Scientific Services

Early December 2024 saw the gathering of scientists and managers in Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP) for the annual science-management meeting. Discussions and reflections focused on topics or actions outlined in the management plan and/or November 2023 science-management forum. On the regional scale, this included park expansion opportunities towards Rockdale with its thriving mountain reedbuck population, and discussion on innovative low impact overnight mountain trail opportunities on SANParks’ Groenfontein properties to the west of MZNP. Further, an in-depth social-ecological discussion ensued around the opportunities and divergent benefit possibilities for fishing in Doornhoek Dam with its exotic carp and catfish populations, in the otherwise naturally fishless Wilgerboom River.

The institutionalized and collegial get-together over a braai, to further share experiences, understanding and cement interpersonal relationships was a treat at the beautiful and remote bush-braai site tucked away in Fonteinkloof.

Water availability is a key issue in arid karoo parks such as MZNP and borehole monitoring was discussed in the context of both water for game and human consumption. Discussion around the observed 2-3 meter drop in water table at one supply borehole is speculated to be a lag effect from the 2019/20 drought conditions and is impetus to initiate aquifer level monitoring on boreholes identified in the 2021 hydro census. Further, extensive discussion and revisiting the findings of Smit et al.’s analyses and report on surface water provision and distribution over time, led to a decision to experimentally restore a more natural water availability gradient across the north-eastern part of the park. Closure of three identified boreholes at the height of the ‘wet season’ will allow animals to respond naturally to these artificial waterholes drying up. On-the-ground monitoring will assist in identifying unintended effects or unacceptable impacts and enable reversibility of the experiment if needed. This rich discussion combined long-term data, scientific analysis and critical experiential knowledge of park staff. The group was energized and excited to arrive at a firm decision, within an adaptive management ethos, to immediately embark on this small-scale trial to close some water points and maximise learning as the natural system responds.

A highlight was the cheetah tracking field trip in the north-western section of the park. From L to R: Charlene Bissett, Stef Freitag-Ronaldson, Evans Mkansi, Thabang Sibiya, Robin Petersen, Dirk Roux, Nelsiwe Mpapane, Izak Smit and Wonga Pama.