SAVE researchers collect valuable data on populations of carnivores

SAVE researchers have been searching for traces in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Khutse-Game-Resere in Botswana for six days and seven nights. The mission, which consisted of 21 trackers and 26 researchers and other employees of various organizations, had only one goal: to collect accurate data on populations of carnivores in these wildlife sanctuaries. These data will enable us to improve our protective measures and to meet with approval of our partner, the authorities of national parks in Botswana.

The "track screening" over such a large area was a mammoth project, yet unique, but this is only the first step.

Firstly, the "hard facts": over 400 large carnivores such as lions, brown hyenas, and leopards and over 400 small predators such as aardwolf, African wildcat, and caracal have been identified by their footprints and tracks. In particular, there have been no data available on smaller wild cats until now.

The search of traces revealed welcome news: for the lions in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) things look good. Our team could find a healthy population of approximately 450 animals. The real problems will actually start after the big cats leave the protected area. The resolution of the conflict remains a key challenge for SAVE.

However, the results of search of African hunting dogs are not so good: a total of 50 animals were counted – which is an alarmingly low number. We must all join forces in the fight for the continued existence of the species.

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