Vincent van der Merwe, a prominent South African conservationist, was found dead in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after reportedly falling in his apartment building. He suffered a head injury, and tributes from friends reflect on his remarkable contributions to cheetah conservation. Vincent’s recent work included significant roles in international cheetah projects, and he had recently extended his contract in Saudi Arabia.

Vincent van der Merwe, a notable South African conservationist, was discovered deceased in the hallway of his apartment building in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reportedly due to a fall. His family and friends have shared tributes on Facebook, highlighting the profound impact he had on cheetah conservation efforts. One heartfelt message noted, “Your work with the cheetah Metapopulation was truly remarkable, and it was an honor to collaborate with you. Rest in peace, my Vin. You will be profoundly missed.”

Reports indicate that Vincent suffered a head injury, leading to the suspicion that he fell and struck his head. Authorities await further confirmation regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. Vincent was renowned as the Cheetah Metapopulation Manager for The Metapopulation Initiative and was recognized as a leading expert in cheetah conservation.

In 2024, he played a significant role in a translocation project in India and contributed to the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Project Cheetah in Madhya Pradesh. His contributions to cheetah conservation and reintroduction initiatives extended across Africa and Asia. Notably, Vincent had recently extended his contract for an additional year in Saudi Arabia shortly before his untimely passing.

Vincent van der Merwe’s untimely death marks a significant loss to the field of conservation, particularly in cheetah preservation efforts. His dedication to the cause and impactful projects, both locally and internationally, established him as a leading authority in his field. As his colleagues and loved ones mourn his loss, the conservation community recognizes the void left by his absence.

Original Source: www.news18.com

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