Storme Viljoen

Storme Viljoen is a dedicated Project Coordinator for Panthera’s Counter Wild Cat Trafficking Networks initiative, based in Cape Town, South Africa. In this role, she coordinates efforts aimed at disrupting the illegal trade in wild cats, combining a deep knowledge of conservation biology with extensive experience in project management.

Storme holds an M.Sc. in Biology from the University of Cape Town, where she focused on wild carnivore conservation and ecology. Her career began with a focus on conservation in Southern Africa, where she developed a deep connection to the region’s wildlife. Over time, her work has expanded to global efforts, collaborating with project teams across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia to combat wild cat trafficking on a broader scale.

Before joining Panthera, she served as a Project Manager with TRAFFIC, the global wildlife trade monitoring network, where she contributed to numerous projects aimed at curbing the illicit trade of endangered species.

With a strong background in conservation science and a passion for protecting vulnerable wildlife and communities, Storme is particularly driven by the urgency of addressing the complex issue of wild cat trafficking. She works closely with international partners to protect these iconic species and the landscapes we all depend on, ensuring that conservation strategies are effective across diverse ecosystems and regions.