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CURRENT AND COMPLETED CARNIVORE CONSERVATION GROUP PROJECTS
19. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK PHOTOGRAPHIC CENSUS 2008-2009
BACKGROUND TO THE PHOTOGRAPHIC CENSUS
Although the distribution of Wild Dogs Lycaon pictus and Cheetahs Acinonyx jubatus have stabilised in South Africa over the past 25 years, these species still occupy only a fraction of their former historical range. Populations of both species can be broadly divided into three status categories: (i) protected populations in Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – the two most important conservation areas for these species, (ii) unprotected and largely persecuted populations occurring outside conservation areas on privately-owned ranch land, and (iii) populations that have been reintroduced into several small fenced reserves and parks. The Kruger National Park is home to one of the only viable populations of Wild Dogs and Cheetahs in South Africa, and an understanding of population dynamics in the park is essential for developing national strategies to improve the conservation status of these species.
Both Wild Dogs and Cheetah are difficult to count due to their highly mobile behavior and naturally low densities. A novel approach has been developed to estimate populations of these species: - one that involves the public and therefore also increases awareness of the plight of these animals. As individuals, both species have unique coat markings, and the identification of each individual is possible if there is a good photographic record for comparison. The first Kruger Park Wild Dog photographic census was completed in 1989 and since then surveys have been conducted every five years in 1995, 2000 and 2005. Wild Dog numbers have fluctuated between a peak of 434 (1995) and a low of 120 (2005). A decision was made in 2007 to pull the 2010 census forward by one year, as previous intensive studies of Wild Dogs in southern KNP came to a halt in 2005, and it has been some time since any detailed information was gathered on the population.
From August 2008 to April 2009, the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Carnivore Conservation Group once again teamed up with South African National Parks to conduct a census of Wild Dogs and Cheetahs in the Kruger National Park. This will be the fifth census since 1989. These species are the rarest of the park’s large carnivores, and their low densities and wide-ranging behaviour make them particularly difficult to count. Fortunately, researchers are able to recognize individuals of both species from their unique coat patterns, thus enabling an estimation of minimum population size. Members of the public were requested to please assist in this important project by submitting photographs of any Wild Dogs and Cheetahs they see during their visit to Kruger. Participants stood a chance to win great prizes, and also contribute to the long-term conservation of these beautiful creatures.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE CENSUS
The census ran from the beginning of August 2008 to the end of April 2009 and we were extremely fortunate to receive a record number of 1,131 entries from members of the public. However, the news (at least for Wild Dogs) is not so good. The preliminary analysis of all the competition entries suggests a current tally of 144 Wild Dogs and 135 Cheetahs in the Greater Kruger ecosystem. This means that numbers of Wild Dogs remain lower than in previous surveys, although Cheetah numbers seem to be improving slightly.
The huge number of entries means that we are very confident that the census results reflect the true situation on the ground: this is particularly important for conservation scientists who need to determine what resources to invest in protecting populations of endangered species. Based on the results of this survey the EWT has plans to conduct more in-depth focal studies to try and develop a better understanding of what is driving Wild Dog dynamics throughout the park.
The number of entries is closely related to the number of individiuals for all wild dog surveys except for 2009.
Following a population peak in the early 1990s Wild Dog numbers seem to have settled around 150 individuals for the past 10 years. Cheetah numbers are slightly higher than in 2005, but this could be a result of samp;ling rather than actual changes in population dynamics.
COMPETITION WINNERS
After much deliberation and careful consideration we came up with three winners who we felt had sent through the most useful entries. This was an extremely difficult task given the huge number of incredibly useful entries we received. Congratulations to Laurence Adler, Jennifer & Victor Gouviea, and Brent & Samantha Meeke, all of whom sent several clearly-labelled entries of both Cheetahs and Wild Dogs which greatly assisted us in our work. These three winners all receive a weekend for two courtesy of Tinga Private Game Lodge which we are sure they will greatly enjoy!
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