ANIMALS OF MALAWI IN THE MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE

Transcription

1 ANIMALS OF MALAWI IN THE MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE 2014 FIELD REPORT Amazon Riverboat Exploration 2012 FIELD REPORT 1

2 Animals of Malawi in the Majete Wildlife Reserve 2014 FIELD REPORT Background Information LEAD PI: Alison Leslie REPORT COMPLETED BY: Alison Leslie PERIOD COVERED BY THIS REPORT: June to December 2014 DATE REPORT COMPLETED: March 26, 2015 CHANGES TO: PROJECT SCIENTISTS: Kate Spies completed her field work in September 2014 and returned to South Africa. Francois Retief leaves the project in May 2015 and Claire Gordon and Frances Forrer joined the project in March RESEARCH SITE: No RESEARCH SITE LATITUDE / LONGITUDE: N/A PROTECTED AREA STATUS: N/A

3 Dear Intrepid Volunteers... I certainly cannot believe that another Earthwatch fielding season has come and gone...and what a season it was! For those of you who joined us on one of the teams, our heartfelt thanks for your endless hours of hard work, your wonderful support of the project and for keeping the staff's sense of humour alive during tougher times! We have amassed an incredible amount of data over the course of the past year and we could definitely not have done so without the help of each and every one of you. You were all fantastic, whether it meant spending long hours at a waterhole identifying, counting and sexing animals; changing camera trap cards and sorting through tens of thousands of photos; walking through rugged terrain to count animals in sweltering temperatures; dancing with school kids and locals alike; or fixing vehicle punctures and dealing with computer glitches. These are but a few activities, as the list is long! Your efforts on this project will contribute to a variety of important policies to support the reserve. For example, results from this project will inform the development of a Management Plan for Majete Wildlife Reserve that will be provided to African Parks and the Department of Wildlife & Parks, Malawi. This data could also be used to assist other reserves within the country. There were certainly some exciting field experiences this year, which were no doubt a highlight for those of you who were involved. We had encounters with hyena, elephant and buffalo in camp, a few elephant mock charges, had to out-pace a lion in a vehicle, and encountered a number of rhinos on foot. With the superb training of project staff and Majete Wildlife Reserves scouts, these will be wonderful, lasting memories for all. We are also ecstatic as African Parks added a new reserve to their portfolio in 2014 and another two are in the pipeline for The organisation is doing incredible work and we are extremely proud to be associated with them. Please do spread the word about African Parks ( Thank you again for all your support, encouraging words and positive expedition feedback. We certainly hope to see you back here again, or at least a few friends of each of yours! Warmest regards, Alison, Kate, Faffa and Jeanette

4 SECTION ONE: Scientific research achievements TOP HIGHLIGHT FROM THE PAST SEASON Majete continues to surprise, in particular with regards to absence/presence of the various species (ie: habitat use). The camera traps are a wonderful conservation/research tool. Finally finding a few active hyenas dens was definitely a highlight and an absolute first for Majete. We were able to photograph the interactions between the pups themselves and between the pups and the adults at night. School visits and the gratitude shown by the often incredibly poor school kids is also always rewarding and certainly a highlight for most volunteers. The exciting animal encounters also contribute to project highlights. REPORTING AGAINST RESEARCH OBJECTIVES As we have only recently completed our second field season, our results for the various objectives are preliminary and in some cases we have not as yet commenced with a specific objective. However, our database is growing on a daily basis and after a few seasons we will without doubt have some fascinating results. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Objective 1: Assessing and modeling the population dynamics of various re-introduced herbivore species. This project commenced in June 2013 with an initial focus on the population ecology, distribution and diet of impala and waterbuck within the reserve. These two species are so called aggressive species as they are very successful, rapidly increasing in numbers and thriving in the park. Monitoring will provide data necessary for the development of models that can be used to make predictions about the impacts of potential future management interventions, for example, the removal of excess herbivores for further re-stocking programs elsewhere. The field work for this project was completed at the end of We plan to carry out a similar study with a number of the other antelope species in An essential part of fulfilling this objective is a study regarding the vegetation dynamics in the reserve. In 2013 we commenced with a fixed-point photography study. Fifty-seven sites were selected throughout the reserve. At each of the sites the vegetation was described and a number of photographs were taken. The idea with fixed-point photography is that identical photographs are taken within a specific time frame and compared over time. In 2013, many of the sites were pre and post-burn sites allowing us to determine vegetation growth rates and changes post fire. Fixed-point photography is a valuable vegetation monitoring tool and can be continued for years, with some of the longest studies spanning several decades. In 2014 another four fixed-point photographic sessions were conducted. In early 2014 the research team was joined by two additional longer term volunteers who were tasked with updating the Majete vegetation map from the early 1990 s. This map should be available soon. In 2014, as in 2013, dung samples were collected from a number herbivore species throughout the year in order to determine preferred diet. Samples are collected, dried and stored for further analysis. The analysis of these samples will commence in Objective 2: Implementation of a predator monitoring program to assess the species success and their impact on various prey species. This project was started by African Parks when the first four leopards were introduced in These leopards were collared with satellite collars and released. An additional two leopards were collared and re-introduced in early 2012 and towards the end of 2012, three adult lions, of which two were satellite collared, were also re-introduced. GPS data were collected from the animals on a daily basis. However, by mid 2013 all but one remaining collar had stopped working (battery life depleted). In October 2013 a trapping session was conducted and collars were removed from three leopards. These were the individuals that were tagged/collared as sub-adults and had subsequently grown. We currently have a very large database with all the satellite information and this will be analysed in due course. This is a long-term research project which will focus on predator/prey associations, home-range overlaps and the interactions between lions, leopards and hyenas. This is crucial to understand particularly when competing top predators are confined to small to medium sized fenced areas. The three adult lions were re-collared in The whereabouts of the predators is being monitored by the game scouts when out on patrols, by camera traps and tourist photographs and by research team members when out on foot or in a vehicle. Signs such as spoor, scat, scent marking and tree scratching are all noted and GPS recorded.

5 Objective 3: Determining the impact of megaherbivores (elephant, buffalo and rhino) on the habitat. This project commenced in 2011 with a student from Stellenbosch University studying the Woody vegetation change and elephant water point use in Majete Wildlife Reserve: implications for water management strategies. The project was completed at the end of 2013 (a pdf was attached to the 2013 field report). Habitat use by elephants was monitored throughout 2014 primarily by means of remote cameras. A new study on elephant demographics will commence in 2015 and will make use of these data. A buffalo project will follow in due course. Objective 4: Studying the population dynamics and distribution of spotted hyena. This study commenced in January In 2013 numerous hyena were captured on the camera traps and preliminary photographic spot identification shows that there are many more individuals in the park than initially thought. This is an exciting find as hyenas were never reintroduced into the park and must be remnants/off-spring that survived the human poaching onslaught in the 1980 s and 1990 s. Field work for this project will continue through Primary objectives include: Determining demographics of spotted hyenas. Determining diet and preferred prey species. Determining habitat use of the current population. Future studies will include: Studying social structure and population regulation. Determining the genetic status of the population. Monitoring the health and disease status of the population. Objective 5: Studying population performance and habitat use of black rhinoceros. This project is in collaboration with African Parks and their rhino monitoring scouts. The scouts are conducting all the field work and we as a research team provide scientific monitoring advice and will help with the analysis of all the data. Throughout 2013 monitoring was on a daily basis to achieve between rhino tracking outings per month. Rhino trackers have a camera to take photographs of each sighting as evidence of which rhino they have seen as far as possible. Sightings are recorded on a daily basis and a sighting of each individual is attempted per week. The rhino monitoring program was revamped in 2014, doubling the monitoring outings. Together with African Parks we planned to ear notched all the newborns in 2014 so that each individual is clearly marked to eliminate/reduce the chance of mistaken identities during monitoring. This mission was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute due to the helicopter-related paperwork. We hope to re-attempt this mission in We are still trying to find a suitable Malawian candidate from The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resource Management to take on the rhino study. Objective 6: Implementation of a best practice fire management strategy. We have not as yet commenced with this study. Majete Wildlife Reserve do have a basic fire management plan and burning takes place annually from early June to mid-august. We will be revising this plan in due course once the vegetation map has been upgraded as mentioned above.

6 Objective 7: Capacity building and implementation of human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures. A number of studies have been conducted over the past few years with regards to the various local communities attitudes towards African Parks and Majete Wildlife Reserve in general. Community benefits provided by African Parks have been through enterprise development and infrastructural projects including: five health clinics, four school blocks, a maize mill, three boreholes, four cattle troughs and several capacity building program. Additionally, a Resource Utilization Program has been established that uses a permit system that provides bordering communities regulated access into the Protected Area to harvest allowable natural resources such as thatching grass, bamboo and fire wood. Several HIV/AIDs committees and Home Based Care groups have been established that engages volunteers from the local communities. African Parks have also established a well-run Community Based Natural Resource Management(CBNRM) program and have provided training in areas of CBRM, forestry management techniques, beekeeping, poultry and livestock production, scone baking and banana production. Several training sessions have also been conducted for reserve scouts and extension staff. There are still many challenges ahead, in particular with regards to people s attitudes towards the newly enclosed park. This research program will assist with the monitoring of harvestable natural resources within the reserve area and will continue determining people s attitudes towards the reserve via specifically designed questionnaire interviews. Only through education will the surrounding communities understand the conservation and economic value of Majete. Apart from all the good work carried out by African Parks previously, we started a school visiting and educational program in 2013 and this was continued in Volunteers were given an opportunity to visit a school (when not in recess), not only to share something about Majete Wildlife Reserve and their own countries but to learn about the life of the children in some of the remote and extremely poor areas surrounding the reserve. School choirs often put on a show and drama productions are performed. These outings are always thoroughly enjoyed by all. Throughout 2014 volunteers very generously brought all sorts of school goods with them from their home countries to donate to various schools in the Shire Valley. The last of these goods were distributed to a select number of needy schools by research staff and Majete reserve s community extension officer, Mr Sam Komoto, at the beginning of Investigating the potential of Payments for Ecosystem Services and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) as a conservation tool (this project is being driven by African Parks, Majete, with advise from the Research group). Majete Wildlife Reserve was assessed for its potential as a REDD+ project by a consultant group towards the end of The results from this assessment indicated (estimated) that Majete could sell approximately 100,000 carbon credits per year. As mentioned in our 2013 field report, it is unclear what the future market for REDD+ will be like and this is key in assessing the viability of a REDD+ project at Majete. At the current carbon prices of approx $2 per ton, it probably would not be worthwhile for African Parks to proceed with the project. A big challenge is the next step, which is the substantial upfront development costs involved with formally accrediting the carbon credits, and the risk of an unknown future market for these credits. This project was put on hold in 2014.

7 CHANGES TO RESEARCH PLAN OR OBJECTIVES There will be three additional projects in 2015, the first two of which tie in nicely with our initial objectives. 1. Developing a management plan for community based natural resource harvesting in Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi. MSc study undertaken by Claire Gordon. Abstract: The proposed research will look at developing a sustainable community-based natural resource harvesting strategy for Malawi s, Majete Wildlife Reserve. It will attempt to explore the social and biological dynamics and implications of communities surrounding the park being permitted access in order to harvest indigenous thatching grass, reeds and bamboo. Ultimately the project will address identifying and mapping target species, while quantifying the harvest and developing a sustainable harvesting quota system for Majete Wildlife Reserve. 2. Demographics and management of elephants in Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi. MSc undertaken by Frances Forrer. Abstract: The proposed research will look at the demographics of an elephant population five years post reintroduction into Majete Wildlife Reserve. It will also attempt to determine the home ranges of the various family groups within the reserve, as well as their habitat usage and seasonal diet. Essentially this study will contribute to the future management of the elephant population as it will provide important baseline information on the reserve s carrying capacity and the resources needed to sustain such a population. 3. Herpetofaunal Surveys of Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi Principal Investigators Dr. Leslie Ruyle- Texas A&M University, USA Dr. Alison Leslie- University of Stellenbosch, South Africa SECTION TWO:

8 PARTNERSHIPS SECTION TWO: Impacts A trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in April 2013 between Stellenbosch University, South Africa, the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resource Management in Malawi and African Parks (Pty) Ltd. African Parks, Majete previously (2003) concluded an agreement with the Malawi Department of Parks and Wildlife, to take on responsibility for the rehabilitation, development and management of Majete Wildlife Reserve. Stellenbosch University- via this research program- is currently providing scientific expertise, equipment and additional funding to assist African Parks and the Malawi Department of National Parks and Wildlife with meeting the objectives mentioned above. It is hoped that by 2015 Stellenbosch University will host Malawian conservation graduate students and academic staff visits. The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and natural Resources of Malawi will provide graduate students and academic support within the country. African Parks are providing logistic support, including the research centre which was completed in June 2013, and support staff, and are the hands-on team in the field. In April 2013 a meeting was held in Malawi s capital, Lilongwe, to discuss the Majete research program. This meeting was attended by two members of African Parks (Dr Anthony Hall-Martin & Mr Patricio Ndadzela), the Earthwatch PI (Dr Alison Leslie), a representative from the Natural Resource Department at Bunda College (Mr John Mazembe), the then Head of the Department of Wildlife & Parks (Mr Leonard Sefu) and a research officer from the National Commission for Science & Technology (Mr Yohane Chimbalanga). Everyone was very positive towards the project and it was decided that the attendees would form a small research committee that would liaise with regards to research matters and technology sharing. In October 2013, the research program concluded a very exciting partnership with South Africa s Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) and this partnership continued through 2014 ( CLT is well known for their outstanding research on leopards in four regions of South Africa s Western Cape. The CEO, Dr Quinton Martins joined the team in Majete to assist with the capture of three leopards and one hyena in These capture sessions also provide training for African Parks staff and the Department of Parks and Wildlife game scouts in the form of animal capture and care. Dr Martins has since become a research fellow in the Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, at Stellenbosch University. At the end of 2014, Dr Quinton Martins stepped down as CEO of the CLT. He is currently the CEO of the Snow Leopard Conservation Trust based in the USA but he still continues to supervise graduate students at Stellenbosch University. This collaboration will continue will the Snow Leopard Conservation Trust coming on board. In 2014 we also formed a research collaboration with Dr Frans Radloff from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa. Dr Radloff will be assissting with the isotopic analysis of dung samples from various species in Majete. CONTRIBUTIONS TO CONVENTIONS, AGENDAS, POLICIES, MANAGEMENT PLANS International It is still too early in the research program to have made any contributions to the above. However with time this program will make a contribution both internationally and nationally. Reports will be made available to various IUCN Working Groups including the Rhino and Elephant Groups, the Antelope Group, amongst others. National or regional Results will contribute towards a Management Plan for Majete Wildlife Reserve provided to African Parks and the Department of Wildlife & Parks, Malawi, which may also assist other reserves within the country. Local In 2014 we commenced with the compilation of an elephant management plan for Majete. This plan will be completed once we have the data from the 2015 demographics study.

9 DEVELOPING ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS As happened in 2013, many schools were visited throughout the field season and generous donations of educational items were made. The items were all donated by Earthwatch volunteers, some of whom brought an additional piece of luggage filled with school goods. Additionally on a few occasions, school groups were brought to Majete by African Parks. Together with the research team a litter pick-up was conducted on each occasion. Thereafter the school kids were taken on a game drive and treated to some refreshments. For many children it was their first visit to the park. In 2014 the project was privileged to become part of the Chesonis Community Conservation Fellowships-Africa program. Three suitable Malawian candidates were selected and joined three of the fielding teams in 2014, fully funded by the Chesonis Trust Fund. The three fellows thoroughly enjoyed the trip and all felt that they benefited greatly, both from a practical field experience point of view, and from a theoretical wildlife management point of view. These three developing environmental leaders will most certainly pass on what they learnt. Additionally, volunteers and staff loved having a Malawian on the team and the social interactions will always be treasured. ACTIONS OR ACTIVITIES THAT ENHANCE NATURAL AND/OR SOCIAL CAPITAL As mentioned above a few litter pick-up s were conducted with various school groups. In October of 2013 the research team assisted with the arrest of two poachers in the park. The poachers were caught on remote camera and were arrested within a few hours of dissemination of the photograph. A court case followed. Unfortunately the poachers were merely given a fine, however we hope that the incident will prevent further poaching in the park. The same occurred towards the end of the 2014 season when the research team were able to capture 5 poachers on camera. The court case is pending. CONSERVATION OF TAXA Fourteen species were re-introduced into the park and this research program is currently focusing on a number of these species, including both rare and endangered species, eg: elephants (Loxodonta africana), black rhino (Diceros bicornis), lions (Panthera leo), leopards (Panthera pardus), hyena (Crocuta crocuta), sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), etc. More species will be studied as time allows. The objectives of the various projects will allow us to better understand wildlife/habitat interactions, species demographics, predator/prey relationships, habitat utilization, preference and requirements and social organization and behavior. This will in turn allow us to manage these species successfully. CONSERVATION OF HABITATS Majete Wildlife Reserve has been described as an island within a sea of development and paramount in the decision to rehabilitate MWR is the ecological significance of MWR as a remnant representation of the Eastern Miombo Ecoregion (an endangered, species-rich African tropical savanna ecosystem) and its local significance of habitat provision, ecosystem functions provided by the various woodland types and the Shire River. Miombo woodland naturally covered 70% of Malawi s surface area but has been replaced by cultivation or otherwise degraded over much of this range. MWR possesses a diverse tapestry of different vegetation types, from the moist miombo woodland in the western hills to a rich alluvial riverine matrix throughout the reserve. Additionally, Majete has dry mixed savanna woodland in the east with significant patches of thickets running along the riverbanks. Due to the high human population density in southern Malawi these vegetation types are restricted to national parks, game reserves and protected forest reserves. One of the primary objectives of this research program is to determine the impact of the re-introduced herbivores, including the megaherbivores, on the habitat. The carrying capacity of the park for the various species will be included in the final management plan. This is in line with one of the aims and objectives set by African Parks: to develop a focused and integrated research and ecological monitoring program to provide the necessary information for management to make informed decisions on the effective management of fauna and flora. Our fixed-point photography study and the compilation of a new vegetation map is the starting point here. By monitoring grazer and browser ungulate populations and their distributions, as we currently are, and providing continuous management recommendations we will be able to prevent carrying capacities being exceeded and therefore any vegetation degradation in the various sensitive habitats, in particular.

10 ECOSYSTEM SERVICES The project is a long-term monitoring research program of almost all ecological aspects of the reserve. Long-term monitoring ensures effective management which is needed to ensure ecological integrity. The effective management of the reserve will ensure a balanced ecosystem which upholds the country as several protected areas in Malawi are struggling and are not managed in a sustainable manner. Well managed reserves attract visitors which brings financial income and support to local communities. Thus local communities benefit from our long-term monitoring research project. Through the compilation of a concise management plan (which this research program will produce) informed decisions can be made, thereby protecting natural vegetation and forested areas, water sources and maintaining biodiversity. The current CBNRM project is providing valuable resources for the local communities surrounding the park and the proposed REDD project will contribute to enhancing, restoring and maintaining vital ecosystem services. CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE In the sense that any research undertaken at Majete will benefit our understanding of the reserve and its flora and fauna. This is a resource that belongs to the people of Malawi and it is therefore their own heritage. Restoring Majete is bringing back a part of their heritage. Our environmental education outreach program, although still small, has already made a difference in the lives of many children. The program was expanded to include a few more schools and their wildlife clubs in Additionally, teams interacted more with the children both in the villages and on the soccer fields. IMPACTING LOCAL LIVELIHOODS The project has assisted with hospitality training of community campsite staff. As Majete s popularity increases more staff will no doubt be employed by African Parks and we will assist with their training. We have employed a camp staff member and additional night watchmen have been employed by African Parks to cover the research center and community campsite. Research staff have worked closely with a number of the field scouts and rangers, sharing knowledge, technology and our field guides. Volunteers also make use of the community-owned curio shop and restaurant where they buy souvenirs and taste local dishes. The money raised from this goes back to the local community. Earthwatch volunteers stay in a community run campsite within the park, adjacent to the research facility. All accommodation proceeds go towards a community run trust fund. This fund is affecting the lives of numerous community members in many direct and indirect ways. LOCAL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES We have an excellent relationship with the local communities, working via African Parks. We also have an excellent working relationship with the game scouts within the reserve who escort us when we are doing our fieldwork. We are all continuously learning from each other. The game scouts love meeting the volunteers and many ask after them. As the research program expands we will expand our activities. DISSEMINATION OF RESEARCH RESULTS Scientific peer-reviewed publications Not yet applicable in 2014 as this is a new research program. Grey literature and other dissemination The research program once again featured in the South African Wildlife Management newsletter a few times the past season. It was also mentioned in the University of Stellenbosch's annual research report. The PI has presented a few lectures regarding Earthwatch and the Majete Research Program at Stellenbosch University. One MSc thesis was completed in early 2014 and two more will be completed at the end of An article about the hyena project was published in Malawi's primary tourist magazine called "The Eye". The project is featured in the bi-monthly newsletter of African Parks, Majete. The PI attended the Earthwatch citizen science conference in Boston in November 2014 and presented a poster.

11 SECTION THREE: Anything else PROJECT FUNDING Earthwatch currently provide the primary funding for this research. Additional funds are provided by Dr AJ Leslie's publication fund at the University of Stellenbosch. Additional funding is continuously being sourced. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL US? As a research team we feel that we have had a very successful past season. The research program is expanding and more institutions are coming on board. We are certainly looking forward to another successful and fun-filled season! All photo credits to the Majete Wildlife Research Programme ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Earthwatch Institute African Parks, Majete. The MBZ Conservation fund. Department of Wildlife and Parks, Malawi. University of Stellenbosch Nyala Lodge, Lengwe National Park

12 Volunteer training session. Volunteer maintaining a pathway in camp.

13 Early morning waterhole count.

14 Patrick, a Chesonis Fund participant, setting a camera trap.

15 Volunteers on a school visit. Life after a good day in the bush.

16 A hyena clan at a waterhole. Majete s buffalo.

17 Earthwatch Institute 114 Western Avenue Boston, MA U.S.A earthwatch.org facebook.com/earthwatch twitter.com/earthwatch_org