Grass Surveying

Grass surveys are completed on an annual basis here on the reserve as a very useful conservation tool. There are 25 randomly selected GPS sites across the reserve, each covering a 100m, 200m, or 300m long section. When completing each grass survey, the researcher must follow the correct direction for the set distance and record all grasses present within one metre each side of the middle line.

Grasses have developed through natural selection to deter, escape and tolerate herbivory, and to escape and tolerate fire (especially in SA). Today, grass species are classified as increaser I, II, III or decreaser species, depending upon their tolerances. Increaser grasses increase in abundance following grazing, whereas decreaser grasses decrease with exposure to heavy grazing. In short, grasses that animals prefer to eat (due to higher sugar levels etc) are eaten first and so these decreaser grasses become fewer and fewer. They are then replaced by increaser grasses which have not been eaten, and unwanted grasses then become more abundant. If this occurs on a grand scale, it has the potential to lead to unhealthy game and livestock.

From our data collected we can analyse the results to determine the total percent coverage of each grass, as well as the percentage of increaser and decreaser grasses present. This, in turn, influences the number of game that can be kept on the reserve (stocking density). For example, a reserve with a higher percentage of decreases would be able to keep a much larger and healthier amount of game compared to another reserve of the same size with a lower percentage of decreases. The more increasers there are, the fewer number of game can be kept.

Analysis of the results we have collected thus far indicate that there are a high number of decreases on the reserve which is very positive. We only have a few more grass surveys to complete and then we will be able to analyse all of the data and come to a final conclusion on the overall health of the reserve. Fingers crossed for a good outcome!

Some of the photos from our camera traps...

Fixed Point Photography

Fixed point photography is a technique often employed by conservation biologists and environmental scientists in order to gain a pictorial idea of how an area or landscape changes either over time or from one season to the next. This is also one of the most effective and robust methods of monitoring vegetation change, especially in areas such as South Africa where bush fires can be common.

The most important consideration is that each site should be permanently and clearly marked. Finding old sites is extremely difficult, especially if differing researchers are completing each set of photographs. The use of a GPS allows you to accurately locate the spot from where the photograph must be taken, and instructions as to the direction (for example South 185°) can be given. Further, in order to minimise inaccuracies, the same camera should be used to prevent any variances being attributed to a different camera setting/function.

You can see below an example of one of the photographs we have taken over the last few weeks. In total we have 24 sets which cover the most prominent, ecologically valuable areas of the reserve. Here you can clearly see the vast difference between the same vegetation sight in winter 2013 and summer 2014.

Road Counts

Each week we complete a road count on the reserve in order to monitor the number of game animals here. This enables us to determine general health, numbers of young/lambs present, and allows us to estimate a carrying capacity for the reserve (how many animals can be kept here without causing detrimental effects on vegetation health etc).

When carrying out these road counts, we split the reserve into different sections depending on the type of habitat in order to gain an idea of what species are found more abundantly in what areas. For example, one section might be open grassland, another dense woodland, thick grass veldt etc. We then drive around the tracks throughout the reserve and record all species seen within 100meters either side of the road. It is essential that accurate counts are gained, and animals that move location are not counted twice, as this would result in largely inaccurate counts, potentially leading to inappropriate decisions being made in regard to game control.

This weeks game of hide and seek!

We are getting better at playing hide and seek this week!

Building the Boma

We have just heard that we are going to be getting some African Wild Dogs at the reserve soon! There are two groups (males and females from two different reserves) that were going to be put down as they can no longer be kept. A conservation group working to protect these amazing animals has agreed to let us house them until a permanent home can be found. 

Due to the size of the reserve here, they cannot be let loose as they are incredibly successful predators and would have catastrophic effects on game numbers if let out. For this reason, we have set about building a huge secure area in which the two groups can be mixed and live together without any human interaction, meaning they can be reintroduced back into the wild when a permanent reserve is found for them. These accommodation structures are called ‘Bomas’ and the one we are building has been specifically designed to ensure that these top hunters cannot escape! We have also had to take into consideration aspects such as feeding and water supply as the dogs must never see their human keepers or associate humans with feeding in any type of a routine. 

This week we have started clearing out the site where the Boma will be located and laying thick wire mesh sheets below ground level so that the dogs cannot dig out underneath the fences. Watch this space for updates on our progress…its very hard work in 40 degree heat!

Insect Trapping

This week on the reserve we set up an insect trap (with 5 pitfall locations) in order to assess the insect diversity in the area. We checked the pitfalls daily and recorded all insects found. It was really interesting to find an array of amphibians including the beautiful Gutteral Toad! Its great to see that there is a thriving community, a significant indicator of biodiversity health on the reserve. Unfortunately we didn't find any snakes in our traps but we have seen some Puff Adders (Bitis arietans) when walking around in the bush!