By Annie Barkan, University of Vermont
Dumela from Khwai, Botswana! Last week, we arrived at our first field station at Camp Tau. As we begin our fieldwork, we find it important to share a few words about the scope of our work here, and what exactly we are doing. Believe it or not, we do a lot more than admire elephants (though that is a major perk)!
Camp Tau is located in NG18, a community concession. Botswana’s landscape is broken into concessions where different community trusts are in charge of managing their own wildlife. Before the implementation of Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) in Botswana, wildlife was managed exclusively by the government. By giving locals a role in management, it is easier for them to see the value of wildlife conservation. Much of Round River’s work in Botswana involves assisting community trusts with monitoring efforts and providing training.
CBNRM is important for facilitating conservation without hurting the community. Management which involves the community is far more sustainable, because the work can be continued long after we leave. CBNRM also helps bridge the gap between science and management, which can often halt conservation progress, especially when research findings are not communicated with those designing management plans. Local people often have a deeper understanding of their own landscape, and the cultural values that affect conservation. Every country (and community) has a unique set of cultural values, norms, history, and economic variables that affect conservation initiatives. Conservation practices which work in the west cannot simply be transposed onto other countries. For example, in some areas, a strict preservationist approach cannot provide enough monetary gain to fuel conservation expenses. If conservation agendas conflict with the goals and values of the community, the entire conservation movement may be painted in poor light. Often, wildlife needs to generate enough funds to justify conservation efforts, such as through wildlife photographic tourism.
A southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) spotted on our way to Camp Tau. Photo by Annie Barkan.
How exactly does Round River help monitor wildlife? Every morning at 6:00 am, two cars participate in herbivore transects or bird point counts. We also collect data on opportunistic predator sightings and birds of concern. In each car, two students, one instructor, and one community escort guide drive one of the set transects through the concession. For bird point counts, each car stops at set points along the transect, and each person records all birds heard or seen within a set interval.
For herbivore transects, every time an herbivore is sighted we stop the car, and collect data on location, species, demographics, habitat, and the distance and direction using a rangefinder and compass. This information is eventually processed with a computer software to estimate species density.
Conducting fieldwork with community escort guides increases the scope of our efforts by facilitating learning by both parties. Engaging with locals by attending community events (such as volleyball matches) and training programs helps set the stage for a conservation agenda that combines science with the wellbeing of locals. Through these efforts, we hope that one day our work in Botswana will no longer be needed. At that point, Round River will extend their conservation efforts elsewhere.