Conducting research and conservation in a South African context presents numerous challenges, particularly when it occurs beyond the boundaries of national parks. Although protected areas within South Africa harbor significant animal and plant diversity, a substantial portion of this biodiversity exists outside these designated zones. One of the most pressing challenges in this context is the insufficient financial support for research and conservation efforts beyond the confines of the parks
At the AWCRC, our primary focus is addressing these challenges. Each of our projects incorporates a financial component. Our approach involves identifying straightforward, scalable initiatives across various domains. By doing so, we aim to establish a blueprint for extended and cost-effective research throughout South Africa. In essence, we’re searching for the proverbial ‘Canary in the Coalmine.’ Every project contributes to a comprehensive umbrella monitoring system, which detects and rectifies issues early on. Subsequently, we then provide data to the relevant stakeholders.
The AWCRC consistently manages numerous research projects simultaneously. We actively encourage volunteers and students to participate in as many projects as they can.
The AWCRC has seen more than 200 students and volunteers join us in our mission. Each and every one helping us to fulfil our research and education objectives while gaining invaluable experience
Of operation and research...Each year we add to a growing body of scientific knowledge that is freely available to those who want to make a difference.
The Banded Mongoose Project aims to understand the impact of anthropogenic resources on wild species, particularly banded mongooses (Mungos mungo)…
…raiding the Alldays dump. Habituated to human presence, the mongooses offer insights into interspecies interactions with chacma baboons and dietary habits. The project investigates the reliance of mongooses on the dump as a food source and surveys the waste foods they consume. It explores the dynamics between mongooses and baboons, examining encounter frequency, types, and resource sharing within the dump. Anecdotal evidence suggests cooperative interactions, prompting questions about their frequency and reasons. Through systematic observation and research, the project seeks to contribute to the broader understanding of wildlife ecology and behaviour in anthropogenically influenced environments.
The Camera Trap project focuses on investigating the activity overlap between predator and prey species using data collected since 2017.
Camera trap images from various locations, including game-feeding sites and water sources, provide insights into wildlife movements and interactions. Research questions include analysis at different locations, spatiotemporal activity patterns, and habitat preferences. The methodology involves computer-based analysis using DigiKam for tagging and Exiftool for data extraction, with access to an extensive image database and field camera servicing. Tasks include formulating research questions, deciding on data sources and timeframe, conducting a literature review, tagging images, mapping camera locations, and performing analysis in R. The project aims to deepen the understanding of predator-prey dynamics and wildlife behaviour, contributing to conservation efforts and ecosystem management.
The project investigates herbivore behaviour patterns around waterholes, focusing on vigilance behaviours before, during, and after drinking…
… phases to understand potential predator-prey dynamics. The study aims to explore how conspecifics and environmental factors influence vigilance levels. Conducted at four waterholes on the Campfornis farm, the project records the species present and their behaviours to also analyse spatiotemporal data. By observing herbivores’ interactions with each other and their surroundings, researchers aim to discern patterns in vigilance behaviour and assess how these may vary in response to conspecific presence and environmental conditions. Additionally, the project evaluates the long-term usage of waterholes by different species throughout the year at these critical resource points. Through systematic data collection and analysis, the project contributes to a better understanding of predator-prey dynamics and herbivore behaviour in response to environmental cues. This research provides valuable insights into wildlife ecology and informs conservation strategies aimed at preserving critical habitats and mitigating potential threats to herbivore populations.
The Dump Baboons project focuses on studying the behaviour and population dynamics of chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) troops inhabiting the Alldays dump and its surrounding area.
The primary objective is to gather accurate population data for each troop, including breakdowns into age-sex classes where possible. Data collection involves scan sampling, conducted every 30 minutes, using an ethogram to record baboon behaviours. This method provides insights into the behavioural patterns of the baboon troops throughout the day. Focal sampling, employing the Animal Behaviour Pro app, complements scan sampling by focusing on individual baboons’ behaviours. These samples, lasting 10 minutes each, allow researchers to observe specific baboons closely and document their behaviours in detail. Proper identification of individual baboons is crucial for accurate data collection, with researchers utilizing baboon ID guides to enhance identification skills. Through systematic data collection and analysis, the project aims to contribute to the understanding of baboon behaviour and population ecology in anthropogenically influenced environments.
The Giraffes project, conducted across various game farms in the Alldays region, focuses on assessing giraffes’ population size, age and sex composition, and investigating seasonal…
…variations in habitat use. Individual giraffes are identified based on their unique fur patterns, enabling the creation of a giraffe ID kit and accurate population quantification. Additionally, the project aims to conduct behavioural scans to evaluate giraffes’ habituation to human presence. Through systematic data collection along transects, researchers seek to gain insights into the distribution, demographics, and behaviour of giraffes in the study area. By monitoring changes in population dynamics and habitat use over time, the project contributes to a better understanding of giraffe ecology and conservation needs.
The Predators Trace Monitoring project focuses on monitoring carnivore populations, particularly in areas affected by human activity, like the Alldays region. Through track monitoring, researchers…
…aim to gather data on carnivore presence, behaviour, and distribution using field observations of tracks and scats. This method complements camera trapping, especially for studying elusive or nocturnal species. Carnivores such as leopards, brown hyenas, caracals, black-backed jackals, and occasionally cheetahs, wild dogs, and spotted hyenas inhabit the area. The project aims to assess species diversity, abundance, and habitat use throughout the year on Campfornis farm using a transect methodology. Understanding carnivore behaviour and movement patterns is crucial for effective conservation in the region, emphasizing the importance of track monitoring in wildlife management and biodiversity conservation efforts.
The Bird Diversity and Distribution project in the Limpopo region aims to assess species richness and abundance on the Campfornis farm while contributing to the Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2).
With over 600 bird species recorded in the region, the project seeks to understand how bird presence varies across habitats and locations, including heterogeneous areas and urban settlements. By employing a point-count survey method at nine selected sites, including one at the dump and eight across the farm, the project aims to gather data on bird distribution and habitat preferences. Each survey site comprises 10-point counts within a 1km2 area, randomly generated to avoid double counting of birds. Surveys are conducted within 4 hours after dawn to capture peak bird activity, particularly vital in a region known for its high number of summer migrant bird species. Adverse weather conditions prompt rescheduling to ensure accurate data collection. The project’s year-round operation allows for the recording of seasonal changes in bird species, providing valuable insights into the region’s avifauna distribution and environmental health.
The Dassies project focuses on understanding the behaviour and thermoregulation of Rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) colonies residing on three koppies within the Campfornis farm.
These small mammals, also known as dassies, inhabit rocky habitats providing shelter from predators and extreme temperatures. With poor thermoregulation, their body temperature fluctuates, dropping slightly at night. Research explores how weather conditions, temperature, and time of day influence dassie behaviour, emphasizing their inactive nature and sun-basking habits to regulate body temperature. Additionally, the project delves into the spatial distribution of dassies within the koppies, considering factors like sex and age. Eating behaviour is also examined, including how far dassies venture from the koppie to feed and the duration of the feeding activities. Furthermore, the study aims to estimate the population size and structure over time, monitoring changes in response to predator presence or environmental factors. By observing long-term population dynamics, such as group size, sex ratios, and age distributions, it is also sought to understand the resilience and adaptability of dassie populations to ecological changes. Through systematic observation and data analysis, the project contributes to a deeper understanding of dassie ecology and its implications for conservation and wildlife management.
The Bats project focuses on assessing the distribution and habitat use of bats in the Alldays area, South Africa. With approximately 56 bat species in the country, understanding their presence and …
… behaviour is crucial for conservation efforts. The project aims to determine the species present, and their foraging, resting, and roosting locations, and assess refuge availability. To achieve these goals, researchers explore potential bat habitats, noting environmental conditions like temperature and weather. They conduct observations from 10 minutes before sundown until 1 hour after sundown, focusing on detection methods such as echometers or Petterson D240X. Upon locating bat nests, researchers document the site, take photos, and note the time of bat activity. By gathering comprehensive data on bat distribution and behaviour, the project aims to inform conservation strategies and leverage the benefits of bats for ecosystem health and human well-being. Through systematic fieldwork and data analysis, the project seeks to contribute valuable insights into bat ecology in the Alldays area, ultimately supporting biodiversity conservation and promoting human-bat coexistence.
This isa general contact form, if you want to apply to the AWCRC for any specific position please go to Apply and select the role that best describes what you would like to do. If you have any question about the AWCRC please see the FAQ’s at the bottom of the About Us page. For everything else this is the right place!
We appreciate your enquiry and will be in touch shortly! We hope you are having a lovely day! if not …here is a picture of the camp dogs…
