Have you ever wondered how ecologists and conservationists uncover the hidden lives of plants and animals in our fynbos, forests, grasslands, savannas, and the deep blue sea? The answer lies in the power of conservation technology and the data (information) extracted from it. Over the years, technological advancements have changed how we view, study, and…
2021/22 was a busy and productive year for the Veterinary Wildlife Services (VWS) Biobank. Biological samples were collected, processed and stored from 18 different species in the Kruger National Park (KNP) including 1167 serum, 697 plasma, 1861 whole blood, 541 tick, 908 skin and 906 hair samples. Additionally, the Kimberley biobank processed and stored samples…
The endangered Orange-fringed River Bream (Chetia brevis) is endemic to the Lomati tributary of the Incomati River in South Africa and some coastal lagoons in the lower Incomati system in Mozambique. According to the IUCN, the population trend of this species is currently declining. To assess the current status of the species in South Africa,…
While exploring our beautiful and rugged rocky shores, have you ever noticed bolts embedded in the rocks and wondered why they are there and what they do? Join me as I dive into the fascinating world of rocky shore monitoring—an essential project in safeguarding these dynamic coastal ecosystems. South Africa’s coastline is enriched with a…
Since 2015, a research group, consisting of the University of Johannesburg, North-West University and the University of Hong Kong have visited the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area (MPA) to provide field experience to their undergraduate and postgraduate marine science students. The joint programme includes almost a full week of exploring the intertidal rocky shore and lessons…
To venture onto Bird Island is to endure an assault on your senses. Located off the Algoa Bay coast, this ‘mini Marion’ is home to one of the last populations of African penguins, as well as the world’s largest Cape gannet colony. A few hardy scientists set off from Gqeberha before dawn one early March…
South African Environmental legislation requires the development of integrated management plans for Marine Protected Area (MPA) and estuarine systems within each national park (NP), as expansions of the planning and management processes addressed within park management plans. To kick-start this process, SANParks drafted a guideline document in 2020 that provides a roadmap and timeline for…
Robben Island is a South African National Heritage Site and World Heritage Site, as it is the prison site where anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela, were jailed for decades. The Robben Island Marine Protected Area (MPA) is one of SANParks’ three new MPAs, declared with 17 other new national MPAs in May 2019. Robben Island…
In April and May of 2023, Judith Botha and Dian Spear went on a roadshow to the four research nodes of Scientific Services: the Arid and Central Node in Kimberley (19-120 April 2023), the Cape Research Centre in Tokai, Cape Town (4-5 May 2023), the Rondevlei Office of the Garden Route and Frontier Research Unit…
The excessive February rains experienced around most of the southern Kruger National Park, brought with it a phenomenal outbreak of moths. On further examination, it appeared that this was primarily dominated by the Lienard’s achaea, which formed large swarms under most trees and bushes in Skukuza. The genus Achaea is a large one and well over…
Insects have over the years been recognised for the important role they play in both natural and agricultural ecosystems in delivering provisioning services, such as pollination of food crops and provision of honey. However, their role in ecosystems also extends beyond pollination services, where they play an important role as pest controllers, waste decomposers and…
South Africa’s iconic African penguin population is in serious trouble. Once abundant in colonies along the west coast and Namibia, penguin numbers have been rapidly dwindling over the past century. Historically, this was due to extensive guano and egg harvesting, however recent declines have been attributed mainly to a shortage of food around their colonies….