scholarly journals History, rationale, and lessons learned: Thresholds of potential concern in Kruger National Park river adaptive management

Koedoe ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig A. McLoughlin ◽  
Andrew Deacon ◽  
Hendrik Sithole ◽  
Thomas Gyedu-Ababio
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Management ◽  
National Park ◽  
River Flow ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
New Thinking ◽  
Learning And Adaptation

The Kruger National Park’s (KNP) adopted system of management, called Strategic Adaptive Management (SAM), originated during the Kruger National Park Rivers Research Programme (KNPRRP) of the 1990s. An important concept in SAM is the thresholds of potential concern (TPCs), representing end-points in a continuum of change. TPCs within the KNP SAM system guide management if or when reached, ‘red-flagging’ possible negative biodiversity impacts and catalysing consideration of management options. TPC-related monitoring generates the strategic information for ongoing evaluation, learning and adaptation within SAM. Post- KNPRRP, although river flow and water quality TPCs have been implemented partly, those designed to detect undesirable changes in biodiversity have not been implemented, until recently. This paper describes the history, rationale, application and ongoing developments associated with the KNP river TPCs over the last decade, providing some key lessons for organisations utilising SAM. The paper concludes with an overview of new thinking and future directions envisaged for the KNP river TPCs, as part of the KNP SAM system. Conservation implications: This paper documents important concepts of strategic adaptive management associated with the KNP river systems. Understanding, related to the rationale and justification for use and development or refinement of the thresholds of potential concern, lays an important foundation for ongoing work in managing these rivers adaptively.

scholarly journals River management under transformation: The emergence of strategic adaptive management of river systems in the Kruger National Park

Koedoe ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Pollard ◽  
Derick Du Toit ◽  
Harry Biggs
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Management ◽  
National Park ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Stakeholder Involvement ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Major Change ◽  
River Management ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Management Options

Protected areas such as the Kruger National Park (KNP) face many management challenges, of which ensuring a healthy flow of rivers into the park is one of the most important. Although previous management policies isolated the KNP from its neighbours, this position has changed as the KNP seeks to negotiate a respected ‘place’ for water and conservation in a competitive environment. A major catalyst for this re-orientation has been the response from the KNP to the growing water crisis where its position needed to be seen within the wider catchment and policy context in South Africa. This paper presents an overview of the transforming management practices of the KNP in a changing political, socio-economic and environmental context, through the lens of water resources. We show that the KNP management model moved beyond inward-looking, isolationist policies to adopt responsivity to major change factors. The new approach was applied first in the sphere of river management in the KNP after which it spread to other domains such as fire and game management. It explicitly incorporates an experimental–reflexive orientation and considers management as a process of learningby- doing. This paper strives to review the transformation since the onset of explicit adaptive management of these rivers. The development of a new stewardship, based on a stakeholdercentred vision and on learning-focused management, has been a main achievement for the KNP. A closer partnership between researchers, managers and field staff, supported with buyin and co-learning, has led to a management framework based on a clear vision informed by stakeholder involvement, an objectives hierarchy, a scoping of management options, a monitoring system and a reflective evaluation process with feedback loops. Although developed through a focus on rivers, the framework can be embraced for the management of ecosystems as a whole.Conservation implications: The explicit adoption of strategic adaptive management for the rivers entering the KNP has had considerable implications not only with regard to management practice within the park, but also for the relationships with neighbours. This has also meant setting and implementing new goals and priorities with managers and staff.

scholarly journals Eco-epidemiological and pathological features of wildlife mortality events related to cyanobacterial bio-intoxication in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Bengis ◽  
Danny Govender ◽  
Emily Lane ◽  
Jan Myburgh ◽  
Paul Oberholster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
National Park ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Cyanobacterial Blooms ◽  
Toxicity Tests ◽  
Management Options ◽  
South Central ◽  
Wildlife Mortality

Over the past decade, several clustered, multispecies, wildlife mortality events occurred in the vicinity of two man-made earthen dams in the southern and south central regions of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. On field investigation, heavy cyanobacterial blooms were visible in these impoundments and analysis of water samples showed the dominance of Microcystis spp. (probably Microcystis aeruginosa). Macroscopic lesions seen at necropsy and histopathological lesions were compatible with a diagnosis of cyanobacterial intoxication. Laboratory toxicity tests and assays also confirmed the presence of significant levels of microcystins in water from the two dams. These outbreaks occurred during the dry autumn and early winter seasons when water levels in these dams were dropping, and a common feature was that all the affected dams were supporting a large number of hippopotamuses (Hippopotamus amphibius). It is hypothesised that hippopotamus’ urine and faeces, together with agitation of the sediments, significantly contributed to internal loading of phosphates and nitrogen – leading to eutrophication of the water in these impoundments and subsequent cyanobacterial blooms. A major cause for concern was that a number of white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) were amongst the victims of these bio-intoxication events. This publication discusses the eco-epidemiology and pathology of these clustered mortalities, as well as the management options considered and eventually used to address the problem.

scholarly journals The vegetation and floristics of the Nkhuhlu Exclosures, Kruger National Park

Koedoe ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frances Siebert ◽  
Holger C. Eckhardt
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
National Park ◽  
Riparian Zone ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Temporal Heterogeneity ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Heterogeneity ◽  
Floristic Patterns ◽  
The Impact

The need to conduct research on the impact of elephant on the environment prompted the construction of exclosures along two of the most important rivers in the Kruger National Park. Scientific research on these exclosures along the Sabie and Letaba rivers addresses how patterns of spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the riparian zone are affected by fire, flood and herbivory. To further assist this research programme, a vegetation survey was conducted at the Nkhuhlu exclosure site along the Sabie River to classify and map the vegetation of the area. This will provide baseline data to assess future changes in vegetation and floristic patterns due to small-scale environmental factors created by the presence/absence of herbivory and fire. Phytosociological data were analysed to identify plant communities and subsequent mapping units. Five plant communities, ten sub-communities and four variants were recognised and described in relation to prevailing soil forms. Differences in species richness, diversity and community structure of the plant communities are clearly articulated.

Designing a research programme to promote river basin management

1995 ◽  
Vol 32 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 103-109
Author(s):  
C. M. Breen ◽  
H. Biggs ◽  
M. C. Dent ◽  
A. Görgens ◽  
J. O'Keeffe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
River Basin Management ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Ecological Research ◽  
Basin Management ◽  
Resource Managers ◽  
Research Programmes ◽  
One Year

Growing perceptions that ecological research is failing to meet the needs of resource managers has prompted a review of the structure and management of research programmes. In this paper we identify principles, frameworks and approaches to guide the restructuring of research programmes. Their application is discussed in relation to the restructured research programme on the rivers flowing through the Kruger National Park. A preliminary evaluation after one year of operation of this programme indicated beneficial changes in research and in stakeholder and client attitudes to research.

scholarly journals A checklist of the termites of Kruger National Park, South Africa

Koedoe ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brianna M. Lind ◽  
Andrew B. Davies
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Central Component ◽  
Conservation Areas ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Species Checklist ◽  
Water Redistribution ◽  
Original Survey

The protection of biodiversity is critical to ecosystem function and is a primary management goal for conservation areas globally. Maintaining a current inventory of known diversity is a central component of achieving this goal and serves as an essential starting point for future research endeavours. Since the first published survey of termites in South Africa’s Kruger National Park (KNP) over 55 years ago, our understanding of termite diversity has expanded sufficiently to merit an update and formal checklist. Here we revise the inventory of termite diversity in KNP and summarise the taxonomic and functional diversity of termites in the park. A thorough review of recent termite research in KNP added 6 new genera and 13 species to what was found in Coaton’s original survey, with one genus, Anenteotermes, recorded for the first time in southern Africa. Based on the updated species checklist, the majority of genera in the park belong to Feeding Group II (39%) and the Termitidae family (75%).Conservation implications: In savannas, termites play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, water redistribution and plant dynamics. Systematically cataloguing termite diversity and assemblage composition in the park provides an essential baseline for scientific research, aids biodiversity conservation efforts and encourages scientists and managers to consider termites in ecosystem functioning and management. Having more detailed descriptions of genera, species and feeding groups allows for more tangible, ecologically relevant attributions of termite influence, facilitates enhanced inquiry and allows for more realistic quantification of termite roles in key ecosystem processes.

scholarly journals Towards an adaptive management approach for the conservation of rare antelope in the Kruger National Park - outcome of a workshop held in May 2000

Koedoe ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
C.C. Grant ◽  
J.L. Van der Walt
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Management ◽  
National Park ◽  
High Density ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Predator Control ◽  
Viable Option ◽  
Equus Burchelli ◽  
The Subject

A precipitous drop in rare antelope numbers specifically roan (<i>Hippotragus equinis</i>) sable (<i>Hippotragus niger</i>) and tsessebe (<i>Damaliscus lunatus</i>) since 1986 has become one of the main concerns of management. The zebra (<i>Equus burchelli</i>) population in the preferred habitats of these species had increased with the development of artificial waterpoints especially in the areas occupied by roan and tsessebe, and these events are hypothesised to be the main cause of the decline. Closure of artificial waterpoints resulted in moving the high-density, water-dependent zebra from the northern basalt plains, the preferred roan habitat. However, the expected responding increase in the rare antelope populations did not materialise. This lack of response over six years necessitated a critical re-evaluation of the management of rare antelope in the Kruger National Park. Subsequently, a workshop was held at Skukuza during May 2000. The options for adaptive management of the declining rare antelope populations, which was discussed at the workshop, is the subject of this manuscript. The participants felt that the removal/closure of artificial waterpoints was the most unintrusive management tool available to move high density grazers from the habitats preferred by rare antelope. Waterpoints to be closed should be carefully evaluated, and time allowed for rare antelope to respond to habitat changes. Boosting populations of roan and tsessebe by supplementing animals was seriously considered, with the proviso that it should be done under favourable circumstances. Small patch fires that could provide green grazing over extended periods were recommended. Predator control was discussed but could not obtain general support as a viable option in the Kruger National Park.

scholarly journals Challenges faced in the conservation of rare antelope: a case study on the northern basalt plains of the Kruger National Park

Koedoe ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
C.C. Grant ◽  
T. Davidson ◽  
P.J. Funston ◽  
D.J. Pienaar
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Equus Burchelli ◽  
Initial Drop ◽  
Roan Antelope ◽  
Hippotragus Equinus ◽  
Management Approaches

The conservation of rare antelope has long been one of the goals of the Kruger National Park. The roan antelope Hippotragus equinus, and to a lesser extent the tsessebe Damaliscus lunatus, represent low-density species or rare antelope in the park. Specific management approaches representing the older equilibrium approach, have been employed to conserve these antelope. Of these, the supply of artificial water over many decades was the most resource intensive. The sudden, severe drop in the roan antelope population towards the end of the 1980s was unexpected and, retrospectively, attributed to the development of a high density of perennial waterpoints. The postulated mechanism was that the perennial presence of water allowed Burchell’s zebra Equus burchelli to stay permanently in an area that was previously only seasonally accessible. The combined effect of a long, dry climatic cycle, high numbers of zebra and their associated predators was proposed to be the cause of this decline. As part of the new nature evolving or ecosystem resilience approach, twelve artificial waterpoints were closed in the prime roan antelope habitat in 1994 in an attempt to move the zebra out of this area. The zebra numbers declined as the rainfall increased. Closure of waterholes clearly led to redistribution of zebra numbers on the northern plains, zebra tending to avoid areas within several kilometres of closed waterpoints. However, at a larger scale, regional densities appeared similar in areas with and without closed waterpoints. There was an initial drop in the lion numbers in 1995, after which they stabilised. In spite of an improvement in the grass species composition and an increase in biomass the roan antelope population did not increase. The complexity of maintaining a population at the edge of their distribution and the problems associated with the conservation of such populations are discussed in terms of management options and monitoring approaches that may be employed in this process.

scholarly journals How assessment and reflection relate to more effective learning in adaptive management

Koedoe ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry Biggs ◽  
Charles Breen ◽  
Rob Slotow ◽  
Stefanie Freitag ◽  
Marc Hockings
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Management ◽  
National Park ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
The Other ◽  
Complex Environment ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Dual Nature ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Adaptive Cycle ◽  
Complementary Actions

Assessment (an immediate evaluation of significance or performance) and reflection (a lengthy, deep consideration) should be important components of adaptive management leading to learning. In this paper we use a prototype adaptive cycle and feedback framework, which are related to some aspects of learning theory, to examine the extent to which assessment and reflection were applied in a series of studies and initiatives in the Kruger National Park. In addition to evaluating assessment and reflection, we also considered how the various contributing components of each case were inter-related to provide a holistic view of each initiative.Two other studies in the Kruger National Park, which have examined learning specifically, are also discussed. One of them suggests that in a complex environment, learning necessarily has a dual nature, with each component of seven contrasting pairs of the aspects of learning in partial tension with the other. We use these dualities to further probe assessment, reflection, inter-relatedness and learning in the cases presented. Each contrasting aspect of a ‘learning duality’ turns out to emphasise either assessment or reflection, which reinforces the idea that both are needed to facilitate sufficient learning for successful adaptive management. We hope this analysis can act as a springboard for further study, practice and reflection on these important and often underrated components of adaptive management.Conservation implications: The better understanding of assessment and reflection as being largely separate but complementary actions will assist adaptive management practitioners to give explicit attention to both, and to relate them better to each other.

scholarly journals Developing thresholds of potential concern for invasive alien species: Hypotheses and concepts

Koedoe ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Llewellyn C. Foxcroft
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Adaptive Management ◽  
Conceptual Understanding ◽  
National Park ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Management Options ◽  
End Points ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Negative Impacts

The Kruger National Park (KNP) has developed and refined a system of management called ‘strategic adaptive management’ (SAM), which rests on the concept of ‘threshold of potential concern’ (TPC). TPCs represent end-points in a continuum of change. When thresholds are reached – at which point concerns of negative impacts on biodiversity are raised – management options are explicitly considered and implemented. This paper describes the TPCs developed for monitoring and managing invasive alien species (IAS). More importantly, however, it describes the conceptual understanding, principles and hypotheses adopted as the foundations for setting these TPCs. In accordance with adaptive management practices, the TPCs will be revised as the ecological and conceptual understanding of invasions grows and information is gained through research in the KNP and elsewhere.Conservation implication: In accepting that species and systems are variable, and that flux is inevitable and desirable, these TPCs developed for invasive alien species specifi cally, provide end points against which monitoring can be assessed. Once a threshold is reached, the cause of the threshold being exceeded is examined and management interventions recommended.

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