Dr Jörg Melzheimer
Jörg is a wildlife biologist and received his PhD on the spatial ecology of free-ranging cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and its applications to mitigate the farmer-cheetah conflict in Namibia. Within GAIA, Jörg co-heads the projects on the Leibiz-IZW side.
Professional experience
Scientist and project coordinator of the Cheetah Research Project at Leibniz-IZW for many years. Expert in capturing and deployment of biologgers on mammals and the analyses of the resulting spatial data. Deep knowledge of the ecology of savanna ecosystems and the corresponding mammal fauna. Paraprofessional veterinarian for chemical immobilization of wildlife as well as gun licence for dart-guns. Many years of experience in and enormous passion about science communication as well as involvement of citizens scientists in research projects. Outstanding technical expertise and remarkable troubleshooting skills as well as inventor of various scientific instruments and tools.
Education
- Doctoral degree at Freie Universität Berlin
- “Diplom” with distinction in Biology, University of Potsdam
- Academic studies of Ecology, Evolution and Nature Conservation at the Universities of Potsdam (Germany), Witwatersrand (South Africa) and Marburg (Germany)