​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. 

​Our livelihood diversification through creativity work continues to take shape in its growth. The project consultant, Sandi Albertson of Wild Artefacts, recently met with Xwiskurusa Trust members to draw up a business plan for the new highway craft centre along the A3 highway – which is an exciting development in the unfolding of the Kgalagadi and Ghanzi Drylands Ecosystem Project (KGDEP). In keeping with, and encouraging, a community-led approach in our work, the introduction of this outlet is an opportunity for craftspersons of various skillsets to broaden their clientele and we want to ensure that the Community Trusts are at the forefront of determining what will become of the knowledge imparted through the crafts workshops that CCB and Sandi has been facilitating. 
 
Workshops in woodwork, beadwork, embroidery, painting and leatherwork have been conducted in the villages under Xwiskurusa Trust (East Hanahai, West Hanahai, and Kacgae) and Au Sha Xa Ulu Trust (Bere). As with all things unfamiliar, the uptake has been challenging, however, there are community members who continue to show up for themselves at each turn. In offering a variety of skills, it is our intention that natural interest and capability will lead each person to what they are better suited to practice. It has been encouraging to see young men joining in the workshops in the traditionally female-orientated crafts such as beadwork and embroidery, shaking the stereotypes that often prevent people from expressing themselves freely. As an extension of these workshops, the more advanced artisans are already trialling an independent production system as a means of getting them ready to go to market, in an effort to realise the goal of building resilient livelihoods through various means. 
 
To further encourage productivity and collaboration among the artisans in the four villages, CCB commissioned works for our stall at the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) Fall Expo in San Francisco and our 20thAnniversary Gala Dinner in the capital of Botswana, Gaborone. From hand-painted totes to ostrich eggshell bracelets, beaded lampshades and an embroidered tapestry, the artisans stepped up to the challenge and put their best feet forward. Visitors to our Expo stall also left with one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewellery sourced from our local communities, much to their delight. We look forward to nurturing this talent across all generations to such a point that it ceases to be a question of whether there is interest in the work, but rather one of how best to meet the demand locally and internationally. 

On 29th August, our founding partners, Mokolodi Nature Reserve celebrated their 30th Anniversary by hosting a gala dinner at their infamous Education Centre. The centre served as an apt reflection of what the Mokolodi journey has been as it has seen hundreds of thousands of youth from Botswana and beyond her borders pass through its halls over the years; each one learning to see the world anew. The chief guest was His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the President of Botswana. In his speech, President Masisi spoke about his own personal relationship with the Reserve – as a young government officer he was appointed to different committees during Mokolodi's early days, and he also was present during the visit by the Royal Princes William and Harry in 2010. In a full circle occurrence, he is now the Patron of the Reserve.
 
The evening presented the additional opportunity to launch founder couple, Judge Dr Ian Kirby and Gwithie Kirby’s book detailing the history of Mokolodi which features a foreword by the President. The first copy, autographed by His Excellency, was auctioned off for over BWP 10,000. This was but part of an auction that raised over BWP 300, 000 for the Reserve and its overseeing Trust within 30 minutes – giving true testament to the commitment of the local business community to continue the reserve’s conservation legacy well into the future.
 
CCB was proudly represented by two of our long-serving staff, Boitumelo Mokgosi (Finance Coordinator) and Nidhi Ramsden (Development Manager). With CCB having been born at Mokolodi, the evening’s MC, Dennis Ramokgau - Education Coordinator, didn’t miss a chance to make this known as part of their legacy.
 
Mokolodi is where Rebecca first worked with the ambassadorial cheetahs at the time, Duma and Letotse. This experience is what fed the realisation of the gap in the country in that there was no one working on cheetahs. Thus, the idea of CCB was born. Nidhi's first conservation-related assignment was also as a volunteer at Mokolodi in 1999. On legacy, Mr Sedia Modise received notable mention in the President’s address on the night that marked the 3rd anniversary of his death. Having served on the Mokolodi’s Board of Governors and CCB's Board of Directors, the indelible mark he has left on conservation in the country & the region at large is still felt.
 
We are proud to celebrate this milestone with our friends, and wish them only more growth from strength to strength.