Passion for Pythons Jumpstarts Student’s PhD Success

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A casual conversation with a top University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) researcher to discuss bird ringing ultimately proved to be the launch pad for a student’s doctoral journey that would see her plunge into the fascinating world of southern African pythons.

Student Ms Kirsty Kyle had not initially planned to pursue a PhD immediately after completing her master’s degree. “Having just secured a challenging master’s qualification through North-West University, I was exhausted, burned out and while I dreamed of getting my doctorate one day, I thought I was finished with academics for a while,” recalled Kyle.

However, a meeting at UKZN with renowned academic Professor Colleen Downs soon changed her mind. “I went to speak about bird ringing and after chatting for half an hour, I was signing up for my PhD in Ecology,” she said. Kyle described the opportunity as “100% divine intervention”, adding that what she had been offered was the chance to study a species she was passionate about. In addition, the University’s fee remission policy meant that the first three years of her doctoral studies came at no cost. “It was just meant to be,” she said.

Kyle’s research focused on southern African pythons, the region’s largest snake species. Her work, titled: ‘Southern African Pythons (Python natalensis): Diet, Human Perceptions, and Persistence despite Anthropogenic Factors’, explored several aspects of their lives and how they interact with people and the environment. “I looked at their diet, the threats they are facing, what people think and feel about them and how they are persisting in the world we live in today,” Kyle said. “It has been an amazing opportunity to learn more about a very complicated and interesting species.”

An important component of her research involved innovative approaches to gathering data. “Some important aspects included using citizen science and social media for scientific research,” she explained. “We created a bilingual infographic poster addressing some of the popular myths and beliefs around pythons, and established new and interesting feeding behaviours for the species.”

Kyle’s interest in pythons stemmed from her passion for behavioural ecology and her fascination with intelligence in animals, which is often underestimated. “We expect ‘intelligence’ from certain species, such as primates, dolphins, and elephants, but I firmly believe that if we spend enough time with any species, we will be surprised by what they can show us,” she said.

Reptiles, particularly pythons, have always intrigued her because of their complex behaviour. “I really love reptiles and am fascinated by them because of the social aspects of their lives and the maternal care they provide,” she added. She also admitted that choosing to study a non-venomous species offered some reassurance early in her career. “Working on pythons meant I could work with a big, interesting snake species, which is non-venomous.”

Kyle believes her research carries several important implications. Beyond highlighting the threats facing pythons in South Africa, she hopes it encourages broader participation in science and conservation. “Firstly, as a woman working on reptiles, it opens the door a bit further for other women to pursue their dreams in science, even if they are a bit unconventional,” she said. She added that the research also emphasised the ecological importance of pythons as keystone species and demonstrated the value of public contributions through social media data.

Kyle credited her parents, supervisors, her husband, siblings, and friends for their support throughout her studies. “My faith, family and friends have gotten me through this journey so far,” she said.

Kyle has already embarked on the next step in her career. She recently began a postdoctoral position at UKZN, where she plans to continue her research on pythons and other species. “I am very excited about it and am looking forward to seeing where the adventure takes me,” she said.

Outside academia, Kyle spends most of her time outdoors. Whether camping, hiking, birding, fishing, swimming or horse riding, she just enjoys staying active in nature. Indoors, she relaxes with embroidery, reading and classic Disney animations. She also plays ping-pong, has recently taken up squash and cares for a variety of animals at home.

Kyle offered advice to those full of ambition: “It is extremely important to surround yourself with the right people and to stay optimistic and positive,” she said. “Anything is achievable with the right mindset.”

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini