Dr David Le Maitre

I originally obtained a BSc degree in Forestry and Nature Conservation at Stellenbosch in 1979 before going on to spend 11 years working as a fire ecologist on fynbos ecology and plant population biology. During this time I got my MSc and PhD at Cape Town. Then I moved to the CSIR in Stellenbosch where I have worked mainly on the ecology of invasive alien plants, their hydrological and ecological impacts, and their management. Thus I have spent time on lighting fires and on water, which puts out fires. Much of my work has been in support of the Working for Water programme and included a study of the hydrological impacts of invasions which was pivotal in getting this programme launched. I have a strong interest in hydrological ecosystem services, particularly how catchments capture, store and release water  and how this is alter by the way the land is changed by human activities, particularly land management. We have really neglected, and often actively and severely damaged, our riverine and wetland ecosystems which has altered and degraded the ecosystem services they generate, particularly their ability to absorb rainfall and to process and assimilate nutrients and chemical from agriculture and other sources. I want to use my research to make a case for river and wetland restoration so that these ecosystems can continue to provide us with sustained supplies of good quality water and the many other benefits they provide, particularly the intangible but very real psychological benefits.

When I am not working I enjoy reading good books (mainly non-fiction), watching interesting movies and listening to good music, and going for walks in the mountains or on the beach.  I also enjoy being with my grandchildren who remind me of the importance of family and of having fun.