News

South African National Parks published its research report which encompasses some of the latest key scientific studies conducted.

South African National Parks (SANParks) published the latest 2023/2024 annual research report. The research report, which is available on the SANParks website (www.sanparksorg), covers around 80 stories written by over 90 scientists, technicians, interns, and veterinarians from the Scientific Services, Cultural Heritage, and Veterinary Wildlife Services divisions of the Conservation Services Department of SANParks, with inputs from external collaborators from across the globe.

This 12th edition of the report covers a range of stories, including easily digestible summaries of scientific studies conducted in national parks, the personal journeys and achievements of those doing the research as well as updates and insights into many of the current research and monitoring initiatives happening in the parks. The stories are richly illustrated with photos, graphs, and infographics, showcasing the people, places, and biodiversity across the parks.

The research and monitoring work reported on in the report highlights some of the challenges faced in conservation and what work is being done to counter these challenges as well as some of the recommendations that are made to inform conservation decisions.

The Research Report also reflects the work done to support government policy imperatives and how these connect to society. Research and monitoring initiatives in different disciplines connect SANParks with the global science community through networking, collaboration, knowledge sharing, participation in various international conventions, and development of national strategic plans, policies and legislations. The urgency of climate change, our need for energy alternatives, the degradation of the planet’s life support system, and the pressures of poverty and economic downturns mean that the knowledge and expertise of scientists across all disciplines – natural, social, physical, and otherwise – are needed more than ever before.

The 178-page report, covering stories from various national parks, includes how SANParks is preventing the extinction of plants in the Richtersveld and managing invasive species in other parks as well as the work conducted in marine protected areas, the Robben Island rocky shore assessment and a new alien species in the Langebaan Lagoon. Other stories capture the dedication of SANParks staff on the ground. These include stories of hippos’ altered social behaviour during droughts, understanding fire in the Addo mountains, elephant management in SANParks, hunting with snares, and the Knysna Estuary biodiversity ranking.

The report is a celebration of the collective efforts of many of SANParks’ research staff over the previous financial year and gives some insights into these aspects which are often hidden and unknown to visitors to National Parks. To access the report visit the new SANParks website or click on the link: www.sanparks.org/conservation/scientific-services/virtual-library/reports/sanparks-research-report-2023-2024.