I was thrilled to learn that I was among ten applicants selected as SAPRI (South African Polar Research Institute) trainees to participate in the SCALE (Southern oCean seAsonaL Experiment) Winter research cruise in 2022. The opportunity for SAPRI trainees was made available by the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), funded by the Department of…
Five project staff have now been hired on the new project funded by the JRS Biodiversity Foundation. This project focusses on modernising SANParks’ biodiversity data management systems and mobilising data for management and policy use. This blog introduces the JRS project team, who are based at the four Scientific Services nodes and will be collating…
‘Ecological infrastructure’ (EI) refers to naturally functioning ecosystems that deliver valuable services to people. Examples of EI include mountain catchments, wetlands, riparian zones, coastal dunes, kelp beds and spawning grounds. EI is the nature-based equivalent of built infrastructure. However, unlike built infrastructure, EI already exists – we don’t have to build it. Like built infrastructure,…
With a little bit of research, any Knysna seahorse enthusiast will find out that there is a display tank with Knysna seahorses at the SANParks office on Thesen Islands. This educational display tank, generously donated by the SANParks Honorary Rangers, serves to provide locals and visitors alike a first-hand experience with these cryptic fish while…
Hannibal Smith (The A-Team) is not the only person who ‘Loves it when a plan comes together”, most scientists I know do too. It is gratifying when a long awaited project not only finally begins but then begins well. This was the case on the 26th October 2022 when three scientists and three volunteers met…
Five new contract positions are being funded by the JRS Biodiversity Foundation as part of a new project to enhance biodiversity data management, including data collation, data cleaning and data sharing. The Bioinformatics and Science Manager is based at the Cape Research Centre in Cape Town for two years and will ensure that the project…
If you see an otter or an otter sees you or tries to interact with you, please move away from it. Give the otter a large area and keep a safe distance while taking photos and enjoying the privileged moment. This is for the sake of the otter and for preserving our wildlife. One of…
On the rocky shore, seagulls play in the bright blue sky, the salty sea spray splashes the bright shiny rocks, the sand squishes between the toes. The rocky shore is peaceful, and quiet. On the rocky shore, the seaweed crawls up the sand like green fingers trying to escape the frothy sea. The sun dries…
In January 2021, I received a phone call from SANParks to inform me that my application for the WWF Environmental Leader’s internship program was successful. I was excited to have landed an opportunity to work and get practical experience aligned with my academic background and career goals. I graduated with a Master of Science in…
The short film, The Ghosts of Table Mountain, was recently released and stars SANParks’ very own Ruth-Mary Fisher. The film highlights the novelty and plight of the Critically Endangered Table Mountain ghost frog, Heleophryne rosei, and the collaborative effort that is being undertaken to restore the freshwater ecosystems that are critical to the ghost frog’s…
In the long-term success of any invasive alien plant control programme, recognition and management of the main pathways of dispersal is critical. Other than the use of alien plants for ornamental purposes, which was shown to be the main introduction pathway into Kruger National Park (KNP) in the past, the invasion of riparian habitats is…
The future challenge in many areas of invasive alien plant control however lies in integrating biological, chemical, and other control operations, to maximise the benefit and cost effectiveness of overall control efforts. Management plans also now recognise the role that people have played in the introduction and spread of IAPs. One study showed that in…