Protecting Elephants and Rhinos in Malawi

Thanks to your support, the 7^th season of Earthwatch’s Animals of Malawi in the Majete Wildlife Reserve research expedition will kick off in a few days, and will continue through December. During this time, over 40 volunteers will come together to form 8 research teams that will assist Lead Scientist Dr. Alison Leslie as she collects important data on the health and behaviors of the many iconic African species living at Majete.

Dr. Leslie recently shared her analyses and findings from the 2018 season:

The 2018 field season brought much joy and also sometimes difficult challenges, as is expected when carrying out the work we do in any isolated area. But overall, we really had a wonderful year from a research point of view. Every day in 2018 brought new sights, sounds and challenges, and as always it was wonderful being able to share our humble research home with so many volunteers. Even after all this time in the field we are constantly humbled by the splendour of our surroundings. Nature sure has a way of lending the observer perspective in this regard! Here were some of the highlights:

1. Thirteen giraffe were introduced to Majete Wildlife Reserve – a first for Majete and they have taken very well to their new home. Nine were moved from South Africa and four came from Nyala Park in Malawi.
2. Our two large male lions (Sapitwa and Chimwala) were translocated to Liwonde National Park in southern Malawi and were replaced by three gorgeous females and two handsome young males, as part of the lion management program conducted by African Parks.
3. Two masters students completed their field work in 2018 for their research projects studying the ecology of Black rhino (Diceros bicornis), and the impact of herbivores on vegetation surrounding artificial waterpoints.
4. Two new masters projects commenced: Demography, spatial use patterns and reaction to a drone of African elephants (Loxodonta africana), and species richness and spatial use patterns of medium and large mammals
5. Seven schools were visited where the students were taught about African wildlife, and the importance of food webs and ecosystems.

With your continued support, Dr. Leslie is working towards several important research objectives:

1. The development of models that can be used to make predictions about the impacts of management interventions on herbivores, such as the introduction or relocation of a herd of impala
2. Implementation of a predator monitoring program using radio tracking collars and camera traps
3. Determining the impact of megaherbivores (elephant, buffalo and rhino) on the habitat
4. Studying population performance and habitat use of black rhinoceros
5. Implementation of a best practice fire management strategy
6. Capacity building and implementation of human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures in surrounding communities
7. Investigating the potential of payments for ecosystem services and reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation as a conservation tool

We look forward to updating you on Dr. Leslie’s progress after the 2019 season concludes. In the meantime, thank you for all you do to support multi-year conservation studies like this one. Together, we are making a real difference in the fight to sustain our planet, one species, one donation, and one day at a time.

With gratitude,

Heather Wilcox
Director of Annual Giving
978-450-1208
hwilcox@earthwatch.org

P.S. Remember, you don't just have to read about this research from afar. You can work right alongside Dr. Leslie as an Earthwatch volunteer! Please follow the link below to see which 2019 research teams are still accepting volunteers.

** All photos provided courtesy of Dr. Alison Leslie **

Links:

• 2019 Research Team Availabilities