Carrying the baton of history – a Curator’s passion

Joe picks up and recognises the sound of Leigh’s footprints long before she appears in the garage which is his temporary home. As she enters, she calls to him “Joe, Joe-Joe!” and he responds appropriately with specific squeaks which Leigh interprets as “I hear you and I am here”. This is usually sufficient to ensure Leigh produces a luscious dollop of mealworms but should she drag her feet on this then a simple change in squeak pitch is sufficient to ensure that Leigh obliges and produces the treat. Joe has worked this out – humans are quite predictable!

Joe is a Little free-tailed bat (Chaerephon pumilus), that was found grounded as a pup and could not be returned to the wild. A positive consequence was that Leigh (an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife permitted bat rehabilitator) became his caregiver and ensured as comfortable an existence as possible for him, including the treats!

Leigh of course, is the subject of our interview! More accurately, Dr Leigh Richards, Curator of Mammals at the Durban Natural Science Museum (DNSM), and well-respected bat researcher. Born and raised in Durban, Leigh graduated from the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) with a with Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) degree that culminated in a PhD (Biological Sciences, specialising in Taxonomy and Systematics).

Leigh’s path was destined at an early age as she explained during our interview, “My maternal grandfather had a great influence over my interest in the natural world. It was his responsibility to look after my cousin and I when we returned home from preschool. He was a principal at one of the local schools and had a keen interest in the natural and physical sciences so each afternoon we would be treated to enthralling documentaries, most narrated by Sir David Attenborough. I would often find myself lost in a magical world of nature’s sights and sounds. If I were asked what I would become when I was older, I always answered “a vet” or “animal scientist”. There was no question in my mind as to where my passion lies!”

That passion was well nurtured by Leigh’s parents who afforded her many opportunities, including a reconnaissance trip to the University of Pretoria Onderstepoort Campus to learn more about the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree offered by the institution and which provided her with invaluable insights into career options. Somewhat presciently, Leigh opted to study Biological Sciences at UKZN which initially opened a window into natural science specimen collections, and later a career at the DNSM. Leigh explained, “I was fortunate to have been exposed to the museum environment in my formative years at university. A study partner and I were assigned a joint third-year project that examined cranial shape and size (morphometry) in a southern African bat species – Chaerephon pumilus (Little free-tailed bat). I became acquainted with the then Curator of Mammals, Dr Peter Taylor (now Prof. Taylor) and the Durban Natural Science Museum’s mammal collection. Little did I know that Peter would later supervise my MSc and PhD studies!

During my MSc I approached Peter to ask if I could assist on a volunteer basis with museum collection management activities. This later turned into an ad hoc internship (albeit limited hours per month owing to my study commitments). I continued with my connection to the museum during my PhD as some of the work relied on museum specimen material. It came as a shock to most when Peter announced that he planned to leave the museum to take up a position at the University of Venda. I was adamant that I would not apply for the job as I wanted to focus on completing my studies. Luckily common sense prevailed, and I was fortunate to be appointed to the position of Curator of Mammals – a position that I have held since October 2010.”

The role of “curators” has evolved dramatically in recent years with the advent of new technologies not only in the field of Taxonomy, one of the important aspects of curatorship, but also technologies relating to cataloguing, physical storage and those technologies needed to convey relevant information to researchers and the public at large. The popular DNSM next to Durban City Hall is the public face of the organisation which Leigh describes as the “tip of the iceberg and what the public see and enjoy.” The bulk of the items belonging to the museum are the research collections and these are stored safely at the Museum’s Research Centre located on the corner of K E Masinga (Old Fort) and Wyatt Roads.

Leigh defines her outlook and role at the DNSM as three strong “pillars” that underpin her work. The first of these relates to the historical significance of collections. In discussion Leigh explained the importance of curating collections that have been accumulated over many years (the museum was founded in 1887) often by renowned scientists and collectors. The oldest item in the DNSM mammal collection is a part of a Duck-billed platypus collected in 1897 which is stored in a firesafe because of its value and rarity. Being a link in this historical continuum brings significant responsibility and Leigh explained that she felt that “historical weight” on her shoulders. “I took on the baton of history from Peter Taylor and in due course will pass it on to my successor but while I hold the baton in my hands, I bear the responsibility for ensuring that all that has come before is kept safe, improved and benefits our society. It is something I am passionate about and something I love doing”

One of Leigh’s roles is to work on the Taxonomy of species, and this is something that the average reader is likely to find quite difficult to understand and appreciate. It’s the sort of “stuff” people imagine as being done in some dusty, stuffy backroom by people in white coats, but it is an invaluable and critical component of understanding our species and Leigh is imminently well qualified in this role having completed her PhD on taxonomy and systematics. When asked about some of the highlights in her career Leigh responded, “naming a species that is new to science is enormously rewarding and I could not have done that without my taxonomical training” Over the past seven years, I have been fortunate to be part of research teams that have described or recognised at least four bat species that were new to science. Such teams comprise several researchers, each with their own speciality and skill set. We work together to unravel complex evolutionary traits and/or relationships that allow for the recognition of hitherto undescribed African small mammal species. One such species is Otomops harrisoni (Harrison’s large-eared giant mastiff bat). Initially classed as Otomops martiensseni (Large-eared giant mastiff bat), a species occurring throughout subSaharan Africa, the research work undertaken by myself and my colleague and friend Dr Taryn Ralph as part of our respective PhDs, led to the recognition of eastern and northeastern African populations of Otomops as a species distinct from the rest of African Otomops.

In addition to the historical relevance of her position Leigh explained the ongoing benefit that collections provide for society, the second pillar to her role. “My primary efforts are aimed at generating ‘foundational biodiversity information or data on southern African small mammals’. Essentially these are the data needed to inform larger research or environmental questions or conservation efforts. As the saying goes, you cannot conserve what you do know to exist or where it is found!”

In this context the DNSM as a whole (bear in mind that the museum is home to collections of many non-mammal species as well) plays a leading role in South Africa. The mammal collection currently comprises of approximately 18000 items and includes some fascinating samples such as the complete foetuses of a Humpback Whale and Fin Whale, Leigh explained, “The DNSM is the only municipal natural science collections institution in the country. Despite our relatively small size and staff complement, we certainly try to punch above our weight. The museum’s biobank is one of our prized resources – it is utilised by national and international researchers alike and has contributed towards the description of several Afrotropical small mammals new to science.”

As with most roles, the team that surrounds and supports you can be a determining factor in achieving a successful career and that has strongly affected Leigh as the third pillar in her career – the importance of mentoring and developing people. When asked about individuals that inspired her Leigh responded, “There are several local and international people that I gain inspiration from. Of course, Sir David Attenborough through his documentaries and life-time work is top-of-my-list! Prof. Peter Taylor was an important early influence and my doctoral supervisory committee that consisted of no less than four official supervisors and one ‘unofficial’ supervisor, are another source of inspiration. Many of them are viewed as leaders in terms of generating scientific knowledge on the small mammalian fauna of the Afrotropics. I still have the pleasure of co-authoring papers with some of them. More importantly anyone capable of contributing towards the conservation and protection of our natural world and all its inhabitants, despite all the associated associated challenges, inspires me.”

Having been a beneficiary of mentoring, Leigh has taken it upon herself to identify and guide others. She explained, “The lack of adequate career / guidance counselling at high school level is a concern for me and I think this continues to be a challenge at some schools. This together with my own personal experience at being mentored is strong motivation for me to work with volunteers, graduates and interns and to assist them through mentorship and providing them with ‘scarce skills’ – museological-based work/activities are not taught at higher learning institutions. Several of my past interns have gone on to pursue careers in the natural sciences, including working in museums or studying for PhD’s”

Being employed by a museum and being a “curator” does not mean, as most readers might think, that one is stuck in a stuffy office all day, to the contrary the post can involve intensive field work with a variety of experiences, some positive and some less pleasant!

When asked about her most frightful experience Leigh replied, “My research team and I were accosted by a pack of hunting dogs in a reserve in the Eastern Cape whilst sampling for bats. Unbeknown to us at the time, and earlier on in the day, the alleged poachers had found and vandalised some of research equipment (probably thinking our camera traps were surveillance equipment). The pack of hunting dogs tore through our bat mist nets that we had erected across the reserve road. My assistant, intern and doctoral student were shaken by the experience. A stark reminder of the hazards inherent with field-based sampling in South Africa.” Sometimes experiences can be just downright disappointing, “On two occasions my team conducted week-long small mammal surveys in summer, using live box-traps to trap rodents and shrews, only to come up completely empty-handed or with a single Greater Red Musk shrew. A lot of effort for no reward!” This is not to say that such areas are devoid of small mammals – field work is a game of timing and of course, effort.

Or sometimes extremely rewarding, “Any new record of an undocumented species in an under-sampled area is thrilling moment. Knowing that species ranges are greater than original documented or predicted is somewhat reassuring. Similarly, the experience of getting to describe and name a new species to science is another momentous occasion. I am so lucky to work with a network of truly brilliant scientists who are working hard to uncover cryptic or hitherto unknown small mammal species from across Africa.”

And sometimes it’s a mix of emotions, “There are certain things that can only happen to a field biologist – case in point… having your bat sampling session gate-crashed by a herd of thirsty elephants! This happened to myself and a colleague whilst surveying the bat community of Phinda Private Game Reserve. The field team had set up our mist nets in a “V” formation across a swimming pool and were settling in for a busy night of bat sampling, when suddenly a single safari vehicle appeared across the open grassy area onto which the chalet and pool overlooked. This was soon followed by a second safari vehicle. We initially thought that we had somehow become popular with the tourists, only to find that they were securing their ‘front-row’ seats to watch a herd of elephants approach the chalets to drink from the swimming pools (the ellies are known for this particular habit). True to form, and one-by-one, they started appearing from the bushes bordering the open grassy vlei bee-lining for the chalets. We thought to ourselves, “surely they would not approach our chalet being the furthest away from them”. But as luck would have it, they decided to hone in on our chalet! It was a mad dash to take down mist nets without accidentally landing up in the pool. It was another mad dash for the safety of chalet once nets were down. At the end we counted about 22 of them with their young drinking from our pool. The highlight was having a large bull follow just a few minutes after the cows and calves had arrived. This certainly was a truly unforgettable, yet slightly hair-raising experience. I am glad to report that once the elephants departed, we managed to re-erect our nets and collect some valuable information on the bats of that area.“

One part of her role as Curator of Mammals that Leigh is particularly attached to is that it enables her to work with the mammals she is closest to, bats. Interestingly though Leigh’s favourite animal is not a bat but the Australian Wombat which she puts down simply to that marsupial’s chubby cuteness! Bats are not generally regarded by most people as cute and cuddly so that prompted an obvious question for Leigh. Her response, “Almost always I am asked the question “why bats?”. This is unsurprising as, apart from snakes, bats are perhaps the most misunderstood and persecuted animal group worldwide. South Africa boasts 64 species – and this number is likely to increase in years to come as scientific teams continue to unravel evolutionary relationships within and amongst species.
I started my academic career with intention of being engaged in ecological studies. It was pure chance that brought me to the world of bats. When I realised the level of misperception and fear associated with these ‘creatures of the night skies’, I knew that I had to direct my efforts towards not only understanding them more from a scientific viewpoint, but to serve as one of their champions and highlight their importance in ecological systems.
There is still a great deal of information lacking on southern Africa bats. In most instances, we do not possess even basic information such as their longevity in the wild or where they roost. I firmly believe in the following statement and, as such, will continue to be an ambassador for our little winged critters: “In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.” (Baba Dioum, 1968.)”

The passion for these mammals is very evident in the way Leigh speaks about them so that prompted a follow-up question as to which was her favourite bat. “Immediately two species spring to mind – the Large-eared giant mastiff bat (Otomops martiensseni) and the Mauritian tomb bat (Taphozous mauritianus); both are insectivorous bats. Otomops saw me immersed in the world of taxonomy (naming and description of organisms) and systematics (the study of biological diversity & evolutionary relationships) – the ‘essentials’ of any natural science museum. I conducted my Masters and PhD studies on this group of bats. The PhD culminated in the description of a new African Otomops species. Mauritian tomb bats are perhaps our most handsome looking bats, with their grizzled top coats and brilliant cream-white bellies. They often can be found roosting on the face brick outer walls of dwellings.”

Leigh is also actively involved in the Bat Interest of KwaZulu-Natal, the South African Bat Assessment Association, and the Natural Science Collections Facility. When she has spare time, she enjoys drawing and walking in the many green open spaces we are fortunate to have in Durban.

As with all our interviewees the question was asked on Leigh’s views of the long-term prospects for our planet in the face of the challenges of Climate Change, the depletion of the planets natural resources and consequent stresses placed on mammals and all other species. After mulling over the question for some time Leigh replied, “I am generally an optimistic person and I find strength in the vibrancy and enthusiasm from the young people I work with. My optimism is however being challenged and I am becoming increasingly concerned for our future and the natural world that we are inextricably linked with.”

One can only hope that the important work being done by Leigh and her colleagues combined with her immense personal commitment as a role model will win the day and we acknowledge Leigh as a true member of the Eco-Impi**.

Notes

Eco-Impi**

An Impi is defined as “an armed band of Zulu warriors involved in urban or rural conflict”. In our context we refer to an Eco-Impi as those conservationists armed with knowledge and experience who are fighting to help protect our biodiversity and have made a significant impact in our area.