NORTHERN TULI PREDATOR PROJECT

Principal Researcher: Mr Andrei Snyman

Project Description :

Running for nearly two years, the Northern Tuli Predator Project focuses mainly on the study of lions and leopards, but other large carnivores such as the spotted hyena and brown hyena are also incorporated. Currently there are 5 male leopards collared and two male lions. Andrei Snyman, who manages the carnivore project, is currently finishing with his MSc degree, which focuses on the lion component of the project. This degree will then be followed up by a PhD – which will shift its focus to the leopard component. This predator project is becoming well established in the sense that there are seven GPS-radio collars deployed, 25 digital camera trap units, a Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle and  various other high standard equipment for both office and fieldwork purposes.

Background to lion study

The number of studies done on what the impact of safari hunting has on lion population dynamics is still far and few between.  Social factors are probably the most influential to lion group dynamics, but there are environmental patterns and processes that influence the distribution of groups through space and time.

There is a growing need to know how consumptive utilization influences lion population dynamics. Previous studies have shown that safari hunting could negatively affect lion reproduction, behaviour, and overall population demography. It is thus important to understand how lions react, in terms of movements, behaviour, reproduction, and home range size, to these pressures in order for wildlife managers and researchers to better understand and manage their populations.

Should you wish to find out more about this project, and to contribute in any way, please feel free to speak to Andrei via email: andrei.snyman@googlemail.com