Kruger National Park (KNP) will once again host scientists, researchers and Protected Area Managers from around the world at the 21st Annual Savanna Science Network Meeting, which will take place from March 3-7 in Skukuza.
“The park will host 208 delegates representing 80 different scientific and conservation organisations from 25 countries. Ninety-nine of the delegates will be from South Africa, representing 30 institutions ranging from national and provincial government departments, academic institutions, research, NGOs and conservation agencies,” said SANParks Acting GM: Savanna Research Unit, Cathy Greaver.
The four days of presentations and posters will cover many topical issues in ecological and social sciences. There is a range of sessions covering various topics such as:
- Classic ecological themes like studying ecological patterns (e.g. animal space-use patterns, large-scale biodiversity patterns).
- Understanding ecological processes (e.g. erosion, predation, plant recruitment, herbivory, fire, disease, decomposition).
This year’s programme includes presentations on cultural heritage, tourism, human-wildlife conflict, and co-existence, as well as the wildlife economy and wildlife crime.
“In order to provide a sound scientific platform from which to address the knowledge needs to manage biodiversity and protected areas in a changing world, SANParks scientists engage and collaborate with a wide range of national and international scientists, research partners, and funders. A mix of basic and applied research, spanning the biophysical and social domains strengthens research and monitoring efforts, and builds stronger and deeper knowledge of the savanna systems,” SANParks said in a press release.
The close interactions between academics and park authorities facilitated by this meeting are key to promoting pro-active evidence-based decision-making and directing research to address priority conservation management needs.
“The idea for the Savanna Science meeting came about when a small group of scientists working on river-related issues in KNP, reflecting on the impacts of the floods in 2000, started thinking that a small meeting held annually to share research findings with management might be very useful. The scope and participation of these meetings grew quickly to include Savanna-related research and delegates from many countries and organizations,” said Greaver.
“This meeting is now considered the premier international savanna science conference covering socio-ecological research taking place in savannas across the globe. The conference format allows for dialogue and discussion on ecological science and conservation matters, both formally and informally in a spectacular venue, shaping our collective understanding and seeding future research collaborations and projects to fill key knowledge gaps,” concluded Greaver.
The meeting will also be streamed live on YouTube here for those who would like to take part online.
