Download current projects: knp scientific services

CURRENT PROJECTS: KNP SCIENTIFIC SERVICES
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Abeare SM
Home range analysis of
African buffalo (Syncerus
caffer): test of a new
method
To investigate the spatial
distribution of buffalo
relative to vegetation
variables, distance to
water, topography and
visibility.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Alard GF
Comparing grass
biomass production
between sodic sites and
crests in the semi-arid
grantic savannas of the
lowveld
To test the hypothesis,
which states that grass
biomass production is
higher on sodic sites than
on the crests.
30-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Andelman SJ
KNB collaboration: A
comparison of
community dynamics in
North American and
South African savannas
and grasslands
To explore scaledependence in the
relationship between
biodiversity and ecosystem
function.
30-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Anthony BP
The potential for
community-based
conservation in
promoting biological
conservation and human
rural development: Case
study of the Hlanganani
communities and the
Kruger National Park,
South Africa
To examine the nature of
the relationship, including
the use and perceptions of
natural resources, between
Hlanganani communities
(some of which are
represented by the
Hlanganani Forum) and the
Kruger National Park.
30-09-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Aplin P
Vegetation monitoring in
the Kruger National Park
using multiscale remote
sensing analysis
Knowledge of vegetation
distribution is crucial to
facilitate our understanding
and management of the
environment.
30-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Page 2 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Ball R
Investigation into
antiphospholipid
syndrome, phosphate
depletion and iron status
in black rhinoceros
(Diceros bicornis) in wild
caught and boma
maintained rhinos in the
Kruger National Park,
RSA
To compare phospholipid
antibody, iron and
phosphate levels, blood
haematology and
chemistry, and electrolyte
excretion of free-ranging
black rhinos with those
animals kept in captivity
for short and prolonged
periods of time.
31-12-2003
Complete
Ball R
Complete blood counts,
serum biochemistries
and nutritional analysis
of captured giraffe
(Giraffa camelopardalis)
from the Kruger National
Park, RSA
To determine the blood cell
counts, serum
biochemistries and
nutritional parameters of
free-ranging giraffe
captured in the Kruger
National Park.
31-12-2003
Complete
Basson S
Unnaturally eroded sodic
soils rehabilitation
experiment
To gauge different
applications of a natural
substance, gypsum
(CaSO4) to the soil.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Baxter P
Modeling the impact of
elephant on woody plant
diversity in the Kruger
National Park
To develop a model (s) to
reflect changes in the
diversity of woody
vegetation brought about
by elephant impacts.
31-12-2002
Complete
[email protected]
Bengis RG
Tsetse fly (Glossina
morsitans) surveillance
in the Kruger National
Park
To institute an early
warning system to monitor
the possible incursion of
Tsetse flies into the
Limpopo/Luvuvhu drainage
system.
On going
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 3 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Bertschinger HJ
Collection and freezing
of semen from buffalo in
the Kruger National Park
for insemination of foot
and mouth disease free
buffalo elsewhere in
South Africa
To establish whether
buffalo in the Kruger
National Park subclinically
infected with foot and
mouth disease virus
harbour the virus in the
semen.
Bertschinger HJ
Non-lethal control of
African elephant
(Loxodonta africana)
populations by means of
immunocontraception
To determine the effects of
porcine zona pellucida
(pZP) vaccine as
contraception of African
elephant.
Bird TLF
Transmission of bovine
tuberculosis
(Mycobacterium bovis) in
African buffalo (Syncerus
caffer) in the Kruger
National Park
To investigate some of the
aspects of transmission of
bovine tuberculosis (BTb)
in African buffalo
(Syncerus caffer) in the
Kruger National Park.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Bond WJ
Forest Colonization od
savannas: Pattern and
Process
To determine how broadleaved forest species
invade savannas and what
limits, and what promotes
the invasion process.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Assessment of the
influence of woody and
grass vegetation in the
regrowth process
To develop a methodology
to monitor the recovery
process of vegetation by
comparison of time series
information derived from
coarse resolution image
sequences instead of
analyzing it as single
change events.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
.ac.be
Boonen M
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
On going
Edited: March 2005
Page 4 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Botha S
The water requirements
needed for seedling
establishment of
savanna woody species
in the Kruger National
Park
To determine if rainfall
variability limits seedling
survival of different tree
species during certain
years.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Brock P
Studies of stick insects
(Phasmida) of the
Kruger National Park,
including the description
of new species
To identify phasmid species
present in the Kruger
National Park's fauna.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
h.uk
Buckland ST
Modelling the declines of
large ungulates in the
Kruger National Park
To develop sufficient
generality in the methods
to allow ready application
to other ungulate
populations in Africa.
Population dynamics
models will be developed
for the main ungulate
species of the Kruger
National Park.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Bush M
Improving cardiopulmonary function for a
safer field anaesthesia of
white rhinoceros
To develop safer field
anaesthesia for white
rhinoceros.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Bush M
Pharmacokinetic study of
long acting tetracycline
in free ranging male
African elephants
(Loxodonta africana)
To determine the dosage
and route of administration
for the long acting
preparation of the
antibiotic tetracycline.
31-12-2003
Complete
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 5 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Bush M
Study of feline
immunodeficiency virus
(FIV) in lions, leopards
and cheetah in the
Kruger National Park
To determine the
immunological status of
the three cat species
(lions, leopards and
cheetah) with regards to
feline immunovirus.
31-12-2003
Complete
Byrne M
Monitoring a water
hyacinth infestation on
Engelhardt Dam as part
of an integrated
management plan for
water hyacinth control in
South Africa
The development of an
integrated management
plan for water hyacinth
control, combining
biological control,
herbicidal control and
nutrient control tailored to
the climatic regions of
South Africa.
31-12-2009
Current
[email protected]
Cadenasso ML
Structure and function of
riparian upland
boundaries
To characterize and
quantify the three
dimensional structure of
boundaries between
riparian and upland
vegetation in Kruger
National Park.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Cameron E
Scramble competition
within a guild of
browsing herbivores
To test the hypothesis that
giraffe bulls are displaced
vertically for feeding sites
above those used by cows
and sub-adults.
31-12-2002
Complete
[email protected]
Cameron S
Collection of insects for
evolutionary studies of
their relationships
To collect insects of
different genera for
evolutionary studies of
their relationships.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 6 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
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Project
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Title of Project
Objectives
Carlens H
The optimization and
validation of climate and
remote sensing data
based fire risk
assessment with fire
occurrence data
To link the fire risk models
and drought indices,
derived from
meteorological data,
obtained from the local
weather stations, with the
fire history records.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
ven.ac.be
Citino SB
Developing a safe,
effective anaesthesia
protocol for rapid
anaesthesia of freeranging giraffes
To develop a safe, effective
anaesthetic protocol for the
rapid induction of
anaesthesia in free-ranging
giraffe.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Codron D
Seasonality and 20th
century change in the
feeding ecology of
herbivore communities
in the Northern Basalt
Plains of the Kruger
National Park, South
Africa
To investigate seasonality
in the quality of forage
available to, and the
feeding ecology of,
herbivorous mammal
communities living in the
Northern Basalt Plains
(NBP) of the Kruger
National Park (KNP), South
Africa.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Codron J
The sampling method of
elephant (Loxodonta
africana) tusks
To determine seasonal and
spatial differences in diets
and habitat use of the
Kruger National Park
elephant.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Coetsee C
Study of the interactions
between fire, vegetation
and nitrogen dynamics in
the Kruger National Park
To investigate the role of
fire on nutrient cycling.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
Edited: March 2005
Page 7 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Investigation of the
ecological role of
aquifers at Shingwedzi
research site, Kruger
National Park
To produce on a national
scale a summary of known
and probable groundwater
dependent ecosystems in
South Africa, based on
geohydrological-type
settings.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Conner TK
An investigation into the
role of anthropogenic fire
in the formation of the
biotic landscape of the
Kruger National Park
The study of anthropogenic
fire in Kruger National Park
is primarily motivated by a
desire to understand the
extent to which human
influence has shaped the
present character of the
park savanna.
31-03-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Cornel AJ
Systematics and
population structure of
disease vector members
of Culex pipiens
mosquito complex
To obtain samples from
this ancestral population in
order to extrapolate
baseline genetic structural
data from which all future
collections (2005-2009) in
other countries.
31-12-2009
Current
[email protected]
Craine J
Below ground processes
experiments
To determine the nature of
nutrient limitation in
restructuring ecosystem
processes across different
soil types and climates.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Cross PC
Longitudinal studies of
bovine tuberculosis in
the buffalo population of
the Kruger National Park
To understand the
dynamics of BTB in the
buffalo population.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Colvin C
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 8 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
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date
Project
status
Davidson TM
Patch structure on the
Northern Plains of the
Kruger National Park:
Influence of changing
water distribution
pattern on selection and
utilization by zebra
(Equus burchelli)
To investigate the effect
the waterhole closure has
had on the zebra.
31-03-1999
Complete
De Klerk L
Developing a bovine
tuberculosis vaccination
model for African buffalo
(Syncerus caffer)
To determine whether a
live BCG vaccine can
protect the African buffalo
against Mycobacterium
bovis infection as well as
disease.
31-08-2001
Complete
De Klerk L
Developing a bovine
tuberculosis infection
model for African buffalo
(Syncerus caffer)
To create an experimental
infection model that
mimics natural
Mycobacterium bovis
infection in the African
buffalo.
30-06-2000
Complete
De Vos V
The ecology of anthrax
in the Kruger National
Park
To monitor anthrax
outbreaks in the Kruger
National Park.
Delport W
Long-term monitoring of
wood owls of the Kruger
National Park using
vocalisation
To monitor wood owls
population in Kruger
National Park using
vocalisation.
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
31-12-2001
E-mail address
[email protected]
On going
[email protected]
Complete
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 9 of 54
Senior Researcher
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date
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status
Title of Project
Objectives
Deman K
Development of a
methodology to monitor
fire fuel status and
identity optimal fuel
models using high
resolution multi-spectral
satellite imagery
To improve and develop
high spatial resolution
earth observation based
parameters to estimate fire
probability.
30-09-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Dietettann VM
Ecology of the African
honey bees (Apis
mellifera scutellata) in
the Kruger National
Park, South Africa
To predict Varroa
destructor impact using
molecular techniques.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Dippenaar-Shoeman
A
A survey of agriculturally
important mites and
their predators
(Arachnida)
To make an inventory of
the Arachnid species
present in the Kruger
National Park
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Dippenar-Schoeman A
Survey of Arachnida of
the Kruger National Park
with emphasis on spiders
(excluding mites and
ticks)
To establish spiders
species lists and
distribution.
Doherty JB
Why do giraffes occur in
aggregated dispersion
patterns?
To have an improved
understanding of giraffe
social biology
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Dowson LM
Breonadia salicina
response to the 2000
flood, Sabie River,
Kruger National Park:
Implications for rule
based modelling and
monitoring
To examine the response
of Breonadia salicina to the
2000 flood in the different
geomorphological channel
types of the Sabie River.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
On going
Edited: March 2005
Page 10 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
date
Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
Ungulate browsing as an
ecosystem process: An
investigation into
browser plant-soil
interactions in a
southern African
savanna
Determination of the
effects of browsing on the
savanna woody vegetation.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Dye P
Water use in relation to
biomass of indigenous
tree species in
woodland, forest and
plantation conditions
To investigate rates of
growth and water use
patterns of a wide selection
of indigenous tree
production systems, and to
make economic and
hydrological comparisons
to current commercial
forestry systems (and
other potential land uses).
31-12-2008
Current
[email protected]
Eckhardt HC
Fixed-point photography
as an aid for long-term
vegetation monitoring in
the Kruger National Park
To use fixed point
photographs to
demonstrate vegetation
changes over time.
On going
[email protected]
Eckhardt HC
Vertical aerial
photography as an aid
for ecological monitoring
in the Kruger National
Park
To use these photographs
as a tool for ecological
monitoring, especially
changes in vegetation
cover and species
composition.
On going
Du Toit J
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
Edited: March 2005
Page 11 of 54
Senior Researcher
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Title of Project
Objectives
Eckhardt HC
Regeneration of riparian
vegetation on the Sabie
river in the Kruger
National Park
Regeneration of riparian
vegetation on the Sabie
river in the Kruger
National Park
To establish whether
seedlings of riparian
species differentially utilize
geomorphic sites during
regeneration processes.
Euston-Brown D
Development of an alien
vegetation clearing
protocol based on
ecological criteria for
mesic savannas and
sweet grassveld for the
Working for Water
programme
To provide an overview of
the effectiveness of
existing clearing methods
for major invasive species
in South African mesic
savanna and sweet
grassveld ecosystems.
31-12-2007
Current
[email protected]
Fannin TGD
Tourist willingness to
pay for Biodiversity
Conservation
To determine what value
tourists place on
biodiversity.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
February EC
Mechanism of grass/tree
interactions in savannas
Explaining tree/grass
coexistence within savanna
ecosystems.
31-12-2007
Current
[email protected]
February EC
The genetic structure,
physiology and
phenology of tall and
stunted
Colophospermum
mopane growth forms
To investigate the
possibility of genetic
differences between tall
and stunted Mopane in
riparian and upland zones.
31-12-2005
Current
February EC
The importance of
hydraulic lift for
understorey grass
production on a South
African savanna
To establish the
importance of hydraulic lift
in the tree-grass
interaction.
31-12-2009
Current
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
On going
Edited: March 2005
Page 12 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
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Title of Project
Objectives
Feig G
The effect of the free
regime on plant carbon
allocation and associated
soil microbial community
composition
The availability of nutrients
is an important
determining factor in the
distribution of plant species
and hence affecting the
distribution movement and
the carrying capacity of an
area on animal species.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Ferreira S
The tourist carrying
capacity of the Kruger
National Park: Policy and
Practise
The tourist carrying
capacity in the Southern
parts of the Kruger
National Park has already
been exceeded.
17-04-2001
Complete
[email protected]
Ferwerda J
Using hyperspectral
remote sensing of plant
chemicals to explain the
interaction between
secondary plant
compounds and
herbivores
To determine the
relationship between
browsing, soil properties
and vegetation quality
using spatial statistics and
linear modelling.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Fourie N
The effect and
distribution of diverse
number of natural
enemies on water
hyacinth (Eichornia
grassipes) in the
Engelhardt dam in the
Kruger National Park
The effect of control on
water hyacinth, should
help in the understanding
of biological control
measures.
31-07-1999
Complete
[email protected]
Foxcroft L
The dispersal of the
cochineal (Dactylopius
opuntiae) on Opuntia
stricta in the Kruger
National Park
To determine the natural
dispersal of Dactylopius
opuntiae at different host
plant densities within the
infestations in the Kruger
National Park.
31-03-2001
Complete
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
Edited: March 2005
Page 13 of 54
Senior Researcher
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Foxcroft L
Factors influencing the
distribution and
abundance of Opuntia
stricta and Cactoblastis
cactorum in the Kruger
National Park, South
Africa
The abundance of
Cactoblastis cactorum is
dependant on the density
of the host plant Opuntia
stricta.
31-12-2003
Complete
Foxcroft L
Patterns and processes
of invasion in an African
savanna ecosystem, with
emphasis on multiple
spatio-temporal scales
The project aims at
unraveling some of the key
issues in invasion ecology,
which have been
highlighted by the KNP
objectives (and subsequent
reviews).
31-12-2006
Current
Freeman EW
The impact of age and
climate on reproductive
rates of African
elephants (Loxodonta
africana) in Kruger
National Park
To determine if social and
environmental factors
impact ovarian activity in
wild and captive African
elephants.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Gagiano CL
An investigation of the
status of Chiloglanus
engiops in the Letaba
river after the 2000
floods
To investigate the status of
the particular fish species
in the Letaba River after
the 2000 floods.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Giyani Tourism
Development Strategy
Market research amongst
guests staying in the
northern camps of Kruger
Park to input into a
Tourism Development
Framework for the Greater
Giyani Municipality.
28-02-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Gardner M
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 14 of 54
Senior Researcher
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Gardner M
Tourism plan for the
Limpopo valley Spatial
Development Initiative
tourism sectoral study
To explore the tourism
linkages that can be
established between the
Mocambique coast, in the
vicinity of the Limpopo
River mouth and the
Macarratane, Massingir and
the Great Limpopo
transfrontier Park.
31-12-2003
Complete
Gaylard A
Factors governing
elephant impacts on the
riparian woodlands of
certain seasonal rivers in
the Northern Kruger
National Park
To determine the spatial
and temporal variation in
elephant use of the riparian
zones of ephemeral rivers
in the far north of the KNP
over the course of the wetdry season.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Gibbon RJ
Investigation into the
earlier stone age (ESA)
of the northern Kruger
National Park
To record all Earlier Stone
Age artefact locations and
landscape types, to
understand their
relationship with the
landscape, past and
present.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Gillson L
The spatial and temporal
scale of vegetation
change in the Kruger
National Park
The spatial and temporal
scale of vegetation change.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Veld burning in the
Kruger National Park
To gain an understanding
of the attributes of natural
fires, using correlated
parameters such as
humidity, lightning and
frequency.
On going
[email protected]
Govender N
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 15 of 54
Senior Researcher
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Govere J
Bionomics of the malaria
vector Anopheles
arabiensis in the Kruger
National Park
To conduct studies on
characteristics of
Anopheles arabiensis
mosquitoes that can be
manipulated for malaria
vector control.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Graham G
Seismic monitoring of
Southern Africa and the
Mozambique channel
To understand and map
earthquake in South Africa.
31-12-2013
On going
[email protected]
Grainger M
Landscape heterogeneity
and its effects on spatial
distribution of elephants
(Loxodonta africana) in
Kruger National Park,
South Africa
To identify the effects of
landscape heterogeneity
and water availability on
the home range size of
elephants.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Grant CC
The effect of the closure
of artificial waterpoints
on the ecology of the far
northern basalt plants in
the Kruger National Park
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
31-12-2005
Current
Grant CC
Feeding status and
habitat selection of the
roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
To reveal baseline
quantitative nutrient values
for roan antelope
populations in South Africa
with which any population
could be compared with
should a nutrient deficiency
be expected.
Edited: March 2005
Page 16 of 54
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Title of Project
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Grant CC
The effect of differences
in nutrient supply in the
granite and basalt
landscapes of the Kruger
National Park
Determining the effect of
differences in nutrient
supply in the granite and
basalt landscapes of the
Kruger National Park on
seasonal movement of
game and on reproduction.
31-12-2003
Complete
Grant CC
Review of reported
habitat and food
preferences of
herbivores in the Kruger
National Park
To understand the food
and habitat preferences of
the ungulate herbivores.
31-01-2001
Complete
Grant CC
The influence of
additional permanent
water on the resilience
of a complex adaptive
ecosystem
To understand the
relationship between
permanent water sources
(including sub-surface
water) and local and
regional biodiversity and
ecosystem function with
specific emphasis on the
antelope that are rare in
the KNP (selective
herbivores).
31-12-2008
Current
Greeff JM
The present status and
future sustainability of
the pollination system of
Ficus sycomorus in the
Kruger National Park
To understand the
sustainability of the
pollination system of Ficus
sycomorus in the face of
climatic and habitat
changes.
30-12-2007
Current
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 17 of 54
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Greyling M
Population dynamics and
movements of elephants
in the associated Private
Nature Reserves
adjoining the Kruger
National Park
To provide data on
emigration/immigration
patterns, birth and
mortality rates of
elephants within the
associated Private Nature
Reserves.
31-12-2008
Current
[email protected]
Griffin C
Is there a better way to
count elephants?
Assessment of distance
sampling and strip
transects methods in
aerial surveys
To assess the reliability
and performance of
distance and strip transect
sampling methods for
surveying elephant
numbers.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Grobler J
Rule based modelling of
sediment/water and
vegetation interaction in
the instream
environment
To develop knowledge and
ability to model the
sediment, water and
vegetation interaction and
the associated
morphological change in
semi arid rivers.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Biocomplexity in African
savannas: Nutrient
Stoichiometry of soils,
trees and grasses and
implications for savanna
structure and function in
the Kruger National Park
To provide a better
understanding of the
complex relationships and
feedbacks between soil and
vegetation nutrient
dynamics, and their
interactions with
herbivores, fire and woody
community dynamics in
savanna systems.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Hanan NP
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 18 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
Hanan NP
Biocomplexity in African
savannas: Ecological
self-thinning in the
Kruger National Park as
a measure of tree on
tree competition
To provide a better
understanding of woody
community dynamics in
savanna systems, including
interactions with
herbivores and fire.
Specifically, we plan to
examine the role of tree on
tree competition in
structuring savanna plant
communities through use.
31-12-2005
Current
Hanan NP
Biocomplexity in African
savannas
To investigate ecological
complexity in the context
of African savannas.
31-12-2005
Current
Hanan NP
African carbon
exchange: Diagnosing
the role of Africa in the
global carbon cycle
To address some of these
shortcomings in our
understanding of the
temporal and spatial
dynamics of carbon
exchange in Africa.
31-12-2007
Current
Hartnett DC
Ecology of mycorrhizal
symbiosis in South
African savanna
ecosystem: Patterns,
controls and
consequences of
mycorrhizal associations
at Kruger National Park
To understand factors
controlling the abundance
and distribution of
mycorrhizal fungi in
savanna ecosystems of
southern Africa.
31-12-2002
Complete
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 19 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
date
Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
Hay TC
Movements, activity
patterns and choice of
social environment in the
male buffalo (Syncerus
caffer) in the central
region of the Kruger
National Park
The predation risk
hypothesis predicts that
males will exploit areas of
abundant, high quality food
to maximize size and
strength for competitive
interactions with other
males, but at an expense
of an increased predation
risk.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Henley S
Habitat dependency and
nutritional ecology of
sable antelope in two
regions of the Kruger
National Park
Understanding the
processes underlying the
observed decline in sable
antelope.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Hennekens SM
SynBioSys Kruger - An
information system for
the evaluation and
supporting the
management of
biodiversity among plant
species, vegetation types
and landscapes in the
Kruger National Park
To enhance safeguarding
of data and further data
collation using Kruger
developed software,
SynBioSys Kruger.
31-12-2007
Current
[email protected]
Heritage GL
An investigation into the
sedimentology of
morphological units
across the spectrum of
channel types associated
with a bedrock
influenced semi-arid
river system
To investigate the
sedimentological record
held within the
morphological units that
make up each of the
channel types.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
Edited: March 2005
Page 20 of 54
Senior Researcher
Hill R
Title of Project
Objectives
The ecological
determinants of group
size and composition in
terrestrial primates
To survey the size,
composition and density of
baboon and vervet
monkey.
Finish
date
E-mail address
Current
[email protected]
Hoffmann JH
Evaluation of biological
control of Opuntia stricta
in the Kruger National
Park
To quantify the extent of
the damage caused by
Cactoblastis cactorum on
Opuntia stricta in order to
evaluate the effectiveness
of the moth as a biological
control agent.
On going
[email protected]
Hofmeyr MV
Spatial demography of
selected tree species in
the Kruger National Park
in relation to elephant
impacts
To identify factors
influencing selected tree
species population
dynamics and demography
in the Kruger National
Park.
Current
[email protected]
Hofmeyr SD
Giraffe utilisation of
knobthorn inflorescence:
A reward for pollination
or simple herbivory
To determine the role of
giraffe in the pollination of
knobthorn.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Economic valuation and
conjoint analysis
To derive a better
understanding of
environmental preferences
by examining the nature of
the relationship between
protected areas use, socioeconomic variables and the
utility derived by
recreationists from various
attributes of wilderness
areas.
31-12-2002
Complete
[email protected]
Holland JD
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
31-12-2006
Project
status
Edited: March 2005
Page 21 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Holtzhausen LC
Ennobling the wild
African marula
(Sclerocarya birrea
subsp. Caffra Sond.)
Out of 1000 indigenous
edible wild fruits, marula
will be the first to be
commercialised.
2010
On going
[email protected]
Horak IG
The seasonal abundance
of helminth and
anthropod parasites of
impalas, Aepyceros
melampus, in the Kruger
National Park
To establish a research
baseline for helminth and
anthropod parasite
infections of impalas under
normal and stressful
conditions.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Horak IG
The abundance and
seasonal abundance of
free-living ticks in the
Kruger National Park
31-12-2001
Complete
Horak IG
The influence of season
and frequency of burning
on the abundance of
free-living ixodid ticks on
the vegetation of the
experimental burn plots
in the Kruger National
Park
To compare the abundance
and species composition of
free-living ixodid ticks on
burned and unburned
plots.
31-12-2001
Complete
Horak RM
Scientific evaluation of
traditional use of scarce
medicinal plants
occurring in the Kruger
National Park aimed at
developing and
commercializing new
plant-based drugs
To create collaboration
between the
Bioprospecting Consortium
and South African National
Parks.
31-05-2003
Complete
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 22 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
date
Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
Hrabar H
Elephants and mopane
caterpillars: Interactions
through a shared
resource
To test the hypothesis that
mopane caterpillars
(Imbrasia belina) and
African elephants
(Loxodonta africana)
interact through their
shared resource base by
influencing the regrowth of
mopane (Colophospermum
mopane).
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Innis SA
Water use in trees
across a riparian upland
gradient in a semi arid
savanna landscape
To provide quantitative
information about the
reliance of riparian trees on
river water, groundwater
and soil water.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Inward D
Global Soil Macrofauna
Diversity and Ecosystem
Function: Baseline Data
from South Africa
This project’s aim is to
survey the soil macrofauna
community in the Kruger
National Park as part of the
global soil macrofauna
sampling programme.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Jackson CR
Habitat preferences,
home range and general
biology of the critically
endangered Juliana's
golden mole
(Neamblysomus
julianae) in Kruger
National Park
To determine physical,
chemical and biological
correlates of habitat
variables associated with
the presence of Juliana's
golden mole.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
Edited: March 2005
Page 23 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
date
Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
Jacob SM
Biogeochemistry,
herbivory and plant
productivity in riparian
ecotones and associated
savanna upland
ecosystems
To test the hypothesis that
nutrient availability
increases with decreasing
distance to the river.
31-12-2006
Current
Jacob SM
Nitrogen fixation in
southern African
savanna ecosystems: a
stable isotope approach
to gain baseline data
To determine the ability of
selected leguminous and
non-leguminous trees
growing on granite and
basalt and in the upland
and the riparian ecotone to
fix atmospheric nitrogen.
31-12-2006
Current
Jacobs DS
The evolution of
echolocation in the
insectivorous bat family
rhinolophidae
High frequency
echolocation calls used by
species in the
rhinolophidae family has
evolved in response to
moth hearing.
31-12-2002
Complete
[email protected]
Joubert RE
Filling gaps in vegetation
data south of the Sabie
River in the Kruger
National Park
To process the floristic data
and interpret the
vegetation types by means
of the environmental data
collected.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Keet DF
The impact of
tuberculosis caused by
Mycobacterium bovis on
lions in the Kruger
National Park
To monitor the impact of
Mycobacterium bovis on
lion population.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 24 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Kemp LV
The fourth wild dog and
the second cheetah
photographic census in
the Kruger National Park
and neighbouring
reserves
The fourth wild dog and
the second cheetah
photographic censuses in
the Kruger National Park
and reserves.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Kennedy AD
Stability and resilience of
grasslands to drought
and ecosystem
management impacts
To establish the ability of
mixed species grassland to
maintain, withstand or
recover from drought
impacts.
31-01-2000
Complete
[email protected]
Kennedy AD
Vegetation heterogeneity
change over broad space
and time scales in the
Kruger National Park
A heterogeneous landscape
within Kruger National Park
will help to provide
maximum species richness.
30-09-2003
Complete
Khomo L
Linking physical
boundaries and
vegetation patterns to
the Phugwane River
drainage network in the
northern Kruger National
Park
Linking vegetation pattern
with the physical structure
of the Phugwane river
landscape.
31-12-2002
Complete
Landscape evolution and
soil development along a
climate gradient in the
Western Kruger National
Park
The first stage of the
research is to resolve the
landscape into a series of
watersheds along the
north-south axis of the
park. The second objective
of the study is to validate
our predictive model by
measuring a suite of soil
properties across the
spectrum.
31-12-2006
Current
Khomo L
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 25 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
date
Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
Knapp A
The role of
megaherbivore behavior
in driving fire-grazing
interactions and
grassland community
structure: “Comparing
processes across
continents”
To quantify, in directly
comparable ways,
ecosystem and community
responses to fire and
grazing in savanna
grasslands of SA and NA,
and to identify those
ecological processes that
are similar (convergent),
despite potential
contingent factors of
differing evolutionary
history, herbivore diversity
and soil fertility.
31-12-2010
Current
[email protected]
Kroger R
Implications of
landscape heterogeneity
for roan antelope
conservation on the
Northern plains of
Kruger National Park:
Vlei/upland boundary
characteristics
To distinguish the vlei
boundary position and
characteristics, pattern of
roan grazing and how
selective feeding enhances
patchiness across the vlei
boundary.
31-12-2000
Complete
[email protected]
Kryger P
Penetration of the Cape
honeybee into the wild
African honeybee
population of the Kruger
National Park
To determine if Cape
honeybees are found in the
wild honeybee population
of the Kruger National
Park.
28-07-2000
Complete
[email protected]
Kshatriya M
Changes in herbivore
community structure,
population distribution
and abundance as
explained by rainfall and
a variety of habitat
parameters
To analyze and model
herbivore population and
community dynamics of
major ungulate species
from 1980 to 1993.
31-12-2000
Complete
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
Edited: March 2005
Page 26 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Kutsch W
Analyses of the carbon
balance of a savanna
ecosystem in Skukuza,
South Africa
To analyse the influence of
climatic factors on the
regulation of carbon
dioxide, water vapour and
sensible heat fluxes
between savanna
ecosystems and the
atmosphere.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Landmann T
Revised conditions of
approval pertaining to
the previously approved
project title: A case
study of Skukuza:
Estimating biophysical
properties of fires using
new EOS-MODIS satellite
data in the context of
SAFARI 2000
To quantify the amount of
biomass destroyed by fire,
thereby establishing the
relationship between fire
thermal properties, the
rate of biomass
consumption and the
emissions of aerosols and
trace gases.
31-01-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Landmann T
A Geographic
information system
(GIS) on fuel biomass
derived from validated
fuel models
To validate and cross
calibrate a new point
spread regional fuel modelbased on continuous
rainfall efficiency
algorithms with a satellite
based 250-meter
synoptically collected fuel
information.
30-09-2003
Complete
Langbauer W
The effects of
translocation of African
elephant vocal and social
behaviour
To study the effects of
translocation on a breeding
herd of elephants.
31-12-2006
Current
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 27 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Leroy MR
Changes in vegetation
composition on the Sabie
river in the Kruger
National Park after the
February 2000 flood
To determine the changes
in vegetation composition
(both native and alien) on
the Sabie river after the
2000 floods.
01-09-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Leslie BJ
Migration and habitat
selection of Luvuvhu
river tigerfish
(Hydrocynus vittatus)
population in the Kruger
National Park
To develop an
understanding of migration
and movement of tigerfish
and the environmental
cues involved in the
regulation of this behaviour
in the Luvuvhu river.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Leslie BJ
A study of the habitat
requirements and
movements of Large
Scale Yellow fish,
Labeobarbus
marequensis, in the
Crocodile River System
in the Kruger National
Park, to contribute
towards management
guidelines, using
telemetry
The main aim of this
project is to contribute
towards developing a more
comprehensive
understanding of the
ecological aspects of the
Large Scale Yellow Fish.
31-12-2005
Current
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 28 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
A scaled perspective of
the context, structure
and dynamics of
riparian/savanna
boundary vegetation
patch mosaics
To develop a sound
understanding of the
spatial and temporal
dynamics of vegetation
patch mosaics in a manner
which contributes to both
the theory of landscape
ecology and
vegetation/landscape
mosaic management within
the Kruger Park.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Development of a
regreening index for
monitoring vegetation
regrowth after fires
To classify vegetation
towards regrowth state,
linking phytomass
accumulation, vegetation
structure and carrying
capacity and development
of a remote sensing based
regreening index.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
.ac.be
Loader N
High resolution stable
dendroclimatology of the
African boabab
To reconstruct past
environmental change for
the sub-Saharan region of
Africa using carbon isotope
analysis of Adansonia
digitata.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Lombard PJL
Long-term effects of fire
frequency and season of
burning on the
Colophospermum
mopane shrubveld of the
Kruger National Park
To conduct a full survey of
the vegetation on each of
the Mopani plots in a way
that will be comparable to
the baseline data.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Levick S
Lhermitte S
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 29 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Lorentz SA
The influence of catena
soil water dynamics on
the vegetation patch
structure in the Northern
Plains
To establish a
groundwater/soil moisture
monitoring system in the
northern plains where
vegetation patch structure
is evident.
31-12-2001
Complete
[email protected]
MacFadyen DN
A comparative study of
rodent and shrew
diversity and abundance
in and outside the
Nwashitshumbe
enclosure site in the
Kruger National Park
To investigate the possible
role of rodents and shrews
play as bio-indicators for
habitat destruction.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Mackenzie JA
Regeneration of riparian
vegetation on the Sabie
river in the Kruger
National Park
To establish whether
seedlings of riparian
species differentially utilize
geomorphic sites during
regeneration processes.
31-12-2002
Complete
The distribution of Pycnia
silvia
To broaden the knowledge
base of the distribution of
Pycnia sylvia for the
effective conservation and
management of this
species.
30-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
An analysis of the impact
of elephants on woody
vegetation in the
research exclosures
Large number of elephants
cause severe damage to
woody vegetation leading
to negative habitat
transformation. Therefore
elephant numbers should
be controlled so that they
do not exceed the carrying
capacity of the area in
which they occur.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Malherbe C
Mamphweli S
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 30 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
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Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Mare L
Isolation of potential
probiotic bacteria from
the intestinal tract of
Hyenas
The purpose of the project
is to isolate potential
probiotic bacteria from
various sources including
the intestinal tract of
hyenas.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Maree S
A systematic review of
the Chrysochloridae
based on molecular data
with emphasis on the
population genetics,
intraspecific
phylogeography in an
endemic, insectivorous,
subterranean golden
mole species of South
Africa, Neamblysomus
julianae
To determine the
intergeneric and
interspecific phylogenetic
relationships within the
family: Chrysochloridae
based on sequences from
the cytochrome b, 16S
rRNA and 12S rRNA
mitochondrial genes and a
suite of nuclear genes.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Margules CR
Using the grasect
method to establish a
prototype network of
field sites for monitoring
the biodiversity of the
NBP
To design a network of
monitoring points that can
be used for long term
monitoring of biodiversity
on the extended northern
plains.
30-06-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Development of habitat
suitability map and
model for rare antelope
in the northern Kruger
National Park
To develop a habitat
suitability map/derived
models for rare antelope in
the northern Kruger
National Park, according to
specifications by utilizing
existing and acquired
relevant data layers and
expert knowledge.
31-08-2001
Complete
[email protected]
Mathys L
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 31 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
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Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Spatial analysis and
modelling of the
dynamics of rare
ungulate species withing
the Kruger National Park
To develop a population
viability model for more
ungulate species
incorporating population
fragmentation, habitat
deterioration and
predation.
31-03-2001
Complete
[email protected]
Meskell L
It's mine, It's yours:
Archaeology and Cultural
heritage in the park
This project examines the
very processes of
community participation
and educational outreach
and ultimately, the senior
researcher will also act as
an advisor on heritage
issues when called upon.
31-12-2009
Current
[email protected]
Meskell L
Documentation,
visualization and
interpretation of
archaeological sites in
Kruger National Park:
The Thulamela Case
Study
To document, present and
interpret targeted
archaeological and cultural
heritage of Kruger National
Park.
31-12-2009
Current
Meyer V
Distribution, density and
biomass of moundbuilding termites in the
northern Kruger National
Park
To determine intracolonial
demography, biomass,
food consumption and
genetic relatedness of M.
natalensis (Hav.).
31-12-2003
Complete
McLoughlin C
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 32 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Miller SJ
Human Habitation preKruger National Park:
Overview of a Social
History North of the
Shingwedzi, Woodlands
and Shangoni Ranger
Sections.
The purpose is to describe
a sense of the social
history of the area under
investigation and provide
comment on the
implications of this towards
a more inclusive tourism
package for the KNP.
31-12-2007
Current
[email protected]
Miller SN
Land Use Classification
and Watershed Modeling
of the Luvuvhu and
Shingwedzi River
Watersheds
To provide spatially explicit
information derived from
remote sensing and GIS
analysis to Kruger National
Park.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Mills A
The effect of fire on soil
organic matter and
nutrient distribution in
the Kruger National Park
burn plots: Implications
of system recovery from
disturbance
To analyze selected
chemical, physical and
biological soil properties,
comparing these to foliar
nutrient concentrations on
the plots.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Pack dynamics and
movement patterns of
wild dogs in the Kruger
National Park
To obtain a better
understanding of the
manner in which the wild
dog population fluctuates
and is regulated by
documenting changes in
pack composition and
reproductive success.
On going
[email protected]
Mills MGL
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 33 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
date
Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
Morar D
The development of an
Interferon-Gamma
(IFNg) assay for the
diagnosis of tuberculosis
in rhinoceros
This project aims to
develop an assay that will
effectively solve the
diagnosis of BTB and
provide the solution to a
rapid test for the diagnosis
of TB in live rhinos.
31-12-2004
Complete
Muller WJ
To identify similarities
and differences between
the rivers of the Kruger
National Park, towards
the design and testing of
a classification
framework to aid
management of the
Kruger National Park
rivers by contributing to
effective monitoring
To identify similarities and
differences between the
rivers of the KNP, towards
the design and testing of a
classification framework to
aid management by
contributing to effective
monitoring of the Kruger
National Park rivers.
31-12-2001
Complete
Hyperspectral remote
sensing of pasture
quality and quantity
To establish the spatial
variation in the quality and
quantity of savanna grass
and investigate how this
variation is related to
biophysical factors.
30-04-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Predicting and
monitoring of ecosystem
disturbance by fire
To develop techniques for
monitoring vegetation
growth so as to map fuel
type, load and status
(moisture content) for
fires.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
.be
Mutanga O
Nackaerts K
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 34 of 54
Senior Researcher
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date
Project
status
E-mail address
Nemaheni TI
Development of cultural
resources management
plan for Thulamela
heritage sites
To effectively manage the
site as an entity, consistent
with its natural and cultural
heritage values and
significance.
31-01-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Newenham J
The development of
monitoring methods for
the ecological reserve
(quantity) for rivers
(also known as Instream
Flow Requirements,
IFR's)
To develop and test
monitoring methods that
will check that the
recommended ecological
flows are being delivered
to the different reaches of
the Sabie and Luvuvhu
rivers.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Nortje G
The impacts of off-road
driving and other
concessionaire activities
on physical soil
degradation
To quantify the impacts of
off-road driving and other
concessionaire activities on
soils, soil erosion and soil
compaction. To investigate
different ways of
quantifying impacts (e.g.
satellite imagery, aerial
photography, ground
truthing data, off-road v
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
O'Brien O
A survey of the
composting fungi a
mopani landscape and
the effect of the different
fire regimes on their
species composition
The main aim of this
project is to determine the
effect of different fire
regimes on the diversity of
composting fungi present
in plant litter and soil fungi
under mopani trees.
31-12-2007
Current
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
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Title of Project
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Oelofse JA
A comparative study of
vegetation dynamics
within two management
units on the Tsende flats
following drought and
drought with fire
To record and compare the
survival and regeneration
of the grass sward in a
management block
exposed to extensive
drought combined with
fire, to that of a directly
adjoining management
block exposed to drought
only.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Ogutu JO
The population dynamics
of kruger park ungulates
in relation to climatic
variability
To characterise, compare
and contrast demographic
patterns across
environmental contexts
and herbivore types.
30-09-2001
Complete
[email protected]
O'Keeffe JH
Rule based modelling of
fish facilitating strategic
adaptive management of
the Kruger National Park
rivers through model
development and
technology transfer
To enhance aquatic
ecosystem management
through the further
development and transfer
to management of
qualitative rule-based
models (QRBM) engaging
both biotic and abiotic
research, to strengthen the
decision support system of
the KNP rivers research
programme.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
O'Neill FH
The plasma lipids,
lipoproteins and plant
sterols of South Africa
It is generally recognized
that human lipoprotein
metabolism is very
different from that in other
animals.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
Edited: March 2005
Page 36 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Long-term changes of
woody vegetation
composition and
structure in response to
fire frequency and
season in the Lowveld
sour bushveld savanna
of the Kruger National
Park
Hot fire is expected to have
a greater effect on the
woody plant community's
physiognomy than a cool
fire. The season of fire is
also envisioned to have an
effect on the adult tree
mortality.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Otte D
Overview and review of
South African Orthoptera
To provide biologists in
South Africa with a tool
which they can use to
identify all known
Orthoptera (jumping
insects such as
grasshoppers, crickets,
bush crickets, cave crickets
etc).
31-12-2007
Current
[email protected]
Panagos MD
The influence of different
precipitation levels on
the germination of grass
species in a lowveld
savanna
To determine whether
there is a difference in
herbaceous plant species
germinating from four
different soil types at two
different watering regimes.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
The measurement of
herbaceous layer
dynamics of three
Lowveld savanna types
To determine which
vegetation monitoring
technique/s best reflect
reality in terms of the
herbaceous layer species
composition and density at
three sites.
31-12-2006
Current
O'Regan SP
Panagos MD
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
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Panagos MD
Refinement of grazing
capacity determination
using three standard
field procedures
To conduct an assessment
of the disc pasture meter,
the plant number scale and
the key species method to
determine their practical
usefulness in determining
grazing capacity.
31-12-2005
Current
Parr CL
Study to investigate the
effects of burning on ant
(Hymenoptera:
Formicidae) diversity
To investigate the longterm effects of burning on
ant diversity in two
savanna habitats.
31-12-2003
Complete
Parr CL
Ant diversity and
distribution in KNP:
developing bioindicators
To sample ants from
southern habitats of KNP
thus contributing to the
comprehensive data
collected previously and
enable better
understanding of the
biogeography of the ants of
KNP.
31-12-2005
Current
Parsons M
Patterns of post-flood
riparian vegetation
response in the Sabie
River
To examine the influence
of hydrology, riverscape
heterogeneity and channel
morphology on post-flood
vegetation response.
31-12-2006
Current
Parsons M
Post flood response of
the Sabie River, 20002003: Re-survey of
riparian vegetation
transects
To examine the response
of the Sabie river to the
2000 flood, as it stands 3
years after the event.
30-06-2004
Complete
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
[email protected]
[email protected]
a
Edited: March 2005
Page 38 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Towards a predictive
understanding of
savanna ecosystem
dynamics in the Eastern
Transvaal Lowveld
To investigate the potential
of the natural resources of
the Lowveld to contribute
to the economy and
development of the region
in harmony with social and
environmental needs.
Penzhorn BL
Coccidia of buffalo in the
Kruger National Park
To determine if species of
coccidia that occur in
buffalo of the Kruger
National Park are the same
as those infecting domestic
cattle and to identify
previously undescribed
species.
Pettit N
The function of woody
debris and herbivory in
succession of the
riparian vegetation
community after a largescale flood in the Kruger
National Park
To determine the role of
the woody debris piles
deposited during the floods
in regeneration of the
riparian vegetation
community.
Pienaar DJ
Habitat selection and
monitoring of black
rhinoceros (Diceros
bicornis) in the Kruger
National Park
To monitor the black rhino
population.
Pollard IH
An Investigation into the
use of Bat Houses as a
method of bat control in
the Letaba Rest Camp,
Kruger National Park
To find a viable economic
and ecological solution for
the problem of bats living
within the tourist facilities
of the Letaba Rest Camp.
Peel MJS
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
On going
[email protected]
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
30-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
On going
[email protected]
Current
[email protected]
31-12-2005
Edited: March 2005
Page 39 of 54
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Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Pollard S
Towards catchment
water security through
linking water and
livelihoods:
Contributions towards
constructing a socioecological system (SES)
of the Sand River
Catchment
To pilot the Socioecological Systems
approach in understanding
the relationship between
catchment water security
and livelihoods.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Prins HHT
TEMBO, the elephant
movements and bioeconomic optimality
program (South Africa)
To develop and optimize
management techniques
that can be used by park
managers.
31-12-2009
Current
[email protected]
Prinsloo CE
The Phabeni gate project
in the Kruger National
Park: A case study of
community based
conservation
To investigate the process
for the establishment of
the Phabeni gate in the
Kruger National Park as an
example of a communitybased conservation project.
31-12-2007
Current
[email protected]
Radcliffe R
In situ ultrasonographic
reproductive evaluation
of the female black
rhinoceros (Diceros
bicornis) and white
rhinoceros
(Ceratotherium simum)
in South Africa
To undertake opportunistic
ultrasonographic
reproductive examination
of female white and black
rhinos at time of
immobilisation.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 40 of 54
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Project
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Title of Project
Objectives
A quantification of
sustainable utilisation of
the woody community of
the savanna vegetation
type as a fuel, crafts and
construction timber
source - Mpumalanga,
South Africa
To compare the woody
plants within the two areas
in terms of species
diversity, density, size
structure class and
biomass to determine the
impact that the harvesting
of fuel wood within the
communal area has had
upon the woody plants.
31-12-2003
Complete
Rautenbach IL
The occurrence,
distribution, taxonomy
and general biology of
the small mammal fauna
of the Kruger National
Park
To document the
occurrence, distribution
and general biology of
small mammal species as
well as to conduct research
on the taxonomy and
systematic relationships of
selected taxa on a
continuous basis.
31-12-1999
Complete
Rautenbach IL
The ecology, behaviour
and population dynamics
of micro chiropteran bats
in the Kruger National
Park
To enhance understanding
of all facets of the biology
of a guild of 32 species of
bats co-existing in the
Pafuri area.
31-12-2001
Complete
Redfern J
Large scale spatial and
temporal heterogeneity
in herbivore
distributions: The effect
of vegetation and water
availability in an African
savanna ecosystem
To develop and test
hypothesis that explain
temporal and spatial
heterogeneity in herbivore
distributions as a function
of vegetation indicators,
surface water availability
and interspecific
interactions.
30-06-2003
Complete
Rademan LA
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 41 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Reinhardt CF
Interference potential of
the alien invasive plant
Parthenium
hysterophorus with
indigenous plant species
in the Kruger National
Park
To determine the
allelopathic potential of
parthenium.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Rogers P
Wildlife conservation
governance in eastern
and southern Africa: A
comparative study of the
Serengeti-Mara and
Gaza-KrugerGonarezhou
Differences in conservation
policy and practise can be
explained by the relative
strength and influence of
the international and
domestic sectors in the
countries of two regions.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Development of a
remote sensing based
index for monitoring
vegetation structure
parameters
To improve and develop
high spatial resolution
earth observation based
parameters develop a
remote sensing based
indicator for monitoring
parameters describing
vegetation structure.
30-09-2004
Complete
[email protected]
ven.ac.be
Catastrophic stripping in
the Olifants River,
Kruger National Park
To determine the role of
vegetation on
geomorphological change
in the stripping and
recovery processes in the
Olifants river, and assess
the implications of such
change for the
management of structural
biodiversity.
31-12-2001
Complete
[email protected]
Rommens R
Rountree MW
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 42 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
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Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Roux F
Study to improve the
tigerfish abundance and
migrations in the lower
Komati River
To establish the
distribution range and
abundance of tigerfish in
lower Komati river.
31-12-2003
Complete
Roux F
Monitoring of fishways in
the Kruger National Park
rivers (Crocodile river) in
order to determine their
functionality
To test the functionality of
the fishways, i.e.
movement through the
fishway.
31-12-2003
Complete
Roux J
A study of fungal
pathogens on native tree
species in the Kruger
National Park
The aim of this proposed
project is to identify tree
pathogens and potential
tree pathogens in the
Kruger National Park.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Ryan SJ
A GIS model of bovine
tuberculosis in the
African buffalo (Syncerus
caffer) population of the
Kruger National Park,
South Africa
To elucidate the spatial
characteristics of the BTB
epidemic through a ruledriven cell based model
comprising three main
modelling components.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Salvesen ED
An investigation on the
role of herbivory on the
experiment burning plots
in three vegetation types
of the Kruger National
Park
The effects of grazing on
the relatively small plots
are confounding the fire
effects to such a degree
that it jeopardises the
meaning of the results.
31-10-1999
Complete
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 43 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
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Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
The demography of a
culled sample of African
buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
in the Kruger National
Park with particular
emphasis on correlating
age with tooth wear and
habitat
To age buffalo with tooth
cementum rings and to
compare tooth cementum
rings (age) with the degree
of tooth wear in buffalo
from different soil types.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Schmidt S
A morphological study of
the placenta of the
African buffalo
To determine whether
there are structural
differences between the
placenta of the African
buffalo and that of the
domestic cow.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Scholes MC
Fire and climate change
feedback in Southern
Africa
To quantify charcoal
deposits associated with
long-term fire regimes.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Scholtz CH
Dung beetle richness,
dung preference and
assemblage structure in
the Kruger National
Park, South Africa
To assess the diversity of
dung scarabs in the Kruger
National Park
31-12-2008
Current
[email protected]
Proposed principles and
criteria for sustainable
wilderness management
in the Kruger National
Park
To evaluate a broad range
of published and other
wilderness principles and
design a specific set of
wilderness management
principles which are of
direct relevance for the
sustainable management
of wilderness areas in the
Kruger National Park.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Sanson G
Scott P
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
Edited: March 2005
Page 44 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
date
Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
Using Geographical
information systems and
remote sensing to assess
the trampling and
grazing impact of
herbivores on vegetation
in the vicinity of artificial
water sources in the
Northern Kruger National
Park, South Africa
The influence that artificial
water sources have on the
surrounding vegetation.
31-12-2003
Complete
The impact of artificial
waterholes on the
nutrient dynamics and
vegetation in the
northern Kruger National
Park, South Africa
To investigate long-term
vegetation change around
waterholes (using Landsat
imagery from 1978, 1989
and 2000) and to
investigate seasonal
vegetation dynamics
around waterholes using
Landsat imagery acquired
at different phenological
stages of 2000/2001.
31-12-2006
Current
Smith M
Determination of rodents
in the Nkuhlu exclosure:
A baseline survey
The diversity and
abundance of the rodent
population inside the
exclosure is not different to
the diversity ad abundance
of the rodent population
outside of the exclosure.
31-05-2003
Complete
Smith M
Habitat features that
determine the presence
of rodents along a
catena
To understand what
environmental attributes
affect rodent distribution.
31-12-2005
Current
Smit IPJ
Smit IPJ
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
[email protected]
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 45 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
date
Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
Spenceley AF
Sustainable tourism in
and around the proposed
Kruger/ Banhine-Zinave/
Gonarezhou
Transfrontier
Conservation area
To generate a process that
allows the evaluation of
key factors that indicate
environmentally, culturally
and economically
sustainable nature-based
tourism within the Lowveld
savanna habitats of
southern African parks.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Sponheimer M
Using isotopic evidence
of large mammal
nutritional ecology to
track vegetation change
through time
To study vegetation
changes in the Kruger
National Park using stable
isotope analysis of large
bodied mammals.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Global climate change
and primary production:
The effect of interrainfall interval on grass
growth
To determine the effects of
the length of inter-rainfall
intervals on the
productivity and
composition of local grass
communities, to compare
these effects with those
shown by grass
communities of North
America.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Modelling buffalo-lion
interactions and
implications for the
spread of bovine
tuberculosis in the
Kruger National Park
To determine how the
interactions between lion
and African buffalo impact
on the spread of BTB in
Kruger National Park. To
consider the effects of BTB
on male lion dynamics,
even if the prevalence of
BTB in the southern buffalo
herds is reduced.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Swemmer AM
Tambling CJ
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
Edited: March 2005
Page 46 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
date
Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
Proposed pilot study to
test telemetry
innovations, with
applications for further
studies on lion (Panthera
leo)-buffalo (Syncerus
caffer)-bovine
tuberculosis (BTB)
interactions in Kruger
National Park
The primary objective is to
test telemetry technology
that could assist in the
investigation of species
interactions (in particular
predator-prey dynamics).
31-12-2005
Current
Teren G
Salvadora australis as an
ecosystem engineer of
alluvial sodic sites in the
Northern Kruger National
Park
To determine the processes
between the edaphic
pattern in these sodic
sites; the vegetation
response through the
halophyte Salvadora
australis; the animal
response in terms of
herbivory; and the
eventual feedback to the
soil and vegetation.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Turner AMS
Harvesting, rearing and
reintroduction of the
second-hatched chicks of
the Southern ground
hornbill (Bucorvus
leadbeateri)
To apply skills and
knowledge to assist further
re-introduction of Ground
Hornbills into other parts of
their historical range
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Turner RL
Research on Makuleke
region of the Kruger
National Park
The role of the state on
communal management of
protected areas in southern
Africa.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Tambling CJ
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
Edited: March 2005
Page 47 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
Van Aarde RJ
Population dynamics of
the Cape buffalo in the
Kruger National Park
To determine the effect of
culling of buffalo
population on population
variation, i.e. the rate of
increase or decrease.
31-12-2001
Complete
Van Aarde RJ
Rapid assessment of the
population demography
of elephants in the
Kruger National Park
To obtain age specific
population parameters
from which to derive
population statistics
independently from
population counts.
31-12-2006
Current
Van Aarde RJ
Steriodogenic activity of
the ovary and placenta
of the African elephant
Aims at confirming the
presence of progesterone
in the corpus luteum of
culled mammals. Also aims
at examining the presence
of other gestagens in the
corpus luteum and the
placenta and at examining
the steriodogenic potential
placental tissue.
Van der Bank FH
Genetic variation within
and differentiation
between representatives
of the tortoise family
Testudinidae and the
terrapin family
Pelomedusidae in the
Kruger National Park
To determine if there is
sufficient variation and
differentiation within and
between G. pardalis
populations using allozyme
studies.
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
[email protected]
On going
31-01-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 48 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
date
Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
Van der Merwe P
A survey of some
peptide hormones in the
hypophysis of impala
(Aepyceros melampus):
An immunocytochemical
and radioimmunoassay
study
To demonstrate stored
peptide in endocrine cells
using immunocytochemical
methods.
31-12-2003
Complete
Van der Velde K
Regeneration ecology
and changes in the
population structure of
Ficus sycomorus L., in
response to a major
flood along the Sabie
river, Kruger National
Park
To determine the effects of
the flood on the
regeneration of F.
sycomorus.
30-09-2000
Complete
Van der Velde K
The population structure
and dynamics of Ficus
sycomorus, along the
Sabie river within the
Kruger National Park
To determine the change in
the population structure of
Ficus sycomorus relative to
the pre-flood structure and
to develop an
understanding of the
regeneration ecology of
this species.
31-12-2001
Complete
Van der Waal BCW
Conservation status and
ecological importance of
the Limpopo river pans
in the Kruger National
Park
31-12-2003
Complete
Van der Walt JL
Ecological aspects and
related behaviour of
Lichtenstein's hartebeest
(Sigmoceros
lichtensteinii) in the
Kruger National Park
31-12-2001
Complete
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
[email protected]
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 49 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
date
Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
Van Jaarsveld EJ
Cremnophilous succulent
plants of southern
Africa: Diversity
structure and
adaptations
To gain a better
understanding into the
diversity, distribution,
habitat, substrate, centres
of diversity, life forms,
relationships with closely
related non-cremnophilous
plants, adaptive strategies
and convergent trends with
cremnophytes of succulent.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Van Rensburg DJ
Assessing and
monitoring local scale
impacts of invasive alien
plant species n
invertebrate
assemblages in the
Kruger National Park,
South Africa
To investigate the degree
of change in invertebrate
assemblages as a result of
alien plant species invasion
in KNP.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
a
Van Rooi C
Biological control of
Parthenium
hysterophorus, prerelease studies.
The goal of this research is
therefore to compile a
baseline database on
Parthenium hysterophorus’
growth, biomass, seed rain
and population dynamics in
South Africa.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Van Schalkwyk OL
Bone density and
calcium and phosphorus
content of the giraffe
(Giraffa camelopardalis)
skeleton
To determine if the
giraffe's skeleton differs in
calcium and phosphorus
content and bone density
from other ruminants.
31-12-2004
Complete
[email protected]
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
Edited: March 2005
Page 50 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Van Vollenhoven AJ
A survey of the remains
of some of the outputs of
the Steinacker's horse
military unit in the
Kruger National Park
To show a connection
between historical
information and the
archaeological evidence
with regard to
Steinaecker's House.
30-04-2003
Complete
[email protected]
Van Vuuren D
The identification of
influentials: validation of
the questionnaire
To validate the scale
developed by the Institute
fur Demoscopie,
Allensbach, Germany for
South African conditions.
31-12-2005
Current
[email protected]
Van Vuuren M
Isolation, molecular
characterisation and
application to diagnostic
assays of feline
lentiviruses from lions
(Panthera leo) in the
Kruger National Park
To isolate and characterize
FIV in lions from the
Kruger National Park.
31-12-2003
Complete
[email protected]
An autecological study of
certain red data list of
plants in the far northern
Kruger National Park
To investigate about 16
Red taxa and medicinal
plant taxa in order to
determine and document
locality, habitat
characteristics and
associated woody plants,
abundance, size class
distribution and seed
production, impact-type
amount and severity.
30-04-2001
Complete
[email protected]
Van't Foort W
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Edited: March 2005
Page 51 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Verbesselt J
Fire risk assessment by
fuel status assessment
using low resolution
earth observation
Improve and develop new
low spatial resolution EO
based parameters towards
classification of fuel
amount and monitoring of
fuel status.
Vosloo W
The role of clovenhoofed animals in the
epidemiology of footand-mouth disease
To implement measures to
prevent the escape of footand-mouth disease virus to
adjacent domestic animal
populations.
Watters B
A study of the
characteristics of
Nothobranchius fish
habitats in the Great
Limpopo Transfrontier
Park and the geological
factors controlling their
distribution
To study the characteristics
of Nothobranchius fish
habitats in the Great
Limpopo Transfrontier Park
with an emphasis on the
geological characteristics of
the habitat substrates and
the geomorphological
factors controlling their
distribution.
Welgemoed DJ
n Studie van
bloedsamestelling van
soogdiere
Wessels K
Assessing the
relationship between
Vegetation Condition
Assessment (VCA)
biomass estimates in
Kruger National Park
with growth season
integrated NDVI of 1km
AVHRR data
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
Finish
date
Project
status
E-mail address
Complete
[email protected]
.be
On going
[email protected]
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
To use pathological
information to classify
mammals taxanomically.
31-12-2003
Complete
The main objective of the
proposed research is to
test the correlation
between VCA biomass
estimates and growth
season sum of 1km AVHRR
NDVI satellite data
(hereafter referred to as
ΣNDVI).
31-12-2004
Complete
31-12-2004
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 52 of 54
Senior Researcher
Title of Project
Objectives
Finish
date
Project
status
Whyte IJ
Aspects of the ecology of
buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
relevant to the
management of the
Kruger National Park
population
To study and monitor the
buffalo population
On going
Whyte IJ
Aspects of the ecology of
elephant (Loxodonta
africana) relevant to the
management of the
Kruger National Park
population
To monitor by means of
radio telemetry, the
movements of various
selected clans in the
population, to determine
clan home ranges and to
assess the degree of clan
cohesion.
On going
Whyte IJ
Censusing and
monitoring the
herbivorous large
mammal population of
the Kruger National Park
using aerial transects
surveys (ALT's)
To count megaherbivores.
On going
Whyte IJ
The current living
tuskers
To document large living
tuskers.
On going
Whyte IJ
Hippopotamus
population monitoring in
the Kruger National Park
To count hippopotamus
population.
On going
Whyte NG
Feeding behaviour of
elephants and food
availability in the central
district of the Kruger
National Park
To estimate the influence
of increasing elephant
densities on the potential
vegetation standing crop
on two of the landscapes in
the central district of the
Kruger National Park.
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
31-07-2000
Complete
E-mail address
[email protected]
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 53 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
date
Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
Wilson B
Population dynamics and
the effects of herbivory
and fire on the
regeneration ecology of
Acacia nigrescens and
Dichrostachys cinerea in
the Kruger National
Park, South Africa
To contribute to a better
understanding of savanna
woodland regeneration
dynamics, through an
investigation of the effects
of herbivory and fire on the
population dynamics and
regeneration ecology of
these tree species.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Winkelmann J
Movements and feeding
behavior of Epauletted
fruit bats and their
impact on the
regeneration of fig trees
To locate and monitor
roosts of epauletted fruit
bats; and to determine
home range, and spatiotemporal patterns of
foraging by radio-collared
bats.
31-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
Woghiren AJ
Nitrogen characterisation
of the savanna flux site
at Skukuza, Kruger
National Park
To develop models for
nitrogen cycling, one for
the broad-leafed
(Combretum) and for the
fine-leafed (Acacia)
savanna.
30-04-2001
Complete
Wolmarans CT
Investigating the Kruger
National Park mollusk
diversity, including the
migration of current
invader snail species and
identification of new
ones
To identify new invaders,
investigate the migration of
those already in the Park
and to get an idea whether
the quality of the rivers is
deteriorating by comparing
the mollusk diversity with
our previously found data.
31-12-2005
Current
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
E-mail address
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005
Page 54 of 54
Senior Researcher
Finish
date
Project
status
Title of Project
Objectives
Wolmarans CT
A study on the
freshwater snail diversity
currently present in
dams and rivers which
were dry during the
1995 survey
To establish the snail
diversity currently present
in habitats that were dry
during the 1995 survey,
which could be now
suitable for repopulation by
freshwater snails due to
recent rains.
Zambatis N
Monitoring the climate in
the Kruger National Park
To monitor the KNP climate
daily according to the
Weather Bureau standards.
On going
Zambatis N
Field layer dynamics of
the Kruger National Park
To monitor grass biomass
throughout the KNP.
On going
Zambatis N
Determinants of grass
species composition and
phytomass production in
the Kruger National Park
Zituta MN
Mayfly communities,
water quality, SASS 5
method
Current Project: KNP Scientific Services
To identify and describe
mayfly communities found
in the selected river sites,
also identify Instream Flow
Requirement (IFR) and
habitat preference of
mayflies.
31-12-2001
E-mail address
Complete
31-12-2003
Complete
30-12-2006
Current
[email protected]
[email protected]
Edited: March 2005