Duncan Butchart (1958–2021) was a keen observer of the natural world and worked as an illustrator, writer and ecotourism consultant. He authored numerous books, including Wildlife of South Africa and Wildlife of the Okavango, and was illustrator and co-author of The Vultures of Africa. He worked in 11 African countries and travelled extensively worldwide, writing articles on the birds and other wildlife of Australia, Borneo, Thailand, Costa Rica, Peru, Brazil and India. An enthusiastic gardener, he created inviting spaces for birds wherever he lived, in Johannesburg, Mbombela (Nelspruit) and Hermanus.