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_Research
Since the formation of
the Reserve, Dougal has encouraged research on the Reserves
habitats and wildlife. This contributes to the correct
management of the reserve and increasing knowledge of species
behaviour, abundance and habitat preference. Research of this
type has escalated in the last 10 years since Universities and
Research groups have used Mankwe as a Field Centre undertaking a
variety of projects on a regional level as well as expanding
individual areas of interest.
South Africa's Brown Hyenas
2006 saw the expansion of a project which commenced in 2004
into the endangered brown hyena. It is estimated that fewer than
1700 free ranging brown hyena's exist in South Africa. The
project, which is based at Mankwe Wildlife Reserve, assesses
carnivore populations in areas with different levels of
protection and management (including Mankwe), this will help to
develop an understanding of the ecology and conflict these
animals face and to aid future conservation directions.
Dr. Dawn Scott, Ph.D (Project Principle Investigator)
Monitoring of White Rhino at Mankwe Wildlife Reserve
Since 2005, management at Mankwe Wildlife Reserve has been
monitoring the range utilization, habitat use and behavioural
patterns of White Rhino on the reserve. Using a GPS grid mapping
system, the locations of the White Rhino are mapped and dated to
aid in a long term project, assessing trends in the
reproduction, movements and behaviour of individuals in relation
to climate and habitat.
Grassland Survey
An ongoing project since 2003 examines the interactions
between burning, grassland community ecology and local patch
choice by grazing ruminants. Data collected will assist Reserve
management in compiling burning and stocking programmes to
improve biodiversity or to improve stock grazing conditions
whilst maintaining the veld in optimum conditions.
F. Wragg (Aberdeen University) & P. Ward (Napier University)
Nocturnal Predators Survey
The management team at Mankwe Wildlife Reserve are currently
introducing a new research project which aims to survey
nocturnal predators on the reserve. Species that are to be
looked at will be black-backed jackal, caracal, genet, serval,
civet, owls and leopard. Using a range of field techniques such
as driven night transects, camera trapping, species observation
and walking spoor and track transects the project aims to find
out about population densities, territories, social behaviour
and diet.
Population dynamics of small mammals
Small mammals are an important component of the ecosystem,
comprising of the main prey base for many small carnivores and
are themselves predators of vegetation which in turn can have a
dramatic effect on the vegetation community. Under the
instruction of Dr. Richard Yarnell, we will be undertaking a
long term survey using capture mark recapture methodology to
discover the impacts cover, food and predation have on Mankwe's
small mammal populations. The data collected will be used in
conjunction with the monitoring of nocturnal predators to
discover any trends in the population dynamics of both predator
and prey.
Dr. Richard Yarnell, Ph.D
A number of other research projects are ongoing on the
reserve and it is one of the key tasks for NKOMBI Volunteers to
carry out field work for many of these. Furthering study
projects that have been undertaken in the past and new projects
that are of interest to the management team are also encouraged.
These include the abundance and distribution of steenboks,
reptiles, and amphibians and to compile a comprehensive list of
wildflower occurring on the reserve. |
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Nocturnal Predator Survey.
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Mankwe Wildlife
Reserve
P.O. Box 20784
Protea Park
0305
South Africa
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