As a versatile visual communicator, I specialize in crafting compelling visual content that captivates and informs audiences. With a strong foundation in both science and graphic design, my portfolio showcases a blend of technical precision and creative flair.

Posters & Infographics

Merchandise

Visual assets

Photographs

I recently started my own YouTube channel, check it out by clicking the link below -

I also enjoy writing stuff! Here is a list of some of my efforts. 

Recent articles

1) Unearth adventure: Discover fossils in your backyard and beyond with these simple tips. News24, August 13 2024. Available here

2) New postdoc study funding rules threaten the very foundation of scientific progress. Daily Maverick, July 2024. Available here

3) Africa is full of bats, but their fossils are scarce – why these rare records matter. The Conversation, April 2024. Available here

4) From Ancient Apocathery to Modern Medicine - How our early ancestors shaped our medicine use today. Wits Curiosity Issue 16, January 2024. Available here

5) Breaking barriers or breaking the bank? The academic publishing system is extorting
emerging researchers. Daily Maverick, September 2023. Available here

Scientific publications

• Pretorius, M. 2024. Peer review vs Publish all – Navigating the changing landscape of scientific publication. South African Journal of Science, vol. 120. https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2024/17103
  
• Pretorius, M. 2024. The Elusive Echo: The Mystery of Africa's Sparse Bat Fossil Record. South African
  Journal of Science, vol. 120. https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2024/16991
  
• Evers, E, M, Pretorius, J, Venter, T, Hinoball, M, Keith, N, Mgqatsa, and M. Somers. 2022. Varying degrees
  of spatio-temporal partitioning between large carnivores in a fenced reserve, South Africa. Wildlife Research. 49(5):477-490. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR21045
• Pretorius, M,  Hall, G.,  Broders, H. and Keith, M. 2022. Reproductive status affects isotopic niches of Miniopterus natalensis in north-eastern South Africa. Journal of Mammalogy, vol. 51, p. gyac049, 2022.
  https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyac049
• Pretorius, M and M. Keith. 2022. The shortfall of using capture locality records in conservation planning of South African cave-dwelling bats. African Journal of Wildlife Management. vol 52, https://doi.org/10.3957/056.052.0083 
• Swartz, E, S. Weier, M, Pretorius, and M. Keith. 2022. Natural vegetation edges promote bat diversity and
  abundance in macadamia orchards in Hazyview, South
  Africa. African Journal of Wildlife Research, vol. 51, https://doi.org/10.3957/056.052.0155
• Pretorius, M, T. Kearney, M. Keith, W. Markotter, E. Seamark, and H. Broders. 2021. Reproduction-specific seasonal change in body mass of Natal long-fingered bat in north-eastern South Africa. Journal of Vertebrate Biology,  70,  20088. https://doi.org/10.25225/jvb.20088
• Pretorius, M, M. Keith, and W. Markotter. 2021. Assessing the extent of land-use change around important bat-inhabited caves. BMC Zoology, Vol 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40850-021-00095-5
• Webster, A, M, Pretorius, and M. Somers. 2021. The determinants of mesocarnivore activity patterns in
  highveld grassland and riparian habitats. African Journal of Wildlife Research, vol. 51, pp. 178–192. https://doi.org/10.3957/056.051.0178 
  
• Pretorius, M., Broders, H. and Keith, M. 2020. Threat analysis of modeled potential migratory routes for Minopterus natalensis in South Africa. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12940  
  
• Pretorius, M., Van Cakenberghe, V., Broders, H., and Keith, M. 2020. Temperature explains variation in seasonal temporal activity of Miniopterus natalensis more than moonlight or humidity. Mammal Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-020-00531-w
  
• Pretorius, M., Broders, H., Seamark, E. and Keith, M. 2020. Climatic correlates of migrant Natal long-fingered bat Miniopterus natalensis phenology in north-eastern South Africa. Wildlife Research, 47(5), 404-414. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR19165
• Pretorius, M. E., Seoraj-Pillai, N. and Pillay, N. 2019. Landscape correlates of space use in the critically endangered African wild dog Lycaon pictus. PLoS One, 14(3), e0212621
• Pretorius, M.E., Kearney, T., Keith, M., Markotter, W., Broders, H. and Seamark, E.C.J. 2018. Increased body mass supports energy compensation hypothesis in the breeding female Natal long-fingered bat Miniopterus natalensis. Acta Chiropterologica, 20(2), 319-328
• Kearney, T. C., Keith, M., Markotter, W., Pretorius, M. and Seamark, E. C. J. 2019. Bat species (Mammalia: Chiroptera) occurring at Telperion Nature Reserve. Annals of the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, 8(8), 30-42

I have done a few radio talks too:

Radio Interviews

1. New postdoc study funding rules threaten the very foundation of scientific progress. CapeTalk Afternoon Drive with John Maytham, 2024. Available here
2. Pretorius, M, "South Africa's cave-dwelling bats need more protection – to keep people safe too. CapeTalk. Afternoon Drive with John Maytham, 2022. Available here
3. South Africa's cave-dwelling bats need
   more protection – to keep people safe too. SA FM The Jet Set Breakfast with Bridget Masinga, 2022. Available here
4.  Female bats brave risky conditions for their young. SA FM Sunrise Show with Stephen Grootes,
   2020. Available here