Research Summary
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa — This magnificent landscape of rolling savanna woodland was the last refuge for white rhinos a century ago. Now the historic, 900-square-kilometer park harbors a healthy population of 2068, as well as black rhinos, giraffes, elephants, kudu, impala, wildebeest, zebras, and others, a veritable ark of African biodiversity. All of these large herbivores, in their teeming numbers, have an impact on the structure and diversity of the ecosystem. An overpopulation of any one of them can mean massive destruction to their habitat and instability to the other wildlife populations it supports. You can join Dr Dave Druce and a team of researchers and field staff in an ongoing survey of the 15 largest herbivores in the park, thereby contributing to a long-term database of population trends and supporting effective management and decision-making.
Meet the Scientists
Dr Dave Druce
Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife
Are you keen on experiencing African wildlife on foot, a perspective that few are fortunate enough to have, and to directly contribute to the conservation and management of game in Africa's oldest park at the same time? Then this is your project! We aim to contribute to a long-term dataset on the trends of the large herbivore populations in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park by walking set transects in the bush. Large wildlife in Africa is under increasing threat for a number of reasons. It is imperative that we know the state of our wildlife populations, and you will help us do just that, while at the same time having the adventure of a lifetime. We will encounter many different species and your ability to climb low-branching trees quickly might be put to the test a few times!