Research Projects
Sustainable Resources Research – University of Port Elizabeth
Valley Bushveld is the dominant vegetation type in the Eastern Cape and has high conservation status in terms of plant diversity, endemism and threats. The aim of the project is to generate sound information for the sustainable use of valley bushveld, in particular a model to explain why pastoralism degrades the vegetation while indigenous herbivores are sustainable. The role of animal /plant interaction in affecting soil resources is being investigated and is used to monitor degradation as well as in the design of rehabilitation programs. The importance of bio-diversity for game viewing and eco-tourism is being quantified and the project is a major driving force in the greater Addo Park initiative.
Project Executant : Prof. Graham Kerley
Address : Dept. of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Po Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031
Phone/Fax : (041) 5042308 / 5042946
Email : graham.kerley@nmmu.ac.za
Website : www.upe.ac.za
Coral Reefs Research – Oceanographic Research Institute - Durban
The coral reefs of KwaZulu Natal are a high conservation priority as they are the only coral reefs in SA and are a valuable resource in support of fish populations. Human pressures, particularly from sport diving are growing, however other natural threats are also present such as rising sea temperatures and outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish which have a profound affect on the reef community structure. Study is also being done on assisted coral propagation and on larval dispersal and recruitment to fully resolve the dynamics and function of the reefs and hence their management.
Project Executant : Prof. Michael Schleyer
Address : Po Box 10712, Marine Parade, 4056, Durban
Phone/Fax : (031) 3288222 / 3288188
Email : schleyer@ori.org.za
Whale and Dolphin Research – University of Pretoria –Cape Town
The project is engaged in research on the ecology, population dynamics and behaviour of cetaceans in the waters of Southern Africa, with the principal objective of providing information that will promote their conservation. The project is involved in monitoring the recovery of the Southern Right whale, including providing estimates of population size and trend, calving frequencies and survival rate, as well as studying their social structure and mating strategies.
Also being studied is the movement and population identity of Heaviside`s dolphins.
Project Executant : Dr Peter Best
Address : c/o SA Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St, Cape Town 8001.
Po Box 61, Cape Town , 8000
Phone/Fax : (021) 4813902/4813993
Email : pbest@iziko.org.za
Vulture Research Project - EWT / University of Pretoria
Vultures serve an important part in the environment by being one of the species at the top of the food chain which plays an vital role in decreasing the spread of diseases such as anthrax, by cleaning up dead carcasses and keeping rabies in check by minimising contact of the virus with mammalian predators. Vultures are under increasing threat in SA from poisoning - including veterinary chemicals/drug residues and lead in carcasses, agriculture practice, electrical pylon/cable collisions and the muti trade. The project sets out to benefit the species through multidisciplinary research covering toxicology, pharmacology, clinical pathology, combined with cell-phone telemetry to determine foraging and home ranges of a large number of vultures in SA. The output from such research will allow for the monitoring of free-ranging vultures, the mapping of areas for further action, such as community and farmer education and the safeguarding of food at vulture restaurants.
Project Executant: Kerri Wolter
Address: EWT - Pvt. Bag X11, Parkview, 2122, Johannesburg
Phone/Fax : (011) 4861102 / 0865056470
Email : kerri.wolter@gmail.com
Zululand Nile Crocodile Research Project - University of KZN
The greater Nile Crocodile population in the St Lucia Wetland Park is globally important as comparable estuarine populations of the species do not exist elsewhere in the world. The project's main objective is to address the conservation needs of the Nile Crocodiles in Zululand by gathering ecological , physiological, epidemiological and genetic data. Given the recent threats to the species and their global importance this research will expand current understanding of crocodilian biology and facilitate long term Nile Crocodile protection.
Crocodiles are also important indicators of ecosystem health and environmental pollutants (ie DDT, lead, organochlorides etc) in this precious UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Project Executant: Prof. Colleen Downs
Address: School of Biological & Conservation Sciences, University of KZN, Pvt. Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Phone/Fax : (033) 2605127/5105
Email : downs@ukzn.ac.za
Please note that the Mazda Wildlife Fund website is outside of Mazda. Clicking on the link will open a new window.
