Lucas Chauke

Contact Details

Email: Chauke@sanbi.org
Molecular Ecology and Evolution Program
Kirstenbosch Research Centre
South African National Biodiversity Institute
P/Bag X7
Claremont 7735
South Africa
Tel +27-(0)21-799-8656

I completed my B.Sc. (Zoology & Microbiology) degree at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Venda, South Africa in 2001. I was subsequently appointed as a biologist at Marion Island Seal Research Project that is supported by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism within the South African National Antarctic Research Programme. I spent 14 months in the field at Marion Island, mostly under harsh conditions, and still performed various research duties and made fun of it. With an interest in population genetics, I was recruited to continue my studies in the field of elephant seal genetics with the Department of Zoology & Entomology at the University of Pretoria in 2004. To this end I am completing my MSc thesis titled: Genetic variation and population structure of Southern elephant seals at Marion Island. The Southern elephant seal is one of the marine mammals that were harvested in late 18th and early 19th century. As a result, my MSc project aims to elucidate the effects of the harvest by assessing the level of genetic diversity and population structure of southern elephant seal at Marion Island based on mitochondrial and microsatellite markers. My current position at SANBI as a scientist involves microsatellite and AFLP genotyping for chameleon (Bradypodion pumilum) and Leucadendron levisanus (Proteaceae) respectively.

Scientific publication

Bester, M.N., Hofmeyer, G.J.G., Kirkman, S.P., Chauke, L.F., De Bruyn, P.J.N., Ferreira, S.M., Makhado, A.B., Maswime, T.A.M., McIntyre, T., Mulaudzi, T.W., Munyai, F.M., Pistorius, P.A., Radzilani, P.M., Ramunasi, A.J., Tshithabane, N.H. & Wilkinson, I.S. 2006. The leopard seal at Marion Island, vagrant or seasonal transient? South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 36(2): In press.