CURRENT PROJECTS

Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name Home range analysis of African To investigate the spatial distribution of buffalo Abeare SM buffalo (Syncerus caffer): test of a relative to vegetation variables, distance to Current [email protected] new method water, topography and visibility. Comparing grass biomass production Hypothesis: Grass biomass production is between sodic sites and crests in the higher on sodic sites than on the crests. Alard GF Current [email protected] semi-arid granitic savannas of the lowveld A comparison of community dynamics To explore scale-dependence in the Andelman SJ in North American and South African relationship between biodiversity and Current [email protected] savannas and grasslands ecosystem function. The potential for community-based To examine the nature of the relationship conservation in promoting biological between Hlanganani communities and the Anthony BP Current [email protected] conservation and human rural . development Vegetation monitoring in the Kruger Knowledge of vegetation distribution is crucial Aplin P National Park using multiscale remote to facilitate our understanding and Current [email protected] sensing analysis management of the environment. To gauge different applications of a natural substance, gypsum (CaSO4) to the soil in Unnaturally eroded sodic soils order to verify its potential to be used for Basson S Current [email protected] rehabilitation report reclamation and stabilisation of sensitive sodic soild in localities where anthropogenic soil erosion occurs. An examination into nutrient The investigation is primarily concerned with Bermeister distribution in soils around artificial looking into the nutrient contents of soils Current [email protected] O watering sites on the northern plains around open and closed artificial watering of Kruger National Park points in the northern plains of the KNP. Transmission of bovine tuberculosis To investigate some of the aspects of (Mycobacterium bovis) in African transmission of bovine tuberculosis (BTb) in Bird TLF Current [email protected] buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in Kruger African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the Kruger National Park National Park (KNP Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name To determine how broad-leaved forest species Forest Colonization od savannas: Bond WJ invade savannas and what limits, and what Current [email protected] Pattern and Process promotes the invasion process. The main objective is to develop a methodology to monitor the recovery process Assessment of the influence of woody of vegetation by comparison of time series Boonen M and grass vegetation in the regrowth Current [email protected] information derived from coarse resolution process image sequences instead of analyzing it as single change events. The water requirements for seedling To determine if rainfall variability limits Botha S establishment of savanna woody seedling survival of different tree species Current [email protected] species in the Kruger National Park during certain years. Aim is to ascertain if common habitat Habitat patch selection of breeding preferences exist between mixed herds across herds of African buffalo (Syncerus Bowers J different substrates and to ascertain buffalo Current [email protected] caffer caffer) in the Satara region of utilisation and prioritisation of seasonal the Kruger National Park. resources To document and develop a tourism product San rock art in the Kruger National Braack LEO around San rock art in the Kruger National Current [email protected] Park Park. Studies of stick insects (Phasmida) of To identify Phasmid species present in the Brock P Kruger National Park, including the Kruger National Park's fauna. Current [email protected] description of new species Population dynamics models will be developed Modelling the declines of large Buckland ST for the main ungulate species of Kruger Current [email protected] ungulates in Kruger National Park National Park. Improving cardio-pulmonary function To develop safer field anesthesia for white Bush M for a safer field anesthesia of white rhinoceros. Current [email protected] rhinoceros Monitoring a water hyacinth The development of an intergrated infestation on Engelhardt Dam as part management plan for water hyacinth control, Byrne M of an ntergrated management plan combining biological control, herbicidal control Current [email protected] for water hyacinth control in South and nutrient control tailored to the climatic Africa regions of .

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 2 of 2 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name To characterize and quantify the three Cadenasso Structure and function of riparian dimensional structure of boundaries between Current [email protected] ML upland boundaries riparian and upland vegetation in Kruger National Park. Collection of insects for evolutionary To collect insects of different genera for Cameron S Current [email protected] studies of their relationships evolutionary studies of their relationships. The optimization and validation of To link the fire risk models and drought climate and remote sensing data indices, derived from meteorological data, Carlens H Current [email protected] based fire risk assessment with fire obtained from the local weather stations, with occurrence data the fire history records. Developing a safe, effective To develop a safe, effective anaesthetic Citino SB anaesthesia protocol for rapid protocol for the rapid induction of anaesthesia Current [email protected] anaesthesia of free-ranging giraffes in free-ranging giraffe. Seasonality and change in the feeding To investigate seasonality in the quality of ecology of herbivore communities in forage available to herbivorous mammal Codron D Current [email protected] the Northern Basalt Plains of the communities living in the Northern Basalt Kruger National Park Plains of the Kruger National Park. To determine seasonal and spatial differences The sampling method of elephant Codron J in diets and habitat use of Kruger National Park Current [email protected] (Loxodonta africana) tusks elephant. Study of the interactions between Investigate the role of fire on nutrient cycling. Coetsee C fire, vegetation and nitrogen Current [email protected] dynamics in the Kruger National Park To produce on a national scale a summary of Investigation of the ecological role of known and probable groundwater dependent Colvin C aquifers at research site, ecosystems in South Africa, based on Current [email protected] Kruger National Park geohydrological-type settings. To determine the nature of nutrient limitation Craine J Below ground processes experiments in restructuring ecosystem processes across Current [email protected] different soil types and climates. Longitudinal studies of bovine Understanding the dynamics of BTB in the Cross PC tuberculosis in the buffalo population buffalo population. Current [email protected] of the Kruger National Park

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 3 of 3 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name The geochemistry and isotopic The significance of the project lies in relations of the Mashikiri formation in determining the composition and evolution of de Bruiyn H Current [email protected] the Kruger National Park, Sabi and the mantle or crustal sources of these Zimbabwe volcanics. Development of a methodology to To improve and develop high spatial resolution monitor fire fuel status and identity earth observation based parameters to Deman K optimal fuel models using high estimate fire probability. Current [email protected] resolution multi-spectral satellite imagery Why do giraffes occur in aggregated To have an improved understanding of giraffe Doherty JB Current [email protected] dispersion patterns? social biology Breonadia salicina response to the To examine the response of Breonadia salicina 2000 flood, Sabie River, Kruger to the 2000 flood in the different Dowson LM Current [email protected] National Park: Implications for rule geomorphological channel types of the Sabie based modelling and monitoring. River. Ungulate browsing as an ecosystem Determination of the effects of browsing on the process: An investigation into savanna woody vegetation. Du Toit J Current [email protected] browser plant-soil interactions in a southern african savanna To investigate rates of growth and water use patterns of a wide selection of indigenous tree Water use in relation to biomass of production systems, and to make economic Dye P indigenous tree species in woodland, Current [email protected] and hydrological comparisons to current forest and plantation conditions commercial forestry systems (and other potential land uses). Development of an alien vegetation To provide an overview of the effectiveness of clearing protocol based on ecological existing clearing methods for major invasive Euston- criteria for mesic savannas and sweet species in South African mesic savanna and Current [email protected] Brown D grassveld for the Working for Water sweet grassveld ecosystems. Programme Tourist willingness to pay for To determine what value tourists place on Fannin TGD Current [email protected] Biodiversity Conservation biodiversity. Mechanism of grass/tree interactions Explaining tree/grass coexistence within February EC Current [email protected] in savannas savanna ecosystems.

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 4 of 4 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name The genetic structure, physiology and To investigate the possibility of genetic February EC phenology of tall and stunted C15 differences between tall and stunted Mopane in Current growth forms riparian and upland zones. The availability of nutrients is an important The effect of the free regime on plant determining factor in the distribution of plant Feig G carbon allocation and associated soil species and hence affecting the distribution Current [email protected] microbial community composition movement and the carrying capacity of an area on animal species. Using hyperspectral remote sensing To determine the relationship between of plant chemicals to explain the browsing, soil properties and vegetation quality Ferwerda J Current [email protected] interaction between secondary plant using spatial statistics and linear modelling. compounds and herbivores An investigation of the status of To investigate the status of the particular fish Gagiano CL Chiloglanus engiops in the Letaba species in the Letaba River after the 2000 Current [email protected] river after the 2000 floods floods. To record all Earlier Stone Age artefact Investigation into the earlier stone locations and landscape types, to understand Gibbon RJ age (ESA) of the northern Kruger Current [email protected] their relationship with the landscape, past and National Park present. The aim of this study would therefore be to Feeding status and habitat selection reveal baseline quantitative nutrient values for Grant CC of the roan antelope Hippotragus roan antelope populations in South Africa with Current [email protected] equinus which any population could be compared with should a nutrient deficiency be expected. To understand the relationship between permanent water sources (including sub- The influence of additional permanent surface water) and local and regional water on the resilience of a complex Current biodiversity and ecosystem function with adaptive ecosystem specific emphasis on the antelope that are rare in the KNP (selective herbivores) The present status and future To understand the sustainability of the sustainability of the pollination pollination system of Ficus sycomorus in the Greeff JM Current [email protected] system of Ficus sycomorus in the face of climatic and habitat changes. Kruger National Park

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 5 of 5 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name Population dynamics and movements To provide data on emigration/immigration of elephants in the associated Private patterns, birth and mortality rates of elephants Greyling M Current [email protected] Nature Reserves adjoining the Kruger within the associated Private Nature Reserves. National Park Rule based modelling of To develop knowledge and ability to model the sediment/water and vegetation sediment, water and vegetation interaction and Grobler J Current [email protected] interaction in the instream the associated morphological change in semi environment arid rivers. To investigate ecological complexity in the Hanan N Biocomplexity in African savannas Current [email protected] context of African savannas To provide a better understanding of the Biocomplexity in African Savannas: complex relationships and feedbacks between Nutrient Stoichiometry of soils, trees soil and vegetation nutrient dynamics, and Hanan N and grasses and implications for Current their interactions with herbivores, fire and savanna structure and function in the woody community dynamics in savanna Kruger National Park systems. To provide a better understanding of woody community dynamics in savanna systems, Biocomplexity in African Savannas: including interactions with herbivores and fire. Ecological self-thinning in the Kruger Hanan N Specifically, we plan to examine the role of Current National Park as a measure of tree on tree on tree competition in structuring savanna tree competition plant communities through use of the ecological self-thinning concept. Movements, activity patterns and The predation risk hypothesis predicts that choice of social environment in the males will exploit areas of abundant, high Hay TC male buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the quality food to maximize size and strength for Current [email protected] central region of the Kruger National competitive interactions with other males, but Park at an expense of an increased predation risk. Habitat dependency and nutriotional Understanding the processes underlying the Henley S ecology of sable antelope in two observed decline in sable antelope. Current [email protected] regions of the Kruger National Park

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 6 of 6 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name SynBioSys Kruger - An information To enhance safeguarding of data and further system for the evaluation and data collation using Kruger developed Hennekens supporting the management of software, SynBioSys Kruger. Current [email protected] SM biodiversity among plant species, vegetation types and landscapes in the Kruger National Park Spatial demography of selected tree To identify factors influencing selected tree Hofmeyr MV species in the Kruger National Park in species population dynamics and demography Current [email protected] relation to elephant impacts in the Kruger National Park. Global soil macrofauna diversity and To survey the soil macrofauna community in Inward D ecosystem function: Baseline data the Kruger National Park as part of the global Current [email protected] from South Africa soil macrofauna sampling programme. Habitat preferences, home range and To determine physical, chemical and biological general biology of the critically correlates of habitat variables associated with Jackson CR endangered Juliana's golden mole the presence of Juliana's golden mole. Current [email protected] (Neamblysomus julianae) in Kruger National Park Biogeochemistry, herbivory and plant Nutrient availability will increase with productivity in riparian ecotones and decreasing distance to the river. Jacob S Current [email protected] associated savanna upland ecosystems Filling gaps in vegetation data south To process the floristic data and interpret the Joubert RE of the Sabie River in the Kruger vegetation types by means of the Current [email protected] National Park environmental data collected. The impact of tuberculosis caused by To monitor the impact of Mycobacterium bovis Keet DF Mycobacterium bovis on lions in the on lion population. Current [email protected] Kruger National Park The fourth wild dog and the second The fourth wild dog and the second cheetah cheetah photographic censusus in the photographic censuses in the Kruger National Kemp LV Current [email protected] Kruger National Park and Park and neighbouring reserves neighbouring reserves

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 7 of 7 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name Ecology of the honey bees (Apis To predict Varroa destructor impact using Kryger P mellifera scutellata) in the Kruger molecular techniques. Current [email protected] National Park, South Africa To analyse the influence of climatic factors on Analyses of the carbon balance of a the regulation of carbon dioxide, water vapour Kutsch W savanna ecosystem in , and sensible heat fluxes between savanna Current [email protected] South Africa ecosystems and the atmosphere. Langbauer The effects of translocation of African To study the effects of translocation on a Current [email protected] W elephant vocal and social behaviour breeding herd of elephants Migration and habitat selection of To develop an understanding of migration and Luvuvhu river tigerfish (Hydrocynus movement of tigerfish and the environmental Leslie BJ Current [email protected] vittatus) population in the Kruger cues involved in the regulation of this National Park behaviour in the Luvuvhu river. A study of the habitat requirements The main aim of this project is to contribute and movements of Large Scale Yellow towards developing a more comprehensive fish, Labeobarbus marequensis, in the understanding of the ecological aspects of the Leslie BJ Crocodile River System in the Kruger Large Scale Yellow Fish Current National Park, to contribute towards management guidelines, using telemetry To develop a sound understanding of the A scaled perspective of the context, spatial and temporal dynamics of vegetation structure and dynamics of patch mosaics in a manner which contributes Levick SR Current [email protected] riparian/savanna to both the theory of landscape ecology and boundary vegetation patch mosaics vegetation/landscape mosaic management within the Kruger Park. To develop a remote sensing based regreening Development of a regreening index index that can be used for identifying the Lhermitte S for monitoring vegetation regrowth Current [email protected] spatial and temporal variability of vegetation after fires throughout the park. High resolution stable To reconstruct past environmental change for Loader N dendroclimatology of the African the sub-Saharan region of Africa using carbon Current [email protected] boabab isotope analysis of Adansonia digitata.

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 8 of 8 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name A comparative study of rodent and To investigate the possible role that rodents MacFadyen shrew diversity and abundance in and and shrews play as bio-indicators of habitat Current [email protected] DN outside the Nwashitshumbe enclosure destruction. site in the Kruger National Park A systematic review of the To determine the intergeneric and interspecific Chrysochloridae based on molecular phylogenetic relationships within the family: data with emphasis on the population Chrysochloridae based on sequences from the Maree S genetics, intraspecific phylogeography cytochrome b, 16S rRNA and 12S rRNA Current [email protected] in an endemic, insectivorous, mitochondrial genes and a suite of nuclear subterranean golden mole species of genes. South Africa, Neamblysomus julianae Documentation, visualization and To document, present and interpret targeted interpretation of archaeological sites archaeological and cultural heritage of Kruger Meskell L Current [email protected] in Kruger National Park: The National Park. Thulamela Case Study Human Habitation pre-Kruger The purpose is to describe a sense of the social National Park: Overview of a Social history of the area under investigation and Miller SJ History North of the Shingwedzi, provide comment on the implications of this Current [email protected] Woodlands and Shangoni Ranger towards a more inclusive tourism package for Sections. the KNP. To develop an assay that will effectively solve The development of an Interferon- the diagnosis of BTB and provide the solution Morar D Gamma (IFNg) assay for the Current [email protected] to a rapid test for the diagnosis of TB in live diagnosis of tuberculosis in rhinoceros rhinos. The effect of woody plant clearing Clearing of vegetation along road verges will along road verges on grass species alter grass species composition and Mugwabana composition and productivity in the productivity. Current [email protected] FH Northern region of the Kruger National Park To develop techniques for monitoring Predicting and monitoring of Nackaerts K vegetation growth so as to map fuel type, load Current [email protected] ecosystem disturbance by fire and status (moisture content) for fires.

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 9 of 9 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name The impacts of off-road driving and To quantify the impacts of off-road driving and Nortje G other concessionaire activities on other concessionaire activities on soils, soil Current [email protected] physical soil degradation erosion and soil compaction. A survey of the composting fungi in a The main aim of this project is to determine Mopani landscape and the effect of the effect of different fire regimes on the O'Brien OM Current [email protected] different fire regimes on their species diversity of composting fungi present in plant composition litter and soil fungi under mopani trees. Rule based modelling of fish To enhance aquatic ecosystem management facilitating strategic adaptive through the further development and transfer O'Keeffe JH management of the Kruger National to management of qualitative rule-based Current [email protected] Park rivers through model models (QRBM). development and technology transfer It is generally recognized that human The plasma lipids, lipoproteins and O'Neill FH lipoprotein metabolism is very different from Current [email protected] plant sterols of South Africa that of other animals. To provide biologists in South Africa with a tool which they can use to identify all known Overview and review of South African Otte D Orthoptera (jumping insects such as Current [email protected] Orthoptera grasshoppers, crickets, bush crickets, cave crickets etc). To determine which vegetation monitoring The measurement of herbaceous technique/s best reflect reality in terms of the Panagos M layer dynamics of three Lowveld herbaceous layer species composition and Current [email protected] savanna types density at three sites. Post flood response of the Sabie To examine the response of the Sabie river to Parsons M River, 2000-2003: Re-survey of the 2000 flood, as it stands 3 years after the Current [email protected] riparian vegetation transects event. Patterns of post-flood riparian To examine the influence of hydrology, Parsons M vegetation response in the Sabie riverscape heterogeneity and channel Current River morphology on post-flood vegetation response.

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 10 of 10 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name The function of woody debris and To determine the role of the woody debris piles herbivory in succession of the riparian deposited during the floods in regeneration of Pettit N vegetation community after a large- the riparian vegetation community. Current [email protected] scale flood in the Kruger National Park An Investigation into the use of Bat To find a viable economic and ecological Houses as a method of bat control in solution for the problem of bats living within Pollard IH Current [email protected] the Letaba Rest Camp, Kruger the tourist facilities of the Letaba Rest Camp. National Park Towards catchment water security To pilot the Socio-ecological Systems approach through linking water and livelihoods: in understanding the relationship between Pollard S Contributions towards constructing a catchment water security and livelihoods. Current [email protected] socio-ecological system (SES) of the Sand River Catchment TEMBO, the elephant movements ans To develop and optimize management Prins HHT bio-economic optimality program techniques that can be used by park Current [email protected] (South Africa) managers. To investigate the process for the The Phabeni gate project in the establishment of the Phabeni gate in the Prinsloo CL Kruger National Park: A case study of Current [email protected] Kruger National Park as an example of a community-based conservation community-based conservation project. Interference potential of the alien To determine the allelopathic potential of invasive plant Parthenium Parthenium. Reinhardt CF Current [email protected] hysterophorus with indigenous plant species in the Kruger National Park To improve and develop high spatial resolution Development of a remote sensing earth observation based parameters for Rommens R based index for monitoring vegetation Current [email protected] monitoring parameters describing vegetation structure parameters structure. The aim of this proposed project is to identify A study of fungal pathogens on native Roux J tree pathogens and potential tree pathogens in Current [email protected] tree species in Kruger National Park the Kruger National Park.

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 11 of 11 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name A GIS model of bovine tuberculosis in To elucidate the spatial characteristics of the the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) BTB epidemic through a rule-driven cell based Ryan SJ Current [email protected] population of the Kruger National model. Park, South Africa The demography of a culled sample of To age buffalo with tooth cementum rings and African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in to compare tooth cementum rings (age) with Sanson G the Kruger National Park with the degree of tooth wear in buffalo from Current [email protected] particular emphasis on correlating different soil types. age with tooth wear and habitat To determine whether there are structural A morphological study of the placenta Schmidt S differences between the placenta of the African Current of the African buffalo buffalo and that of the domestic cow. Dung beetle richness, dung To assess the diversity of dung scarabs in the preference and assemblage structure Kruger National Park Scholtz CH Current [email protected] in the Kruger National Park, South Africa Habitat features that determine the To understand what environmental attributes Smith M Current [email protected] presence of rodents along a catena affect rodent distribution. Using isotopic evidence of large To study vegetation changes in the Kruger Sponheimer mammal nutritional ecology to track National Park using stable isotope analysis of Current [email protected] M vegetation change through time large bodied mammals. Global climate change and primary To determine the effects of the length of inter- Swemmer production: The effect of inter-rainfall rainfall intervals on the productivity and Current [email protected] AM interval on grass growth composition of local grass communities. Modelling buffalo-lion interactions and To determine how the interactions between implications for the spread of bovine lion and African buffalo impact on the spread Tambling CJ Current [email protected] btuberculosis in the Kruger National of BTB in Kruger National Park. Park

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 12 of 12 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name Proposed pilot study to test telemetry The primary objective is to test telemetry innovations, with applications for technology that could assist in the further studies on lion (Panthera leo)- investigation of species interactions (in Tambling CJ Current buffalo (Syncerus caffer)-bovine particular predator-prey dynamics). tuberculosis (BTB) interactions in Kruger National Park To determine the processes between the edaphic pattern in these sodic sites; the Salvadora australis as an ecosystem vegetation response through the halophyte Teren G engineer of alluvial sodic sites in the Salvadora australis; the animal response in Current [email protected] northern Kruger National Park terms of herbivory; and the eventual feedback to the soil and vegetation in this dynamic system. Harvesting, rearing and To apply skills and knowledge to assist further reintroduction of the second-hatched re-introduction of Ground Hornbills into other Turner AMS Current [email protected] chicks of the Southern ground parts of their historical range. hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) Rapid assessment of the population To obtain age specific population parameters Van Aarde demography of elephants in the from which to derive population statistics Current [email protected] RJ Kruger National Park independently from population counts. To create an ACCESS database which The digital capturing of data in official Van der corresponds to the one that will be used for diaries of selected game rangers in Current [email protected] Merwe FC the new rangers diaries in which to capture the the Kruger National Park data. Van Bone density and calcium and To determine if the giraffe's skeleton differs in Schalkwyk phosphorus content of the giraffe calcium and phosphorus content and bone Current [email protected] OL (Giraffa camelopardalis) skeleton density from other ruminants. Assessing and monitoring local scale To investigate the degree of change in Van impacts of invasive alien plant species invertebrate assemblages as a result of alien Current [email protected] Rensburg BJ n invertebrate assemblages in the plant species invasion in KNP. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 13 of 13 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name To validate the scale developed by the Van Vuuren The identification of influentials: Institute fur Demoscopie, Allensbach, Germany Current [email protected] D validation of the questionnaire for South African conditions. Improve and develop new low spatial Fire risk assessment by fuel status resolution EO based parameters towards Verbesselt J assessment using low resolution earth Current [email protected] classification of fuel amount and monitoring of observation fuel status. To study the characteristics of Nothobranchius fish habitats in the Great Limpopo A study of the characteristics of Transfrontier Park with an emphasis on the Watters B Nothobranchius fish habitats in the Current [email protected] geological characteristics of the habitat Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park substrates and the geomorphological factors controlling their distribution. Assessing the relationship between The main objective of the proposed research is Vegetation Condition Assessment to test the correlation between VCA biomass Wessels K (VCA) biomass estimates in Kruger estimates and growth season sum of 1km Current [email protected] National Park with growth season AVHRR NDVI satellite data (hereafter referred integrated NDVI of 1km AVHRR data to as ΣNDVI). Population dynamics and the effects To contribute to a better understanding of of herbivory and fire on the savanna woodland regeneration dynamics, regeneration ecology of Acacia through an investigation of the effects of Wilson B Current [email protected] nigrescens and Dichrostachys cinerea herbivory and fire on the population dynamics in the Kruger National Park, South and regeneration ecology of the two species Africa Movements and feeding behavior of To locate and monitor roosts of epauletted fruit Winkelmann Epauletted fruit bats and their impact bats in order to determine home range, and Current [email protected] J on the regeneration of fig trees spatio-temporal patterns of foraging Mayfly communities, water quality, To identify and describe mayfly communities Zituta MN Current [email protected] SASS 5 method found in the selected river sites.

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 14 of 14 MONITORING PROJECTS

Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name To institute an early warning system Tsetse fly (Glossina morsitans) surveillance in the Kruger to monitor the possible incursion of On Bengis RG [email protected] National Park Tsetse flies into the going Limpopo/Luvuvhu drainage system. Contraception of African elephant Bertschinger Non-lethal control of African elephant (Loxodonta africana) On with porcine zona pellucida (pZP) [email protected] HJ populations by means of immunocontraception going vaccine. Anthrax has emerged as a On De Vos V The ecology of anthrax in the Kruger National Park formidable weapon in bio-warfare [email protected] going and bio-terrorism. To use fixed point photographs to Fixed-point photography as an aid for long-term vegetation On Eckhardt HC demonstrate vegetation changes [email protected] monitoring in the Kruger National Park going over time in an objective visual way To use these photographs as a tool Vertical aerial photography as an aid for ecological for ecological monitoring, especially On

monitoring in the Kruger National Park changes in vegetation cover and going species composition. To establish whether seedlings of Regeneration of riparian vegetation on the Sabie river in the riparian species differentially utilize On Kruger National Park regeneration of riparian vegetation on geomorphic sites during going the Sabie river in the Kruger National Park regeneration processes. Seismic monitoring of Southern Africa and the Mozambique To understand and map earthquake On Graham G [email protected] channel in South Africa. going To quantify the extent of the Evaluation of biological control of Opuntia stricta in the On Hoffmann JH damage caused by Cactoblastis [email protected] Kruger National Park going cactorum on Opuntia stricta. Out of 1000 indegenous edible wild Holtzhausen Ennobling the wild African marula (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. On fruits, marula will be the first to be [email protected] LC Caffra Sond.) going commercialised.

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 15 of 15 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name To establish reference collections and an electronic database of On Mansell MW Collection and study of insects in the Kruger National Park [email protected] insects (specifically mayflies) from going different biotopes of the Park. To obtain a better understanding of the manner in which the wild dog Pack dynamics and movement patterns of wild dogs in the population fluctuates and is On Mills MGL [email protected] Kruger National Park regulated by documenting changes going in pack composition and reproductive success. To investigate the potential of the natural resources of the Lowveld to Towards a predictive understanding of savanna ecosystem contribute to the economy and On Peel MJS [email protected] dynamics in the Eastern Traansval Lowveld development of the region in going harmony with social and environmental needs. To implement measures to prevent The role of cloven-hoofed animals in the epidemiology of the escape of foot-and-mouth On Vosloo W [email protected] foot-and-mouth disease disease virus to adjacent domestic going animal populations. To monitor by means of radio Aspects of the ecology of elephant (Loxodonta africana) telemetry, the movements of On Whyte IJ relevant to the management of the Kruger National Park [email protected] various selected clans in the going population population. To monitor hippos and other riverine Hippopotamus population monitoring in the Kruger National On species which may act as ecological Park going indicators. Censusing and monitoring the herbivorous large mammal To monitor population trends of On population of the Kruger National Park using aerial transects more abundant large ungulates in going surveys (ALT's) the Kruger National Park. To assess the impact of buffalo Aspects of the ecology of buffalo (Syncerus caffer) relevant herds on the habitat as well as the On

to the management of the Kruger National Park population effect of deteriorating habitat on the going population.

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 16 of 16 Researcher Title Objectives Status E-mail name To identify and catalogue the current large tuskers of the Kruger On The current living tuskers National Park through photographic going material submitted by staff and tourists. To monitor the KNP climate daily On Zambatis N Monitoring the climate in the Kruger National Park according to the Weather Bureau [email protected] going standards. To monitor both the woody and the On Field layer dynamics of the Kruger National Park herbaceous cover of the Kruger going National Park's vegetation

Current / Monitoring Projects Page 17 of 17