BioBoundary: Predator Deterrents

We conduct research into ameliorating human-predator conflict in cattle ranches and subsistence livestock areas where HWC impacts both people and wildlife. The main focus is on leopards, but we also detect repellant effects on other species that threaten livestock. The BioBoundary leopard repellent, 3M3MB experiments described in the Daily Maverick here, has continued to protect kraaled  calves on commercial livestock ranches, has deterred leopards from entering a cattle ranch, replelled a leopard from a subsistence cattle post and deterred spotted hyaenas from crossing the veterinary fence that separates  wildlife areas from livestock areas. . A different deterrent compound, released from collars worn by goats, protected goats from predation for three months (See recent blog post https://www.hqtestsite.ca/post/goats-do-roam-a-new-bioboundary-experiment-makes-it-safe-for-them-to-do-so). These are ground-breaking advances towards a solution to livestock-carnivore conflict.

BioBoundary: Elephant Deterrents

80% of Botswana’s 130 000-strong elephant population shares space with peoplem, consequently, human x elephant conflict over elephant damage to crops and infrastructure is a significant management challenge, and elephants are involved in more conflict incidents than all the other species combined. This makes Botswana an ideal testbed for research into reducing HWC and keeping elephants away crops and infrastructure. At BPC a new BioBoundary pilot project is running screening trials on which natural plant essential oils might be effective elephant deterrents. Preliminary results show that five out of eight essential oils repel elephants; clear evidence that these plant products are a promising alternative to chilis and bees as elephant repellents. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56Le7BX7GEA)

BioBoundary Collaborating Institutions