Tracking for a Purpose

While exploring Nambiti, it is common to encounter a variety of species. Among the different animals on the reserve, we prioritise collaring certain species. This process is carried out by a skilled team of veterinarians and is a crucial conservation practice to ensure that the animals are effectively monitored, even in areas that are difficult to access.

Collaring wild animals is a widely accepted practice for research and conservation efforts, aimed at collecting valuable data on their behaviour, movement patterns, population dynamics, and ecological interactions. Different methods are employed for tracking these animals, which vary based on the species, the goals of the research, and ethical considerations.

These collars play a crucial role in conservation efforts, and being surrounded by a community and farm lands makes it even more essential for us to track the whereabouts of these animals at all times. If an incident occurs and they manage to escape the enclosure, it is imperative that we can quickly locate them and return them safely to prevent any harm to both humans and animals.

Each month, we create homerange maps using the data collected from these collars, allowing us to track movements. With this information, we can also incorporate additional details like weather and vegetation to understand the factors influencing these movements.

We utilise a variety of tracking tools. We have VHF collars that require a telemetry system for tracking, as well as satellite collars that can be monitored both online and on-site. Additionally, we have employed satellite-only tags attached to the animals’ ears.

All of these tools are essential for us to monitor the health of these animals. If we notice that an animal is not moving, we can take the necessary steps to visually check on it and determine the reason for its reduced activity. This could be something as straightforward as denning, or it might indicate a more serious issue like an injury, in which case we can intervene appropriately.

At the end of the day, when considering the collaring or fitting of a tracking device on any animal, it is crucial to understand that the primary goal is to prioritise the welfare of these animals in the most humane and ethical manner possible. These techniques are meticulously crafted to avoid any negative impact on the animals and are performed solely by trained professionals, and this is only done on animals where it is necessary.