ABOUT RESEARCH MASHATU

There is little doubt that sound scientific research and monitoring plays an important role in the conservation of wildlife populations in natural areas, especially in more confined areas such as private game reserves, which have increased tremendously over the past decade. Private game reserves are, however, often managed with eco-tourism as the main objective and although some form of research may be conducted on the property, it is generally perceived to be overly expensive and too time consuming, with little or no benefit to the eco-tourism operation. Eco-tourism ventures are therefore inclined to disapprove of, or give little support to, wildlife research if it does not pay its way.

Mashatu Game Reserve, which covers 25000ha in Botswana's Northern Tuli Game Reserve, is a luxury safari destination, which has managed to successfully unite research and eco-tourism. Two wildlife researchers, who work on the Tuli Elephant Research Project and the Northern Tuli Predator Project, have been integrated with the eco-tourism activities on offer by providing visitors the opportunity to accompany them on "research-drives", where time is spent in the field with the various study animals.

These research-drives are mutually beneficial to both research and eco-tourism: The lodge benefits directly by offering this unique activity, which enhances the wildlife experience of visitors and consequently increases the occupancy, which the lodge enjoys. Indirectly the reserve is provided with recommendations, based on scientific data, on how to conserve and manage its wildlife populations, ensuring the persistence of these populations and therefore the long-term sustainability of the eco-tourism venture. The main benefit to the researcher is lodge support in the form of food, accommodation and logistical assistance, as well as supplementary funding through an additional sum charged for research-drives, which goes directly towards his or her project.

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