Pietman Muller

Pietman Muller is currently a retired Avocado farmer in Levubu, Limpopo. He developed an interest in photography during high school and bought his first camera 49 years ago. With experience, his passion and expertise grew as he captured true wildlife scenes, whether it’s landscapes, animals, birds, or their interactions. Over the years, he developed a deep understanding and love for the unrivalled uniqueness and diversity of the Northern Kruger. His interest in bird photography leans more towards larger species, especially raptors, with a special passion for owls. During the last 17 years, he spent hundreds of hours in specially built hides at owl and other raptor nests, photographing and studying these remarkable birds. Several of his images and articles were featured in magazines such as Weg/Go and African Birdlife. A very special photograph of a Wahlberg’s eagle on her nest with a chick graced the cover page of African Birdlife magazine.

In 2012 and 2014, he had the privilege to be part of two aerial censuses of white-backed vulture numbers along the entire length of the Limpopo River. Several of his photographs taken on these trips were published in River of Gold – Narratives and Exploration of the Great Limpopo, written by Peter Norton, Michael Gardner and Clive Walker. For the past 15 years, Pietman has served as a SANParks Honorary Ranger with a special focus on Shingwedzi. He also provides photography support at birding events hosted in Kruger by the Limpopo Region of the Honorary Rangers. He frequently gives talks on photography and shares his knowledge of owls at bird clubs and other events. He also educates the community about owls and reunites young owls with their parents in the Levubu and Louis Trichardt area.