WE RESEARCH
TO PROTECT
Pioneering science, behavioral research in the field, and innovative tools boost conservation of wild predators.
Our Research at Botswana Predator Conservation which began in 1989 - is best described as field-based cutting-edge applied animal behaviour and ecology. We apply what we have learned about the natural behaviours of wild predators and the impacts of climate change to address challenges at the boundaries of differing land-uses – especially those with people and livestock. WE aim to use knowledge to develop new ideas that help foster coexistence by reducing human-wildlife conflict and manage wildlife more effectively. We test these new ideas experimentally in the field (see the “i-cow project” (link) and our Bioboundary research project and then we publish the results to share our new tools with the wider conservation community.
BPC PROGRAM MISSION:
To be leaders in African large predator research, designing tools, and developing solutions that reduce human-wildlife conflict and facilitate wildlife management.
"BioBoundaries will revolutionize the way we coexist with wildlife"
- Dr Peter Apps - PhD, Senior Researcher -
SAFE SPACES
OUR IMPACT - IN THE FIELD - 2023
408
days graduate students and post doc’s in camp
493
hours of predator observations
14
packs of African wild dogs collared and monitored
2,551
vehicle hours in the field
76
presentations to tourist groups at lodges in the Okavango
3,000
km2 study area
900
hours of audio data from collar-mounted audio recorders on African wild dogs
8
lions in 4 prides are part of UW study about the conflict between lions and wild dogs
Protecting predators using a language they understand
The BioBoundary Project is developing technically simple, minimally invasive, ecologically benign, and economically viable new tools to reduce human-wildlife conflict (HWC). By integrating intensive field work with cutting-edge chemical analysis in our Maun lab we are developing predator deterrents that are keeping predators away from livestock.
Carnivores and conflict in a changing world.
Our collaboration with our partners at the University of Washington aims to understand how climate change is affecting predator ecology and the impacts this may have on human-wildlife conflict.
Establishing the baseline.
Underpinning our research projects is long-term population monitoring, a wealth of knowledge needed to answer the big-picture questions. Through intensive observations and camera-trap surveys we continue to monitor predator populations in our historic study area.
Harnessing technology for ecology.
With collaborators at Tech4Conservation and WildME the African Carnivore Wildbook (ACW) uses powerful AI algorithms to identify individuals from photographs, an incredible time saving tool. Get involved as a citizen scientist at https://www.africancarnivorewildbook.org/
PERSONAL IMPACTS AND ENDORSEMENTS
“Joining BPC was the fulfilment of a dream, as well as an enormous privilege and the beginning of my career as a scientist and wildlife conservationist.”
Gabriele Cozzi,
Botswana Predator Conservation
"BPC’s innovative, collaborative and community focussed approach to effective conservation results in effective local conservation action. Their donation of data and expertise made African Carnivore Wildbook possible and is now impacting conservation projects in 16 African countries."
Maureen Reilly and Paul Kalil
Tech 4 Conservation
“Supporting Dog Camp and the many moving parts it takes to keep an organisation like BPC running is a full-time job, and some. But it’s all worth it when you know that you are working towards a better future.”
Peter Brack
Botswana Predator Conservation
“BPC has been like a family to me over the years and the freedom afforded at Dog Camp has helped me grow both academically and personally. They are one of a kind.”
Megan Claase
PhD Stellenbosch University
"Working with BPC has enabled us (UZH) to apply ecological theory directly to on-the-ground conservation efforts where it's most needed. This essential link between academic research and practical conservation action is invaluable for protecting critical habitats ."
Aprat Ozguul
University of Zurich
“I am incredibly grateful for the invaluable support that BPC and its staff provided for my PhD fieldwork. Without them it would have been impossible for me to conduct my research on endangered African wild dogs.”
Lucy Rtansome
PhD Griffith University
OUR "BIG FIVE" WE HELP PROTECT
The African wild dog, seeing the world through scent.
Through the longest running research program on this endangered large carnivore, we have been able to collect enough data to begin to see long term trends and how our changing world is impacting ecology. Our detailed research into scent marking and movement is directing our BioBoundary project, which is currently testing candidate compounds to help keep wild dogs out of danger
The African lion, the undisputed apex.
Long term population monitoring of this top carnivore has enabled us to understand where and how to help solve human-wildlife conflict problems. EyeCow is a low-cost coexistence tool that uses lion’s hunting strategy to protect livestock from this fearless ambush predator.
The leopard, the elusive master of camouflage.
Studies on how this elusive solitary species moves and communicates with others have underpinned our development of effective repellents to prevent leopards predating on livestock. Our long-term population monitoring and surveying has enabled us to contribute accurate density estimates to countrywide census efforts.
The cheetah, speedy sleek and slight.
We have advanced our knowledge on how fast cheetahs can actually run in the wild, and where they can hunt and live successfully. Through intensive observations of this notoriously wide-ranging big cat, we have shown the importance of marking trees in our ability to find and monitor this agile feline.
The spotted hyaena, where females hold the power.
The most cryptic of all the carnivores, spotted hyaena are both bold and shy, powerful hunters and wily scavengers. Our extensive photo database of uniquely identified individuals has helped to train machine learning algorithms used to assist conservation efforts. Working with local farmers, we have developed an effective repellent to keep this high conflict carnivore away from valuable livestock.
What you can do to help !
I began research in Botswana in 1989 as an adventure seeking graduate student with a passion for tracking down rare and elusive species. Little detailed knowledge existed about endangered African wild dogs outside the grassland ecosystems of East Africa. Most people around the world had never heard of ‘African wild dogs’. In Africa they were mostly considered “vermin” - a “problem animal” - even in some wildlife protected areas. But in Botswana we knew there existed a poorly known population that demanded better scientific understanding and conservation. In my first 5 years, living full time in a tent just outside the Moremi Game Reserve, locally known as ‘Dog Camp’, I started a data-driven method of population monitoring that, 30 years later, has grown into one of the longest running population datasets for any free-ranging large carnivore. In the intervening many years, I have had the privilege to mentor and help supervise dozens of aspiring conservationists, including the more than a dozen doctorates completed from research at Dog Camp. All have contributed to and been enabled scientifically by this important dataset for an endangered species. I am proudest of all the many contributions to science by the capable and committed conservationists that have been and are part of the BPC team.
Dr. J W. (Tico) McNutt Director | Founder
We remain in the field, on the ground, getting it done ...with the results to prove it.
