Biography: Dr John Ledger

John Ledger has a BSc, BSc Hons, and PhD, all from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Post-studies he joined the South African Institute for Medical Research as a research officer and worked his way up to the Head of the Department of Medical Entomology (1979-1984). During this time John worked as the Principal Entomologist and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Tropical Pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand (1981-1984). 

John then joined the Endangered Wildlife Trust in 1985 and served as their director for 17 years (1985-2002) while consulting for the likes of Eskom and the Lesotho Highland Development Authority (LHDA) on energy-related projects like the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.  

He has continued to teach, holding numerous positions over the decades, including Associate Professor in the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences (2005-2022) at the University of the Witwatersrand, and Associate Professor of Energy Studies in the Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies at the University of Johannesburg (2010-2017).

John is also a published author/co-author of five books, including Southern Africa’s Threatened Wildlife, the revised edition of Skaife’s African Insect Life, and The Vultures of Africa. For his contributions to energy education and environmental conservation, he has won numerous awards.