Earthwatch staff members Mary Rowe and Tania Taranovski went on the
South Africa's Brown Hyaenas expedition earlier this year. Together with
fellow staff member Malene Christensen, we held a teleconference for
people interested in the project. The following is a transcript of that
session.
South Africa's Brown Hyaenas
Other teleconference Q&A's
What really stood out about this expedition?
I went in January, and the best part was the beautiful setting. When you weren't doing tasks, you could sit by the pond to bird-watch or look for animals. You could spend a fair amount of time watching monkeys and antelope.
Tania: I went in August. This was my first time in South Africa, and it was interesting because in some aspects it was more modern than other African countries I've visited, like Cameroon, Namibia, or Madagascar. It was a different side of Africa, but it still has amazing places and different wildlife. The accommodations were really picturesque and relaxing. You can also see animals here, like hyaenas, that you don't have the opportunity to in other places.
Is the humidity a nuisance in the summer?
The humidity isn't that bad, and the heat isn't that bad, especially if you stay in the shade. Definitely bring sun protection like sunscreen and long-sleeved shirts. We had some really dramatic storms during my stay, and it was incredible. The nights were mild.
Tania: There was a cold snap in August, so when I walked out of the airport in Johannesburg, I walked into falling snow! They said it hadn't snowed there in 8 years! The humidity was very low, and the nights were freezing. It was very dry. Bring Chapstick and lotion. The days were mild and enjoyable.
Do you prefer South Africa in January or August?
There are advantages to both. For seeing animals, it's recommended to go in the Austral winter months (August) because you can see a lot more animals when the grass is low. During the summer, you can experience the storms and the mild evenings. If you're planning to extend your stay in South Africa, it's better to go in the summer: it's a less expensive time to travel because it's considered their off-season.
Don't they have school break in January?
January is actually the tail end of their break, so it really won't be an issue.
How to I get from the airport to the expedition site?
When you get to the airport, exit near the baggage claim area. You'll be following everyone else who's leaving. Look for someone with an Earthwatch shirt, or a sign with your name on it. You should wait outside the building for the Earthwatch representative. It's a few hours' drive to the site, but South Africa's roads are good. You'll probably get picked up in a van. There's enough space to fit everyone and their luggage.
How should I change my money?
Changing it at the airport is easiest. You can do it in the airport before Johannesburg or at Johannesburg. There are ATMs in the airport as well. You should calculate how many rands you'll need ahead of time. There won't be an opportunity to change money during the expedition. You should also do it at the airport because of the good exchange rates and the safety factor.
How much time is spent in Mankwe and Pilanesberg?
You'll be based in Mankwe, so most of your time will be spent there. You may go to other areas, some of which are less pretty, but good for research. There is a mine site you may visit where you will watch for hyaenas to try to find out whether they're using that place and if so, whether they stay there or are passing through. You go to as many different types of areas as you can to see how the hyaenas are using the land both in and out of the park, to make sure the animals can survive both in and out of the parks. The PI's make the schedule, so everyone gets to do a bit of everything.
Are the animals radio-collared?
Not just yet, but it's also not really a top priority. The hyaenas are found in other ways, like call-in surveys and scat surveys. The teams have placed traps, and some have been sprung, but hyaenas were wily and didn't get caught. The research team does have radio collars available if one gets trapped, but it hasn't happened yet. Maybe you'll get lucky and catch one on your team!
How much time will we spend in vehicles versus the time spent walking?
You'll probably spend more time in vehicles, but you'll definitely be hiking as well. It depends on the abilities of each group and the current data collection needs.
What other kinds of animals could we see?
Lots of giraffes, antelopes, elephants at Pilanesberg. Some rhinos, hartebeest, wildebeest, the very rare tssessebe, maybe an aardvark and bush babies. Mankwe is too small to support big predators, so there aren't a lot of big cats. Some teams have seen lions at Pilanesberg. It's very rare to see wild dogs, though.
What kinds of things are there to do during down time?
Most of the leisure time will be at Mankwe. You can go bird-watching, other-animal-watching, read whatever books you'd like to bring, and take photographs. You'll always have an opportunity to photograph. There is one day off where you drive to Pilanesberg, where you go for a game-drive and maybe swim in the pool and snack at the hotel. There may be time for shopping, too. How the day is spent is usually determined by what the group wants to do.
I'm arriving in South Africa early. Do I still meet EW at the airport?
There are specific instructions in the briefing, which you can download on our website.
What kind of medical care is available on the expedition?
There are clinics and hospitals nearby, and first-aid kits on site. The roads are good, so it's not difficult to get to a medical facility. South Africa has great medical care.
Is the expedition site very remote?
No. There are nearby towns, major roads, and highways. You may feel isolated in the park, but there's actually a lot going on outside of it. Pretoria is also very close by.
Should I bring a sleeping bag even though the nights are mild? Can I bring a blanket?
You'll really only get chilly during the night rides in the vehicle. You shouldn't need a sleeping bag in January, but do bring a blanket and some extra layers in case you get cold. A light sleeping bag is also a good alternative. You definitely need a warm sleeping bag in August (Austral winter).
Will there be much cultural exposure on the expedition?
Not really. We had an African drumming class, and some of the staff is local, but it's not a big cultural expedition.
What's the food situation? And is there alcohol?
There are cooks on site who make delicious food. You can always buy alcohol at the airport, and if you'd like it at the research site, you can always mention that to the researchers.
What about the bugs?
The bugs weren't really a big deal. You can cover up with clothes or insect repellant.
Is it safe to leave my camera at the camp site while I'm out in the field?
Yes. The camp is fenced in, and no one is there but the staff. I believe a security box is also available. It will be looked after.
How are the living quarters?
Living quarters varies by group composition. There are tents and basic rooms, and a reed cottage. They have flush toilets and showers that could be adjacent, but the camp is small and everything is close by, if not adjacent to your room.
How many people are on a team?
The maximum number of people is 12. The January team has 9 people signed up, and the August team (Team 4) has 8.
What do you recommend for binoculars?
Try what you like, but definitely bring them. It adds immeasurably to the African experience. There are always things to see, and you want to get closer.
Should I bring snacks? Are there food restrictions for traveling into South Africa?
I don't think they pay much attention to that, especially with store-bought snacks. Try not to bring fruit or seeds. You can bring trail mix, and chocolate is a must! Bring M&Ms, because they don't melt in the heat.