Welcome to GVI's Wildlife Research Expeditions blog where you can keep up to date with all the happenings and information from our field operations in South Africa.
GVI is a non-political, non-religious organisation, which through its alliance with over 150 project partners in over 30 countries, provides opportunities for volunteers to fill a critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development.
Facts and figures
Nine years of continuous large mammal research on Karongwe Game Reserve
At least 360 days per year, 16 research hours per day
Contributing to nine annual reports for warden and land owners
and to two journal publications, another three in process
and to 3 MSc and a PhD thesis
Over 1100 volunteers trained in Southern African mammal identification and field research techniques
New field projects such as erosion control, road maintenance etc with over 700 man hours worked
Established partnership with De Beers and Endangered Wildlife Trust on Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve
Over three years of continuous monitoring there...
And thank you to all involved over the years for all those early mornings!
The last expedition of 2008 and the festive season will be remembered as the season of snakes at our reserve bases in Limpopo province. The 2007/8 wet season brought well-above average rainfall to both bases, particularly Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve, and the resulting exceptional flush of grass creates a haven for rodents. And where there are plenty of rodents, snakes, owls etc will thrive.
Venetia base had a resident snouted cobra (Naja haje annulifera) by the laundry sink for a while during October and November and a female booomslang (Dispholidus typus) was to be seen in the trees in camp for a while too. These are both highly venomous species but there have also been plenty of perfectly harmless visitors such as the strikingly-marked Yellow-bellied Sand Snake (Psammophis subtaeniatus).
Karongwe base has also had a visit from a female boomslang, this one in the data room! And Base manager Rene van Eeden did most of a morning research drive, unwittingly sharing the cab with a black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)!
Boomslang and Snouted Cobra photos courtesy of Venetia intern Mark Spicer- thanks Mark
morning research drive, unwittingly sharing the cab with a black mamba (Dendro
aspis polylepis)!
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