Arid Research Unit
Based primarily out of Kimberley, the Arid Research Unit has a long history within SANParks. Established more than 3 decades ago, primarily focused on plant-herbivore-carnivore interactions, the unit has seen considerable flux over time. This is primarily due to the increase and consolidation of parks in both the Arid and Frontier region as well as the shifting focus of what is expected of National Parks by society.
Currently, the Arid Research Unit supports research and monitoring in both the arid region (Kalahari Gemsbok, Richtersveld, Augrabies Falls, Mokala and the newly proclaimed Meerkat NPs) as well as the Frontier region, namely the terrestrial component of Addo Elephant National Park as well as Mountain Zebra, Karoo and Camdeboo NPs.
Research support infrastructure exists in Kimberley (visiting researcher accommodation as well as herbarium), and some basic accommodation options in Addo Elephant NP, including access to a satellite office at Corney, and support through a park-based research assistant. In addition, research accommodation is available in the Kalahari Gemsbok NP, both at Twee Rivieren and Nossob camps, with a small office space in Twee Rivieren and logistics support provided through a research assistant based there.