FEATURE


and both black (Diceros bicornis) and white (Ceratotherium simum) rhinos. To determine the current distribution of


lions, leopards (Panthera pardus), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta), and their herbivore prey species, as well as estimate their respective population sizes, the project team has been counting identifiable footprints and other tracks along transects. The researchers have found a strong relationship between large carnivore population densities and the frequency of tracks along transects. The project is also using camera traps to inventory wildlife, targeting areas with concentrations of wildlife, such as saltpans, saltlicks, and key rivers, which are mapped in the process.


Installation of a camera trap.


The first results of the survey of 1,222 km of transects show that for every lion there are almost 5 cheetahs, and more than 8 African wild dogs, 22 leopards and 45 spotted hyaenas. The frequency of “capture” of these predators by camera


Image of a surprised White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) captured by a camera trap.


BIRD SCENE 13


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