Personal information

Arachnology, Biological invasions, Biodiversity and conservation, DNA barcoding, Ecological modelling, Ecological risk assessment, Ornithology, Pet trade ecology, Urban ecology, Zoology
South Africa

Biography

Dr. Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu, a dedicated biological scientist with a profound interest in flora and fauna, boasts a comprehensive academic background. He earned his BSc in Botany and Zoology as well as a BSc Honours in Zoology from the University of Venda, followed by an MSc in Zoology from the University of Pretoria. Subsequently, he obtained his PhD in Zoology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus.

His research pursuits encompass a wide array of topics, including biological invasions, conservation biology, species diversity and distribution, wildlife trade, alien species risk assessment, molecular biology, and urban and rural ecology. He contributes significantly to management strategies and policy development by engaging in local and international projects, such as wildlife trade assessment, managing exotic invasive birds in urban areas, DNA barcoding of unidentified species prevalent in the pet trade, and investigating zoonotic diseases in pets. Dr. Shivambu's scholarly contributions are evidenced by his authored and co-authored articles and book chapters published in esteemed local and international accredited journals.

Furthermore, he actively participates in community engagement activities, serving as a reviewer for prestigious entities such as NRF, SANBI Alien Risk Analysis Panel (ASRARP), and nine scientific journals. His affiliations include memberships in prominent organizations like the International Ornithological Congress, the Entomological Society of South Africa, and the Zoological Society of Southern Africa. He is also associated with the Centre for Functional Biodiversity and CIB DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology. A comprehensive list of his publications is available at https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3157-4712.

Activities

Employment (11)

University of South Africa: Pretoria, ZA

2024-10-01 to present | Nature Conservation WIL Lecturer (Environmental Sciences )
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Tshwane University of Technology: Pretoria, ZA

2024-01-01 to 2024-12-31 | Part-time lecturer (Nature Conservation)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Tshwane University of Technology: Pretoria, ZA

2023-09-01 to 2024-09-30 | Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Nature Conservation)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Tshwane University of Technology: Pretoria, ZA

2023-09-01 to 2023-12-31 | Assistant lecturer (Nature Conservation)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

University of Pretoria: Pretoria, Gauteng Province, ZA

2022-09-01 to 2023-09-30 | Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Department of Zoology and Entomology)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

University of KwaZulu-Natal - Pietermaritzburg Campus: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA

2018-07-01 to 2021-04-27 | Assistant teacher (School of Life Sciences )
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

South African National Biodiversity Institute Kirstenbosch Research Centre: Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA

2020-08-01 to 2020-12-31 | Research assistant (Directorate of Biological Invasions)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

National Zoological Gardens of South Africa: Pretoria, Gauteng Province, ZA

2017-01-01 to 2017-04-30 | Research assistant (Department of Forensic)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

South African National Biodiversity Institute Kirstenbosch Research Centre: Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA

2015-01-01 to 2015-12-31 | Invasive Species Programme - Project development (Directorate of Biological Invasions)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

University of Venda School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences: Thohoyandou, Limpopo, ZA

2012-02-01 to 2014-11-29 | Laboratory demonstrator (Department of Zoology)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

University of Venda School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences: Thohoyandou, Limpopo, ZA

2011-09-01 to 2014-11-29 | Research assistant (Department of Zoology)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Education and qualifications (4)

University of KwaZulu-Natal - Pietermaritzburg Campus: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA

2018-07-06 to 2021-07-06 | PhD in Zoology (School of Life Sciences)
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

University of Pretoria: Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA

2016-01-08 to 2017-12-15 | Master of Science (MSc) in Zoology (Department of Zoology and Entomology)
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

University of Venda: Thohoyandou, Limpopo, ZA

2014-02-04 to 2014-12-10 | Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Zoology (Department of Zoology)
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

University of Venda: Thohoyandou, Limpopo, ZA

2011-02-13 to 2013-12-15 | Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Botany & Zoology (Department of Botany and Zoology)
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Professional activities (5)

Centre for Functional Biodiversity (CFB) - UKZN: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA

2019-09-01 to present | Researcher (School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal)
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Zoological Society of Southern Africa (ZSSA): Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA

2015-07-13 to present | General membership (School of Life Sciences)
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Entomological Society of Southern Africa (ESSA): Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA

2015-07-13 to present | Student membership (Department of Zoology)
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

CIB DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA

2014-02-02 to present | Student membership (School of Life Sciences)
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

University of Pretoria : Pretoria, Gauteng Province, ZA

2022-08-01 to 2023-08-31 | Academic research visitor (Department of Zoology and Entomology)
Invited position
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Funding (4)

Development of Multidimensional Biodiversity Index

2022-08 to present | Salary award
South African National Biodiversity Institute (Pretoria, Gauteng Province, ZA)
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Aspects of ecology of invasive rose-ringed (Psittacula krameri) parakeets in eThekwini Metropole, kwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

2018-07 to 2021-07 | Award
Department of Environmental Affairs (Pretoria, Gauteng Province, ZA)
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Risk assessment of tarantula species sold in the South African pet trade

2016-01 to 2017-12 | Award
DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (Pretoria, Gauteng Province, ZA)
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

An assessment of three invasive spider species introduced to South Africa

2014-01 to 2014-12 | Award
DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (Pretoria, Gauteng Province, ZA)
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Works (32)

Assessing the potential impacts of exotic reptile species advertised for sale in the South African pet trade

Global Ecology and Conservation
2024-10 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 2351-9894
Contributors: Asekho Mantintsilili; Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Colleen T. Downs
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

South Africa as a Donor of Its Native and Exotic Species to the International Pet Trade

Sustainability
2024-10-12 | Journal article
Contributors: Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu; Takalani Nelufule; Moleseng Claude Moshobane; Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai; Tshifhiwa Constance Nangammbi
Source: check_circle
Crossref
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

A Snapshot of the Global Trade of South African Native Vertebrate Species Not Listed on CITES

Animals
2024-09 | Journal article | Author
Contributors: Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu; Takalani Nelufule; Dr. Moleseng Claude Moshobane; Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai; Tshifhiwa Constance Nangammbi
Source: check_circle
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute

Alien Plant Species Richness in Urban Protected Biodiversity Areas: A Case Study of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa

Diversity
2024-08-01 | Journal article
Contributors: Takalani Nelufule; Tshifhiwa C. Thenga; Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Moleseng C. Moshobane; Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai; Tshifhiwa C. Nangammbi
Source: check_circle
Crossref
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

Returning to the Wilderness: Potential Habitat Suitability of Non-Native Pet Birds in South Africa

Biology
2024-06-28 | Journal article
Contributors: Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Takalani Nelufule; Moleseng C. Moshobane; Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai; Tshifhiwa C. Nangammbi
Source: check_circle
Crossref
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

Evaluating the Status of Lost, Found and Sighted Non-Native Pet Bird Species in South Africa

Diversity
2024-05-09 | Journal article
Contributors: Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Takalani Nelufule; Moleseng C. Moshobane; Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai; Tshifhiwa C. Nangammbi
Source: check_circle
Crossref
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

Assessing Alien Plant Invasions in Urban Environments: A Case Study of Tshwane University of Technology and Implications for Biodiversity Conservation

Plants
2024-03-18 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 2223-7747
Contributors: Takalani Nelufule; Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Moleseng C. Moshobane; Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai; Tshifhiwa Nangammbi
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

IPBES Invasive Alien Species Assessment: Chapter 4. Impacts of invasive alien species on nature, nature's contributions to people, and good quality of life

2024-02-23 | Report
Contributors: Sven Bacher; Bella S. Galil; Martin A. Nuñez; Michael Ansong; Phillip Cassey; Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz; Georgi Fayvush; Ankila J. Hiremath; Makihiko Ikegami; Angeliki F. Martinou et al.
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Potential Climatic Suitability Distribution Model for Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in South Africa

African Journal of Wildlife Research
2023-11-06 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 2410-7220
Contributors: Claudette N. James; Brent Coverdale; Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Colleen T. Downs
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Zoonotic Pathogens Associated with Pet and Feeder Murid Rodent Species: A Global Systematic Review

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases
2023-11-01 | Journal article
Contributors: Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Christian T. Chimimba
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Genetic diversity of rodent species sold in South African pet shops

African Journal of Ecology
2023-03 | Journal article
Contributors: Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Colleen T. Downs; Sandi Willows‐Munro
Source: check_circle
Crossref

An assessment of avian species sold in the South African pet trade

African Journal of Ecology
2022-12 | Journal article
Contributors: Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Colleen T. Downs
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Breeding status of invasive Rose-ringed Parakeets Psittacula krameri in Durban, South Africa

Ostrich
2022-12-16 | Journal article
Contributors: Tinyiko C Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Colleen T Downs
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Survey of non‐native small mammals traded in South Africa

African Journal of Ecology
2022-09 | Journal article
Contributors: Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Colleen T. Downs
Source: check_circle
Crossref

An impact assessment of alien invasive plants in South Africa generally dispersed by native avian species

NeoBiota
2022-07-27 | Journal article
Contributors: Nasiphi Bitani; Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Colleen T. Downs
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Online and pet stores as sources of trade for reptiles in South Africa

Journal for Nature Conservation
2022-06 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 1617-1381
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Citizen science survey of non-native Rose-ringed Parakeets Psittacula krameri in the Durban metropole, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

African Zoology
2022-04-03 | Journal article
Contributors: Tinyiko C Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Colleen T Downs
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Predicting the Potential Distribution of Non-Native Mammalian Species Sold in the South African Pet Trade

Diversity
2021-09-29 | Journal article
Contributors: Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Colleen T. Downs
Source: check_circle
Crossref
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

Population estimates of non-native rose-ringed parakeets Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) in the Durban Metropole, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Urban Ecosystems
2021-08-14 | Journal article
Contributors: Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Colleen T. Downs
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Aspects of the feeding ecology of introduced Rose-ringed Parakeets Psittacula krameri in the urban landscape mosaic of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Journal of Ornithology
2021-04-24 | Journal article
Contributors: Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Colleen T. Downs
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Modification of the third phase in the framework for vertebrate species persistence in urban mosaic environments

Ambio
2021-03-07 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Non-native small mammal species in the South African pet trade

Management of Biological Invasions
2021-01-12 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar Gray, 1830).

Invasive birds: global trends and impacts
2020-12-20 | Book chapter
Part of ISBN: 9781789242065
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

House Crow (Corvus splendens Vieillot, 1817).

Invasive birds: global trends and impacts
2020-12-20 | Book chapter
Part of ISBN: 9781789242065
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

Occurrence Record of and Possible Invasion by Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea Buc’hoz ex Etl.) in South Africa

Russian Journal of Biological Invasions
2020-12-20 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 2075-1117
Part of ISSN: 2075-1125
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Rock Dove (Columba livia Gmelin, 1789).

Invasive birds: global trends and impacts
2020-12-20 | Book chapter
Part of ISBN: 9781789242065
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

Tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae) in the pet trade in South Africa

African Zoology
2020-10-01 | Journal article
Contributors: Tinyiko C Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Robin Lyle; Adriaana Jacobs; Sabrina Kumschick; Stefan H Foord; Mark P Robertson
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Assessing the potential impacts of non-native small mammals in the South African pet trade

NeoBiota
2020-08-12 | Journal article
Contributors: Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Colleen T. Downs
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Exotic gastropods for sale: an assessment of land and aquatic snails in the South African pet trade

Management of Biological Invasions
2020-08-01 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 1989-8649
Source: Self-asserted source
Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu

Numbers of invasive House Sparrows Passer domesticus in a rural landscape of Limpopo province, South Africa

Ostrich
2020-07-02 | Journal article
Contributors: Cavin T Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Takalani Nelufule; Moleseng C Moshobane; Manqoba M Zungu; Colleen T Downs
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Impact assessment of seven alien invasive bird species already introduced to South Africa

Biological Invasions
2020-06-14 | Journal article
Contributors: Tinyiko C. Shivambu; Ndivhuwo Shivambu; Colleen T. Downs
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Genetic identification of freely traded synanthropic invasive murid rodents in pet shops in Gauteng Province, South Africa

African Zoology
2020-04-02 | Journal article
Contributors: Ndivhuwo Maligana; Rolanda S Julius; Tinyiko C Shivambu; Christian T Chimimba
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Peer review (11 reviews for 6 publications/grants)

Review activity for Biological invasions. (1)
Review activity for Global ecology and conservation. (4)
Review activity for Journal für Ornithologie. (2)
Review activity for Maǧallaẗ ǧāmiʹaẗ al-malik Saʹūd. al-ʹUlūm (2)
Review activity for Naturwissenschaften. (1)
Review activity for Urban ecosystems. (1)