Earthwatch staff member Mary Rowe went on Meerkats of the Kalahari in
April of 2005. 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.
Meerkats of the Kalahari
Other teleconference Q&A's
Q: In your opinion, what made this project memorable?
A: I went in April of 2005, and the meerkats themselves were just wonderful! They're charming, and totally habituated to humans. They basically ignore you, but if you sit very still, they may climb on you to get a better view of the landscape. And it's a beautiful landscape with dry river beds. There are a ton of birds, if you're a birdwatcher. The project is based on a reserve and there are no big predators, but there are hartebeest and wildebeest. You work on the project with long-term interns who are well-versed in everything meerkat. You get to observe the meerkats' behavior and interactions within and between groups. And the accommodations are very comfortable! You're housed in your own rondavel, there's electricity, and the staff does all the cooking!
Q: Do the meerkats really alert you if there are poisonous snakes around?
A: They do, because while the rest of the group is foraging for food, they have a point-person, or, point-meerkat, to act as a sentry and watch out for predators. There are snakes in the area, but it isn't really a concern on the project, because encounters are unlikely. I think we saw one snake one day, and that's all. You should wear heavy hiking boots, because the vibrations from them hitting the ground will warn and most likely scare off any snakes.
Q: Will we be able to do laundry there?
A: There is a simple washing machine, and it's helpful if you bring your own washing powder. Clothes are line-dried, but they dry quickly since it's arid.
Q: Can dust be a problem?
A: A dust mask is a good idea if you'd feel more comfortable with one. April is the end of the rainy season, and September is pretty dry.
Q: How can I bring items for the village if I'm only allowed 44 pounds of luggage?
A: Upington is a small town, but you can buy some items there. Kites and Frisbees are lightweight, and very appreciated, as are maps, or pictures of yourself and your family. The village isn't as poor as others, but they are very isolated. They would love to see what your home is like, especially what's different about where you come from in comparison to their village. A picture of snow would probably be impressive!
Q: Will they still have extreme temperatures in August?
A: August is their winter, and it's a desert, so there will be big fluctuations in temperature. Dressing in layers is the key to being comfortable. You won't be working at night, but if you go on a game drive at night, it can get windy, and you'll need some extra warmth. I brought a fleece and a windbreaker, and it's good to bring the extra layer in case you get really cold.
Q: Where do I meet with my team?
A: The rendezvous is at the airport in Upington. It's a tiny airport, so you shouldn't get lost.
Q: How large is the plane to Upington?
A: It's a good-sized plane. I don't remember it being especially small, but you do need to book it in advance; South African Air flies there from Johannesburg.
Q: May I leave clothes there as a donation?
A: That's a really nice idea, but make sure the clothes are in reasonable condition, and the people there really like logos or anything promoting your city or favorite sports team. If there's something you wish to leave there, I'm sure they can find a place for it.
Q: How well are we taken care of out in the field?
A: You will be working with a long-term intern and another Earthwatch volunteer in the field. The interns appreciate questions because they want the research to be consistent. They're very knowledgeable and love answering your questions.
Q: Should I bring garden gloves?
A: You will be climbing over a few fences, and possibly clearing brush, so garden gloves are a good idea. Plus, they're lightweight and can fit in your backpack easily.
Q: Should I spend a few extra days exploring Johannesburg or Cape Town?
A: Johannesburg has a bad reputation, and generally more crime than other major cities. The major hotel chains are near the airport, and you shouldn't go out at night. Cape Town has a better reputation, and in August, whales come right into the bay, and you can see penguins nesting.
Q: What can I do on the recreational day?
A: You're a little isolated out there, and aren't really close to the other reserves you may like to see. If you want to go exploring, you should probably stay a few days after or arrive a few days before the expedition and arrange your own exploration of South Africa. On our recreational day, I wandered around the reserve with my camera and binoculars, and read a book, which was just fine with me! It's safe to walk around on your own because the reserve is fenced-in and there are no big predators. You do have to let the team leaders know if you'll be wandering about, though. If you'd like to do more meerkat work, the long-term interns are out every day, and I'm sure they'd love some extra help.
Q: Can I charge batteries at the research site?
A: Yes, with the proper adapter and converter.
Q: Can I contact other team members to coordinate what to bring?
A: We usually send out a team list about a month before your expedition date, but if you'd like one earlier, we can certainly send it to you. It has the contact information of your team members.
Q: What else should I bring?
A: A headlamp is convenient because your hands a free, and if you need to walk out to the bathrooms at night, you'll need the light to see where you're walking. Bring close-toed shoes, to protect against snakes and scorpions. Just be careful where you're walking. You can bring an alarm clock, but they'll make sure you get up. They want you up before the meerkats get up, so you can watch them emerge from their underground home. They're so cute: they all come out and stare at the sun, altogether, like sun-worshippers. It's great for photography!
Q: Can we handle the meerkats?
A: It's discouraged, because we don't want to affect their behavior. The interns weigh them, but they try to avoid touching them, too, and lure the meerkats onto the scale with bits of egg. You can get rabies shots beforehand just in case.
Q: Can we get feedback on the research?
A: The PI files a field report at the end of the year, and it's available on our website.
Q: What's the meerkats' cycle like?
A: The pups are born in March, and usually emerge in April. Then, of course, they grow throughout the year.
Q: Should I bring insect repellent?
A: You might need it, but in the winter it's cold and dry so it's unlikely. It wasn't really an issue when I went in April. Check in your briefing. If it's not on the packing list, you probably don't need it. The packing list is very accurate for this expedition.
Q: What should I do if I have more questions about this project?
A: You can give us a call at 800-776-0188. If you have any questions about this or any other expedition, we have lots of answers. And unless it's a brand new expedition, there is probably someone in the office who has been there and can answer really specific questions.