Paraecologists start data collection on predators
A total of 39 GPS tracking devices have now been deployed in Etosha Heights, Violugia (mixed cattle and game farm), and Etosha National Park. The species we have tagged are springbok, giraffe, kudu and eland. One of the research questions centres around what causes the species to use some areas more than others, and behave differently in different areas. An obvious driver which is being studied is the vegetation and habitat characteristics. Since our study area has a large density of large predators, an obvious relevant parameter is the presence of lion, hyaena, leopard and cheetah. Areas which might offer nutritious grazing for herbivores might be within an area with a high density of carnivores. This “landscapes of fear” factor should also be factored into the equation.
To determine frequency and locality of predators across the study area, the help of citizens who reside and work in the area has been obtained. We have titled them paraecologists, and have equipped and trained them to collect large carnivore activity within our study area. The app Epicollect was used to create a data collection form that can be easily used on smartphones.
ORYCS provided geo-able smartphones to paraecologists without smartphones. Farm managers, game guides and anti-poaching operatives are currently collecting data as part of their duties to integrate with the ORYCS models on herbivore movement and activity. Data are then quality-controlled at NUST’s Biodiversity Research Centre. This is a cost effective and mutually-beneficial solution which involves the stakeholders, making the science of the project more real and understandable.