radio Rosestad, 19 May 2008.

“Museum in Bfn nou toeganklik vir gestremdes”. Die Volksblad newspaper, 21 May 2008.

“Museum ingerig vir gestremdes”. Bloemnuus newspaper, 30 May 2008.

“Giving persons with disabilities a lift – improved access at the National Museum!!”. DAC internal newsletter, July 2008.

“Geen gebrek keer gestremdes hier”. Die Volksblad newspaper, 11 Julie 2008.

“Museum for the disabled”. Radio Rosestad. 13 July 2008.

“Unique exhibition opened”. Express newspaper, 16 Julie 2008.

“Fokus”, SABC2: Television coverage on the NMB Exhibition for the Disabled. Augustus 2008.

“’n Uitstalling vir gestremdes”, Leefwêreld van die Gestremde, Radio Sonder Grense, August 2008.

“Benin & Oxford”. Talk for the museum staff, National Museum, Bloemfontein, September 2008.

“Mammals of the Free State”. Talk at the Friends of the Zoo Open Day, 31 October 2009.

“Mammal diversity: good indicators of environmental health?”. Part of the 2010 Biodiversity lecture series, NMB auditorium, September 2010.

“Small mammals: their role in the ecosystem, and value to conservation management”. Presented for the Northern Cape branch of the Wildlife Society of South Africa (WESSA), Kimberley, February 2011.

“Biodiversity Management in the Free State: terrestrial ecosystems”. Motheo College, Bloemfontein, August 2011.

Presenting a lecture at the University of the Third Age: “Small mammals… their role in the ecosystem (and value to conservation management)”, 3 November 2011.

One of the invited speakers at the Predator Management Day, 20 October 2011, Beaufort West: “The problem, and dealing with it - an ecologist’s perspective”.

“Vlermuisspesies eerste keer in Vrystaat aangeteken”. Volksblad, 24/2/2012.

One of the invited speakers at a Predator Technology Transfer Day, 16 February 2012, Glen Agricultural Institute, Bloemfontein: “The problem, and dealing with it - an ecologist’s perspective”.

An invited speaker at a Hunters Meeting, the Bloemfontein Problem Animal Branch, 11 April 2012: “Caracal / Black-backed jackal issues”.

Presenting a talk for Grade 10 Biology pupils at Bethulie High School: “Problem animals in the southern Free State - our research near Bethulie”, 5 June 2012.

Invited speaker at the Skilpadfees, Florisbad, 2 June 2012: “Mammal diversity in the Free State”.

Presenting a lecture at the University of the Third Age: “Damage-causing animals in the Free State: a threat to biodiversity?”, 8 November 2012.

Presenting a lecture to 10 Karoo Ecology Research Unit (KERU) students/visitors: “Mammal diversity in the Free State”, 24 June 2013.

Presenting an educational, popular scientific talk for Tswalu personnel (including 8 game guides and 4 Nature Conservation students) at Tswalu Nature Reserve: “Small mammals”, 28 July 2014.

Presenting a talk on Radio Rosestad (12 minutes): “The National Museum, catering for visitors with disabilities”, 6 August 2014.

Presenting an educational, popular scientific talk for children at the Fichardt Park Library: “Small mammals”, 11 December 2014.

Collaborated with two artists on the “Inquisitive Mind” Oliewenhuis curated exhibition, October – December 2014.

Nico Avenant & Jurie du Plessis 2015. Small mammals as indicators of ecological integrity, Kolomela Mine. A popular scientific presentation for managers and the Environmental division at Kolomela Mine, Postmasburg: 5 February 2015.

Nico Avenant 2016. Carnivores and their prey in South Africa’s Grassland Biome; an educational, popular scientific talk and practical (touch) experience for the Rondevouz Club, Free State Society for the Blind: 20 April 2016.

Nico Avenant & Jurie du Plessis 2016. Die gebruik van kleinsoogdiertjies om omgewingstoestand op die Kolemela myn te moniteer / Using small mammals to monitor the ecological integrity at Kolomela Mine. A popular scientific presentation for the Postmasburg Environmental Forum, Soetfontein Guest Farm, Postmasburg: 25 May 2016.

Nico Avenant & Jurie du Plessis (with assistance by Tshediso Putsane and Ronny Nokha). The National Museum exhibitions: also an experience for persons with disabilities. Rondezvouz Support Group, Free State Society for the Blind, during their visit to the National Museum, Bloemfontein, 21 September 2016.

Nico Avenant. Small (garden) mammals, and their value to conservation management. Bloemfontein Sentrale Tuinbouklub, Bewaria Community Hall, Bloemfontein. 19 September 2016.

Nico Avenant. The smaller mammals of the Free State. Visitors tour behind the scenes, Mammalogy Reference Collection Room, National Museum, Bloemfontein: 6 October 2016.

Nico Avenant, Ronny Nokha and Tshediso Putsane. The Mammals of the Free State: a touch experience for visually impaired persons. To the Aganang Support Group, Free State Society for the Blind, at the Free State Society for the Blind offices, Sunday School Building, Maitland Street, Bloemfontein, 14 October 2016.

Nico Avenant, Ronny Nokha and Tshediso Putsane. Visit to the National Museum exhibitions: a talk and touch experience, Aganang Support Group, Free State Society for the Blind, at the National Museum Exhibition Hall, Bloemfontein: 6 June 2017.

Nico Avenant. Kleinsoogdiertjies: hul posisie en rol in die ekosisteem, en potensiële rol in die bestuur van predasie / Small mammals: their position and role in the ecosystem, and potential role in predation management. Honorary Game Rangers, Free State Region, at: The Willows, Bloemfontein, 3 June 2017.

Nico Avenant. Tour through the NMB exhibitions, specifically referring to our attempts to cater for persons with disabilities, including a 60min talk about "Small mammals, and their position and role in the ecosystem" in the Childrens' Museum, at the National Museum, Bloemfontein: 27 September 2017.

Nico Avenant. Small mammals ... their role in ecosystems. The Friends of the Seven Dams Conservancy, Bloemfontein. 17 October 2017.

Nico Avenant. Carnivores: aspects of natural and captive management. First Game School, for game farmers in South Africa. Aldam Resort, Winburg district, 14 & 15 March 2018.

2019. Avenant 2019. The smaller carnivores of the Free State – a Mammal exhibition at Fichardtpark library, 25 February 2019.

Nico Avenant, 2019. Voedingsekologie van rooikat en rooijakkals in kleinveegebiede – implikasies vir probleemdierbeheer. Bloemfontein Deeltydse Boere, SENWES Raadsaal, Bloemfontein, 19 November 2019.

Nico Avenant, 2020. My navorsing op ....... klein soogdiertjies. Pretoria FM, Nature and Science Program, 11 August 2020.

Nico Avenant 2020. A popular talk on damage-causing animals. Spatio-temporal ecology between mesopredators in the Eastern Cape Hofmeyr, Eastern Cape Province, 30 June 2020.

2020. Avenant (& C. Venter) 2020. Spoke on MedFM (radio) about the National Museum’s temporary exhibition that caters for persons with disabilities. 11 December 2020 (live: 11h30-12h00).
2021. Avenant 2020. Temporary exhibition organised: Equal access (accessability of persons with disabilities, at the National Museum); running since 3 December 2020, and is still continuing (10 June 2021). A clip from the Equal access exhibition also appeared on the program Activated, SABC2, 24 April.

Museum ups accessibility, interaction. Bloem News, 10 December 2020.

Museum gee geleentheid vir persone met gestremdhede. Bloemfontein Courant, 10 December 2020.

Museum creates easy access for disabled. Mangaung Issue, 16 December 2020.

Nico Avenant 2023. Caracal and Black-backed jackal: their ecology and relationships with man. SPCA Central SA Branch, 4 February 2023 (Caracal and Black-backed jackal: their ecology and relationships with man).

Nico Avenant 2023. Fascinating mammals, a temporary exhibition at the Bainsvlei Library, Langenhovenpark, 27 June 2023 to 26 January 2024.

Nico Avenant and Duncan MacFadyen 2023. Small mammals as an indicator of habitat change in the Kalahari. A public lecture to c. 18 Tel Aviv University lecturers and post-graduate students, at Tswalu lecture / training venue, 18 August 2023 (20 min talk and ± 15 minutes of questions and answers; attended by c. 20 people).

2023. Avenant 2023. Roofdiertjies van die Vrystaat / Small carnivores of the Free State. A temporary exhibition at the Amanzi Game Festival, Amanzi Game Farm, 1 and 2 September 2023.

Nico Avenant 2023. Caracal and Black-backed Jackal: their role and status in the agro-ecosystem. 30 min + question time lecture, University of the Third Age (U3A), Bloemfontein, 9 November 2023 (attended by 47 U3A members).

Nico Avenant 2023. Boek met pragfotos oor rooikat by Oliewenhuis bekend gestel. Volksblad 10 November 2023.

Nico Avenant 2023. Ekoloog wil brug tussen die boere en rooikatte bou. Volksblad 17 November 2023.

Plus, adverts for the Simbamangu book launch, in Bloem­_snippets_no_736, 9 November 2023; Bloemfontein Courant, 11 November; Express News 14 November 2023; Oliewenhuis official Press release.

Nico Avenant 2023. SIMBAMANGU - through the eyes of caracal, a c. 45 min lecture during the launch of the book, at Oliewenhuis Art Museum, 16 November 2023 (attended by 78 people).

Nico Avenant 2024. Why Small Mammals? Their function and role in ecosystems … Workshop presentation, Telperion Nature Reserve, 16 April 2024.

Nico Avenant 2024. The Mammalogy Department at the National Museum, in collaboration with WildTrack (USA) and Oppenheimer Research and Conservation, hosted a special workshop for eight learners and two teachers from the MH Baloyi Secondary School at Telperion Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga. N. Avenant presented two talks on the same Community outreach / scholarly engagement day: Small mammal diversity, and Why study small mammal community ecology? 23 April 2024.

Nico Avenant 2024. Monitoring small mammal diversity - an informative talk for ± 18 students and guides, at the “Kraal”, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, 16 May 2024

Nico Avenant 2024. Weird and beautiful. A talk and community engagement, for (with) ± 49 Witberg community members, at the Khutsong recreational centre in Witberg, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, 17 May 2024.

Nico Avenant 2024. Paws and effect — how mouse footprints could give clues to climate change. Daily Maverick, 5 June 2024.

Nico Avenant 2024. Kleinsoogdiertjies as indikators van omgewingsgesondheid (Small mammals as indicators of environmental integrity). 45 min talk +15 min questions/discussions, to the Free State and Northern Cape SANParks Honorary Rangers. Willows Guest Farm, Bloemfontein, Saturday evening 13 July 2024. Attended by 54 members.

Nico Avenant 2024. Researchers are monitoring environmental changes through small mammal footprints, News 24, 7 July 2024.

Nico Avenant 2024. Hosted an interactive exhibition of a collection of small carnivore study skins, skulls and taxidermy specimens,  at the Amanzi Game Festival, Amanzi Game Farm, 9 & 10 August 2024.

Nico Avenant 2024. The mice infestation and control measures on Marion Island. 30 min online talk and question session, to members of the Free State and Northern Cape Branch of the International Association for Impact Assessment, South Africa:  15 November 2024.

Nico Avenant 2025. Kleinsoogdierdiversiteit (Small mammal diversity). A c.30 min popular scientific talk at the 2025 Amanzi Game Festival. 9 August, Amanzi game farm, Brandfort (Winnie Mandela) District.

Nico Avenant 2025. “From Conflict to Coexistence: Valuing Caracal and Black-Backed Jackal as Part of Our Living Heritage”. A 60 min lecture and discussion at the Clarens heritage Association (Clarens Klopse). 26 September 2025, Methodist Church Hall, Clarens.

Radio talk plus a short publication: Nico Avenant 2025. OFM Landbouradio, 30 September, (https://www.landbou.com/bedrywe/diere/karooboer-se-halsbande-teen-roofdiere-in-amerika-getoets-20250808-0953 - about Predation management).

QwaQwa National Park, Free State

Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve, Free State

Sandveld Nature Reserve, Free State

Korannaberg Conservancy, Free State

Kogelbeen Caves, Griekwastad, Northern Cape

The collection currently totals approximately 12 800 specimens of many different species, which can be loaned by research institutions (see loan policy). The collection contains the following material:

• Study skins
• Skulls
• Complete skeletons
• Baculums
• Embryos
• Wet collection

Species represented in the collection:

• Order Afrosoricida
  
  

  Family CHRYSOCHLORIDAE Gray, 1825	Amblysomus hottentotus (A. Smith, 1829)
  	Chlorotalpa sclateri (Broom, 1907)

• Order Carnivora
  
  

  Family HYAENIDAE Gray, 1821	Parahyaena brunnea (Thunberg, 1820)
  	Proteles cristatus (Sparrman, 1783)
  Family FELIDAE G. Fischer, 1817	Acinonyx jubatus (Schreber, 1775)
  	Caracal caracal (Schreber, 1776)
  	Felis nigripes Burchell, 1824
  	Felis silvestris Forster, 1780
  	Leptailurus serval (Schreber, 1776)
  	Panthera leo (Linnaeus, 1758)
  	Panthera pardus (Linnaeus, 1758)
  Family VIVERRIDAE Gray, 1821	Civettictis civetta (Schreber, 1776)
  	Genetta genetta Linnaeus, 1758
  	Genetta tigrina (Schreber, 1776)
  Family HERPESTIDAE Bonaparte, 1845	Atilax paludinosus (G. Cuvier, 1829)
  	Cynictis penicillata (G. Cuvier, 1829)
  	Galerella pulverulenta (Wagner, 1839)
  	Galerella sanguinea (Rüppell, 1836)
  	Ichneumia albicauda (G. Cuvier, 1829)
  	Suricata suricatta (Schreber, 1776)
  Family CANIDAE G. Fischer, 1817	Lupulella mesomelas Schreber, 1775
  	Lycaon pictus (Temminck, 1820)
  	Otocyon megalotis (Desmarest, 1822)
  	Vulpes chama (A. Smith, 1833)
  Family MUSTELIDAE G. Fischer, 1817	Aonyx capensis (Schinz, 1821)
  	Ictonyx striatus (Perry, 1810)
  	Poecilogale albinucha (Gray, 1864)

• Order Chiroptera
  
  

  Family PTEROPODIDAE Gray, 1821	Eidolon helvum (Kerr, 1792)
  	Epomophorus wahlbergi (Sundevall, 1846)
  Family MOLOSSIDAE Gervais, 1856	Tadarida aegyptiaca (E. Geoffroy, 1818)
  Family VESPERTILIONIDAE Gray, 1821	Cistugo lesueuri (Roberts, 1919)
  	Eptesicus hottentotus (A. Smith, 1833)
  	Laephotis wintoni Setzer, 1971
  	Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817)
  	Myotis tricolor (Temminck, 1832)
  	Myotis welwitschii (Gray, 1866)
  	Neoromicia capensis (A. Smith, 1829)
  	Pipistrellus kuhlii (Kuhl, 1817)
  	Scotophilus dinganii (A. Smith, 1833)
  Family NYCTERIDAE Van der Hoeven, 1855	Nycteris thebaica E. Geoffroy, 1813
  Family RHINOLOPHIDAE Gray, 1825	Rhinolophus clivosus Cretzschmar, 1828
  	Rhinolophus darlingi K. Anderson, 1905
  	Rhinolophus denti Thomas, 1904

• Order Eulipotyphla
  
  

  Family SORICIDAE G. Fischer, 1817	Crocidura cyanea (Duvernoy, 1838)
  	Crocidura flavescens (I. Geoffroy, 1827)
  	Crocidura fuscomurina (Heuglin, 1865)
  	Crocidura hirta Peters, 1852
  	Crocidura mariquensis (A. Smith, 1844)
  	Myosorex varius (Smuts, 1832)
  	Suncus infinitesimus (Heller, 1912)
  	Suncus varilla (Thomas, 1895)
  Family ERINACEIDAE G. Fischer, 1817	Atelerix frontalis A. Smith, 1831

• Order Hyracoidea
  
  

  Family PROCAVIIDAE Thomas, 1892

  Procavia capensis (Pallas, 1766)

• Order Lagomorpha
  
  

  Family LEPORIDAE G. Fischer, 1817	Lepus capensis Linnaeus, 1758
  	Lepus saxatilis F. Cuvier, 1823
  	Pronolagus rupestris (A. Smith, 1834)

• Order Macroscelidea
  
  

  Family MACROSCELIDIDAE Bonaparte, 1838	Elephantulus myurus Thomas & Schwann, 1906
  	Elephantulus rupestris (A. Smith, 1831)

• Order Perissodactyla
  
  

  Family RHINOCEROTIDAE Gray, 1821	Ceratotherium simum (Burchell, 1817)
  	Diceros bicornis (Linnaeus, 1758)
  Family EQUIDAE Gray, 1821	Equus quagga (Gray, 1824)

• Order Pholidota
  
  

  Family MANIDAE Gray, 1821

  Manis temminckii Smuts, 1832

• Order Primates
  
  

  Family CERCOPITHECIDAE Gray, 1821	Cercopithecus pygerythrus (F. Cuvier, 1821)
  	Papio hamadryas (Linnaeus, 1758)

• Order Proboscidea
  
  

  Family ELEPHANTIDAE Gray, 1821

  Loxodonta africana (Blumenbach, 1797)

• Order Rodentia
  
  

  Family BATHYERGIDAE Waterhouse, 1841	Cryptomys hottentotus (Lesson, 1826)
  Family HYSTRICIDAE G. Fischer, 1817	Hystrix africaeaustralis Peters, 1852
  Family THRYONOMYIDAE Pocock, 1922	Thryonomys swinderianus (Temminck, 1827)
  Family PEDETIDAE Gray, 1825	Pedetes capensis (Forster, 1778)
  Family SCIURIDAE Hemprich, 1820	Xerus inauris (Zimmermann, 1780)
  Family MYOXIDAE Gray 1821	Graphiurus murinus (Desmarest, 1822)
  	Graphiurus ocularis (A. Smith, 1829)
  Family MURIDAE Illiger, 1815	Acomys spinosissimus (Peters, 1852)
  	Acomys subspinosus (Waterhouse, 1838)
  	Dendromus melanotis A. Smith, 1834
  	Dendromus mesomelas (Brants, 1827)
  	Dendromus mystacalis Heuglin, 1863
  	Desmodillus auricularis (A. Smith, 1834)
  	Gerbillurus paeba (A. Smith, 1836)
  	Grammomys dolichurus (Smuts, 1832)
  	Lemniscomys rosalia (Thomas, 1904)
  	Malacothrix typica (A. Smith, 1834)
  	Mastomys coucha (A. Smith, 1836)
  	Mastomys natalensis (A. Smith, 1834)
  	Micaelamys namaquensis (A. Smith, 1834)
  	Mus indutus (Thomas, 1910)
  	Mus minutoides A. Smith, 1834
  	Mus orangiae (Roberts, 1926)
  	Mystromys albicaudatus (A. Smith, 1834)
  	Otomys irroratus (Brants, 1827)
  	Otomys saundersiae Roberts, 1929
  	Otomys sloggetti Thomas, 1902
  	Otomys unisulcatus F. Cuvier, 1829
  	Rhabdomys pumilio (Sparrmann, 1784)
  	Saccostomus campestris Peters, 1846
  	Gerbilliscus brantsii (A. Smith, 1836)
  	Gerbilliscus leucogaster (Peters, 1852)

• Order Ruminantia
  
  

  Family BOVIDAE Gray, 1821	Aepyceros melampus (Lichtenstein, 1812)
  	Alcelaphus buselaphus (Pallas, 1766)
  	Antidorcas marsupialis (Zimmermann, 1780)
  	Connochaetes gnou (Zimmerman, 1780)
  	Connochaetes taurinus (Burchell, 1823)
  	Damaliscus lunatus (Burchell, 1823)
  	Damaliscus pygargus (Pallas, 1767)
  	Hippotragus equinus (Desmarest, 1804)
  	Hippotragus niger (Harris, 1838)
  	Oreotragus oreotragus (Zimmermann, 1783)
  	Oryx gazella (Linnaeus, 1758)
  	Pelea capreolus (Forster, 1790)
  	Raphicerus campestris (Thunberg, 1811)
  	Redunca arundinum (Boddaert, 1785)
  	Redunca fulvorufula (Afzelius, 1815)
  	Sylvicapra grimmia (Linnaeus, 1758)
  	Syncerus caffer (Sparrman, 1779)
  	Tragelaphus oryx (Pallas, 1766)
  	Tragelaphus scriptus (Pallas, 1766)
  	Tragelaphus strepsiceros (Pallas, 1766)

• Order Suiformes
  
  

  Family SUIDAE Gray, 1821

  Phacochoerus africanus (Gmelin, 1788)

• Order Tubulidentata
  
  

  Family ORYCTEROPODIDAE Gray, 1821

  Orycteropus afer (Pallas, 1766)

Research staff collaborate locally with the following:

• University of the Free State
• Central University of Technology
• University of Stellenbosch
• Free State Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
• Education and Design Departments of the National Museum

Current international collaboration include working with the:

• Zoologischer Garten Köln, Köln, Germany (Dr. A. Sliwa)
• University of Montpellier, France (Dr. G. Ganem, Dr. F. Delsuc)
• University of Arkansal, USA (Prof. P. Ungar)
• USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, Arizona (State Director David L. Bergman)
• National Museum Natural History, Prague, Czech Republic (Dr. P. Benda)

• Environmental Assessments
• Post-graduate supervision
• Lecturing and Practicals (tertiary level)
• Field schools and popular scientific lectures

Internationally accepted museum loan protocol is followed. Material will be loaned to the Director, Head of Department or permanent senior scientist of a reputable scientific institution only, and not to private individuals.

For further information, contact the Head of Department: navenant@nationalmuseum.co.za