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Marie-Charlotte Gielen is in the final year of her PhD research – looking at human-wildlife interactions in the connected landscape between the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Botswana. Recent findings from Marie’s research explores the Formozov-Malyshev-Pereleshin (FMP) formula, an important tool for estimating wildlife populations in the Kalahari by counting animal tracks (spoor). The final two data chapters of her thesis look at how well the FMP model – which is based on a formula that combines track counts and the average distance animals travel each day – works to accurately estimate wildlife densities. Although this method is praised for its straightforwardness, there are discussions about how to make it more accurate, especially regarding the daily movements of the focal species.
A major focus is on how animal’s travel distances influence the estimates created by the FMP formula. By using data from GPS-collared lions, the study aims to improve these calculations. Early results show that conducting more surveys leads to better accuracy in estimating animal populations, highlighting the need for repeated observations to account for differences in animal behaviour, especially seasonally.
Marie’s fifth chapter shifts the focus to how wildlife and livestock coexist in the Western Kalahari Conservation Corridor. It uses track counts to estimate how many animals are in the area and how they move, examining how environmental factors and human activities effect these patterns. By comparing current data with past trends, the goal is to help with habitat management and conservation planning.
Preliminary results show that gemsbok (a type of antelope) tend to be less common near cattle posts, indicating how human activities and livestock impact wildlife. This chapter aims to involve local communities by combining traditional knowledge, including the art of spoor (footprint) tracking by the Kalahari San, with modern research methods. Overall, these chapters highlight the importance of advanced tracking techniques and community involvement in wildlife conservation. Ongoing research aims to improve these methods and promote strategies for sustainable coexistence, which are vital for protecting biodiversity in the Kalahari region.
Marie’s presented her findings at the annual Southern African Wildlife Management Association (SAWMA) conference, held in Windhoek on 6 - 10 October. Her talk was titled "Exploring habitat suitability using track surveys: A case study on large species in Wildlife Management Areas of the Kalahari, Botswana."
The conference was quite ambitious, with presentations spread across 47 universities and research institutions, 32 NGOs and associations, 12 reserves and community areas, nine private professionals and five government representatives. Nine African countries were represented, along with 15 countries outside of Africa. A total of 129 presentations were delivered over the four-day conference to 240 participants. "Preliminary results indicate that distances to cattleposts are strongly associated to track density compared to other variables" shares Marie, adding, "the closer to cattleposts, the lesser track density is expected - at least for gemsbok for now, let’s see for other species."
We are very proud of the dedication and resolve that Marie has showcased throughout her time working toward this qualification. We wish Marie the best of luck as she finalises her final chapters for publication and makes plans to defend her PhD in the new year.
A major focus is on how animal’s travel distances influence the estimates created by the FMP formula. By using data from GPS-collared lions, the study aims to improve these calculations. Early results show that conducting more surveys leads to better accuracy in estimating animal populations, highlighting the need for repeated observations to account for differences in animal behaviour, especially seasonally.
Marie’s fifth chapter shifts the focus to how wildlife and livestock coexist in the Western Kalahari Conservation Corridor. It uses track counts to estimate how many animals are in the area and how they move, examining how environmental factors and human activities effect these patterns. By comparing current data with past trends, the goal is to help with habitat management and conservation planning.
Preliminary results show that gemsbok (a type of antelope) tend to be less common near cattle posts, indicating how human activities and livestock impact wildlife. This chapter aims to involve local communities by combining traditional knowledge, including the art of spoor (footprint) tracking by the Kalahari San, with modern research methods. Overall, these chapters highlight the importance of advanced tracking techniques and community involvement in wildlife conservation. Ongoing research aims to improve these methods and promote strategies for sustainable coexistence, which are vital for protecting biodiversity in the Kalahari region.
Marie’s presented her findings at the annual Southern African Wildlife Management Association (SAWMA) conference, held in Windhoek on 6 - 10 October. Her talk was titled "Exploring habitat suitability using track surveys: A case study on large species in Wildlife Management Areas of the Kalahari, Botswana."
The conference was quite ambitious, with presentations spread across 47 universities and research institutions, 32 NGOs and associations, 12 reserves and community areas, nine private professionals and five government representatives. Nine African countries were represented, along with 15 countries outside of Africa. A total of 129 presentations were delivered over the four-day conference to 240 participants. "Preliminary results indicate that distances to cattleposts are strongly associated to track density compared to other variables" shares Marie, adding, "the closer to cattleposts, the lesser track density is expected - at least for gemsbok for now, let’s see for other species."
We are very proud of the dedication and resolve that Marie has showcased throughout her time working toward this qualification. We wish Marie the best of luck as she finalises her final chapters for publication and makes plans to defend her PhD in the new year.
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