News

The Kruger National Park (KNP) will host multitude of scientists and researchers from around the world at the 16th annual Savanna Science Network Meeting which will take place on 05 -09 March 2018 at the Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre in Skukuza. The meeting will host about 200 delegates representing 85 different institutions from most continents.

The programme will explore about 123 presentations covering a wide range of topics and research conducted in all Savanna National Parks and Protected Areas.

“The Science Network Meeting provides an opportunity for scientists to share their latest research findings conducted in national parks and other conservation areas within the savanna biome. This includes numerous research projects from conservation areas mostly within South Africa (with Kruger National Park the best represented), but also drawing in relevant research and understanding from other savanna protected areas across the globe, including Australia, South America, USA and Asia”, commented the GM: Communications & Marketing, William Mabasa.

The conference is also an important forum for dialogue and debate about ecological science and conservation matters; and a pivotal point for future research collaborations. This year, a morning session designed around topics chosen by SANParks ranger and management staff has been arranged to stimulate discussion between the managers and researchers.

Many topical issues in ecological and social sciences will be covered during the week. These include:

• Issues related to conservation management (e.g. restoration, monitoring animals and plants, river management, problem animal management, animal reintroductions, etc.),
• Ecological issues e.g. fire, nutrients, soils, hydrology, climate, predation, herbivory, disease, etc. and
• Social e.g. poaching, tourism, beneficiation, ecosystem services, wildlife/livestock interface, etc. processes.

SANParks scientists engage and collaborate with a wide range of scientists, research partners and funders from within South Africa and the world. The close interactions between the academics and park authorities that the meeting facilitates, are key to promoting pro-active evidence-based decision making and directing research into priority conservation management needs.

For more information on the SANParks Scientific Services Centres please visit https://www.sanparks.org/conservation/scientific_new/

Issued By

South African National Parks, Kruger National Park – Communications & Marketing

Enquiries either:
William Mabasa
GM: Communication & Marketing – Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4363, cell: 082 807 3919
Email: [email protected]

Reynold “Rey T” Thakhuli
GM: Media, PR & Stakeholder Relations – SANParks
Tel: 012 426 5203; Cell: 073 373 4999
Email: [email protected]