ILP Research Charter for the Kamonande Nature Reserve
1 INTRODUCTION
This project charter defines the research operations by the Ingwe Leopard Project at Kamonande Nature Reserve during 2010.
The Ingwe Leopard Project is a research project operating under the auspice of PAW (Protecting African Wildlife) Conservation Trust and in association with Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.
The ILP conducts research into the behaviour of leopards (Panthera pardus) and other carnivores, outside formally protected areas (National Parks and Nature Reserves) in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, South Africa.
Data on the density and behaviour of Leopards outside formally protected areas does not currently exist in any credible format, leaving a gap in understanding. Substantiated data is required to assist in the formulation of wildlife management policies.
Ingwe Leopard Project research methods enable the study of leopard density, behaviour and population dynamic, taking into account the likely variables.
The key reason for this research is to assist in the formulation of wildlife management policies, using scientifically gathered and recorded data. It is essential that management practices be established to address the issues that surround the conflict between people and predators.
All data is compiled via a bespoke database and interfaced with MPTA systems, as well as being made available to the reserve management. This data will form part of an overall study of the leopard population in Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The results from this overall provincial study will also be reported to the reserve management and to MTPA via PAW Conservation Trust.
Kamonande Nature Reserve is a geographically key area for the study of Leopards and other carnivores. It is an area where ILP research has not been conducted and one which has been identified as requiring further study in terms of carnivore density and behaviour. This research is intended to map the entire property to ascertain the status of the carnivore population at a given time. Thereafter, month on month research will continue to observe seasonal changes on the population dynamic and note transitory movement and territorial behaviours.
Research will be carried out by trained research assistants from the Ingwe Leopard Project under the supervision of a team leader. All data will be compiled by the research assistants for scientific analysis and reporting by the ILP science officer Mr G. Camacho of MTPA.
Liaison and consultation with the reserve management will be continuous throughout the life cycle of the study. This will be via regular informal briefings and predetermined formal reports.
2 ILP RESEARCH MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
3 PROJECT AIMS
• To determine the status of the leopard population on the Kamonande Nature Reserve
• To make recommendations as to the management of the mentioned population to the reserve management.
• To gain information on any the black leopard genetics within this system.
• Attempt to bring the Kamonande Nature Reserve’s eco system back into a balanced state.
4 OBJECTIVES:
• Determine the dynamics of the leopard population and other predator species in the study area.
• Determine their prey species and their impact on the activities of the human population within the study area.
• Determine abundance of natural prey species.
• Determine the potential effect of relocated predator animals on established predator territories in the study area.
• Formulate policy and make recommendations for the management of the leopard population in order to promote a sustainable co-existence of leopard and human populations.
• Investigate and propose the relocation of leopards and cheetah to the Kamonande Nature Reserve.
5 KEY QUESTIONS:
• How many established predator territories are there in the study area?
• What are the age structure and sex ratio of the leopard population?
• Which periods are the highest leopard activities?
• What is the typical habitat preference of leopard in these areas?
• What are the tourism practises in the above mentioned areas?
• What methods can be used to spot leopards with the least disturbance?
• Is there a feasibility of relocating leopards and/or cheetah in the territory of the Kamonande Nature Reserve?
6 METHODS
Methods of operation are as follows:
6.1 PHASE 1 – ESTABLISH POPULATION DENSITY
6.1.1 Tracking and Spoor recognition
Photographs and casts of individual spoor will be taken of all carnivore spoor. The GPS location of each will be noted.
6.1.2 Scat analysis
Scat will collected and analysed to accurately determine prey species.
6.1.3 Camera Trapping
Camera Traps will be placed along game trails to obtain photographs of resident carnivores.
Note: An initial zone based study on the entire reserve will conducted to establish home ranges. Thereafter these territorial areas will be further studied in detail.
6.1.4 Identification kits
ID kits will then be created for each study animal. These ID kits are made up from camera trap photographs (enabling spot recognition) coupled with photographs and casts of individual spoor. With these elements in place, the movement and behaviour of each study animal can be noted by field researchers recording spoor locations and analysing scats.
6.2 PHASE 2 – STUDY OF RESIDENT CARNIVORES
Once individual study animals have been identified, each animal will be given a study number. This number will be used to reference that animal thereafter, thus enabling population dynamic study.
Note: This element may well encompass more than one study animal at any one time’ dependant on population dynamics, seasonal changes and home range overlap.
Population dynamics will be studied as follows:
a) Camera Trap and spoor recognition monitoring will continue on a monthly basis, to establish home ranges and behaviours.
b) Consideration will be given to collaring resident animals to enable either GPS or telemetry tracking.
c) Monitoring will continue for minimum one year with regular updates made findings published annually
Notes:
a) In the case that the population dynamics determine that it would be advantageous and prudent to catch and collar a resident animal then a proposal will be made to the reserve management for approval.
b) Capture would be carried out by trained individuals operating under licence and supervision of MTPA scientific services and veterinary division.
c) Monitoring of collared animals would enhance the data capture significantly.
d) In the case that GPS collars are utilised, reserve management shall be given password access to the associated data to monitor leopard movement via internet in near real time or as signal strength permits.
6.3 PHASE 3 – STUDY REPORT
All data will be entered into a bespoke database on a daily basis and will be made available to the reserve management as part of a half yearly and end of year report. RAW data will also be available on request at all times and via informal liaison with the reserve management.
Data analysis will be completed by the ILP science officer for formal report to the reserve management as well as being integrated with data from other study areas within the province, to form an overall provincial report.
The findings from this provincial report will be provided to MTPA via PAW Conservation Trust.
7 RESEARCH TIMING
It is envisaged that this research will continue for a minimum of one year.
A team of between two and four research assistants with one team leader will visit the reserve for a minimum of one week per month or as appropriate and in consultation with the reserve management.
The dates of each study visit will be established in consultation with the reserve management prior to each visit. This will normally be arranged at the end of each visit.
8 RESERVE SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS
The reserve is required to provide accommodation or a camp site for the researchers. The Research team will bring their own food, soft drinks and bedding.
Although most research is conducted on foot, reserve is to provide an off road vehicle for the duration of the research.
9 LIAISON WITH RESERVE MANAGEMENT
It is essential that frequent liaison between the reserve management, the research team and project management is maintained throughout the life cycle of the project to ensure smooth integration of research activities with reserve operations.
A key element of the work of the ILP is one of tourism support. Where possible, the ILP management are happy to provide support to reserve tourism operations on request.
