Impacts of burning on the distribution and condition of South African ungulates

Background: Management of Africa savannahs is focussed on maximising large mammal numbers (for tourism or hunting), often utilising patch or mosaic grassland burning regimes. Even among those mammals that burn regimes are intended to benefit, the importance of burning for species utilization and demography, and seasonal variation in grassland use, is little understood. The condition of wild ungulates in relation to burn age and patch configuration has also been little studied. Understanding the habitat requirements and landscape structural needs of large mammals is vital to protect populations into the future.
Aims: We will explore the use of burning as a management tool for African ungulates and other mammals. We will study the intra- and inter-annual utilisation of grassland blocks in relation to their spatial configuration, and will monitor the condition of animals using different areas through the seasons.
Methodology: The research will be focussed in Mankwe Wildlife Reserve (MWR) and Pilanesberg National Park (PNP) in South Africa. The student will spend 3 years collecting data across key periods of the year. At MWR we have very good population estimates for large mammals from annual helicopter surveys over 15-years. We also have corresponding information on burn regimes for individual grassland blocks, and mammal off-take information. As the reserve contains no large predators, walked mammal transects can be undertaken with minimum risk. The student will use walked line transects for mammals at MWR, in addition to driven transects at both MWR and at adjacent PNP; the latter contains abundant large predators. The student will undertake regular large mammals transects across grasslands burnt in different periods over the last 4-6 years; transects will be run during both the wet and dry seasons and work will be supported and supervised by staff at MWR. At MWR, we will also assess the use of grasslands by mammal species not regularly recorded on transects, using camera traps and indirect measures such as scat. In addition, the student will establish walk-on mass balances (designed for cattle), in association with salt licks or confined water-points (and IR camera traps), to collect data on mammal mass changes through the seasons, and across areas of differing burn configuration. They will also estimate seasonal tick abundance using established methods. Tick load and body condition will also be available from hunted animals and from game capture events. Data collected on mammal age classes through the year will provide survivorship information, which we will use with annual count, off-take and climate data to create population and condition models. Contrasting animal condition and patch utilisation in areas with and without predators, and in relation to vegetation productivity, will further our understanding of burn management.
Timetable of Activities: The student will split their time between collecting data and conducting preliminary analyses in Africa, and conducting more formal analyses and modelling in Durham. Training Received: The student will be trained in census method and will learn how to analyse the resultant data. Durham University also offers relevant post-graduate training both within and beyond the School.