MRI students make their mark at the 13th Oppenheimer Research Conference

MRI STUDENT Laurene van Dijk (HONS) was awarded first place for her poster assessing "How the construction of artificial waterholes is likely to influence cyanobacterial blooms in the face of climate change”.

Between 9-11 October, around 450 scientists, policy makers, NGO's and environmental stakeholders from over 28 countries attended the 13th Oppenheimer Research Conference in Midrand. The conference places a strong emphasis on "African voices in global conversations" around sustainability, climate change, conservation and the environment. The conference aimed to profile research excellence in Africa, empower young researchers and offer biodiversity professionals with networking opportunities and impactful dialogue.

Postgraduate students, Bruce Crossey (PhD), Megan Hutson, Juanita Wessels, Sian Willoughby (MSc) and Laurene van Dijk and Mattheus Louw (Hons) represented the Mammal Research Institute in the poster presentation session. Laurene van Dijk was awarded first place for her poster assessing "How the construction of artificial waterholes is likely to influence cyanobacterial blooms in the face of climate change”.

Evaluating the Impact of Tourism and Parasitic Infections on Mountain Gorillas: A New Study at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

© Andre ganswindt

In 2025, a groundbreaking study funded by the Oppenheimer Chair for Emerging African Scientists in Non-invasive Wildlife Research will commence at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). This pivotal research, led by Dr. Aduku Gloria Naome from Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), Uganda, and Prof. Andre Ganswindt from the Mammal Research Institute at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, aims to assess the potential physiological stress experienced by mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) due to tourism and other human activities.

The study will involve the non-invasive collection of faecal samples from identified gorilla groups across four sectors of BINP. By analysing stress-related hormones during both high and low tourism season, the research team hope to gain a deeper understanding of how these endangered primates may be affected by human-induced pressures.

Mountain gorillas, found exclusively in two isolated forest fragments in central-eastern Africa, are a rare conservation success story. Their population, which numbers just over 1,000 individuals, lives in the Virunga Massif and BINP. Since the introduction of gorilla-viewing tourism in BINP in 1993, there has been a significant increase in tourist visits. This initiative aimed to generate revenue for conservation and local community projects, while also providing protection for the Bwindi forest.

However, the rise in tourism has led to increased contact between humans and gorillas, intensifying the transmission of diseases and parasites. Despite the benefits of tourism, this interaction presents a substantial threat to gorilla health and survival.

This exciting study will be crucial in evaluating the potential impact of tourism and other anthropogenic activities on mountain gorillas. By focusing on stress responses and disease transmission, this research aims to enhance our understanding of the challenges faced by these remarkable animals and guide future conservation efforts in the field.

Dr. Els Vermeulen Appointed to the South African National Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR)

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Els Vermeulen from the Mammal Research Institute has been appointed to the South African National Committee of the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR). This prestigious appointment recognizes Dr. Vermeulen’s significant contributions to the field of marine mammal research and her commitment to advancing scientific understanding in Antarctic and Southern Ocean science.

Dr. Vermeulen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the committee. Her research has focused on marine mammals, particularly in understanding their behaviour, ecology, and conservation. Her expertise will be invaluable as she joins discussions on a wide range of topics related to Antarctic and Southern Ocean science.

In her role, Dr. Vermeulen will contribute to several key initiatives:

• Developing a Strong National Antarctic Research Program: Dr. Vermeulen will play a crucial role in advocating for a robust Antarctic research program in South Africa. This includes promoting the importance of Antarctic research and ensuring that South Africa remains at the forefront of scientific discoveries in this critical region.

• Promoting International Collaboration: Antarctic research is a global endeavour, and international collaboration is essential. Dr. Vermeulen will work to foster partnerships with researchers and institutions worldwide, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

• Providing Scientific Advice to the Government: The insights gained from Antarctic research are vital for informing policy decisions. Dr. Vermeulen will provide scientific advice to the South African government on matters related to Antarctic research, ensuring that policies are based on the latest scientific evidence.

Dr. Vermeulen’s appointment is not only a testament to her dedication and achievements but also a significant step forward for South African Antarctic research. Her contributions will help shape the future of Antarctic science, ensuring that South Africa continues to make meaningful contributions to this globally important field.

Tortoises eat hyena faeces to meet nutrient demands

Animal faeces has been used to answer questions related to wildlife population genetics, to assess animal responses to environmental stressors, for dietary analysis and to assess the movement of nutrients within the environment. Animals living in arid, nutrient poor environments like Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in the Northern Cape, seasonally undergo periods of nutritional stress when they are unable to meet their nutrient requirements through foraging alone. As a result, animals intentionally try to regulate these nutritional imbalances through geophagy (eating soil), osteophagy (eating/sucking on bones) or coprophagy (eating faeces). On a recent trip to Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in the Northern Cape, the first record of a wild leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) actively searching for and eating hyena faeces was documented. 

This special issue article is the result of collaboration between Dr Andrew Abraham, Aarhus University and Dr Andrea Webster, Postdoc at the Mammal Research Institute and honours students Mattheus Louw and Laurene van Dijk.

Read the full article Tortoises get nutrients from salt licks and hyena faeces to find out more or watch the video Tortoises at salt licks and hyena latrines

MRI Postdoctoral fellow invited to speak at Prestigious International Gordon Research Conference

DR ANDREA WEBSTER PRESENTES HER WORK at the 5-day Conference focussed on "Addressing Environmental Endocrine Disruptors to Improve Planetary Health"

Dr Andrea Webster, postdoctoral fellow with the Mammal Research Institute recently attended the prestigious International Gordon Research Conference on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals held in Italy in June. Dr Webster was invited to share her work with postgraduate students from the US, Europe and Asia at the pre-conference Seminar focussed on "Harnessing Interdisciplinary Evidence for Endocrine Disruption".

She was also an invited speaker at the 5-day Conference focussed on "Addressing Environmental Endocrine Disruptors to Improve Planetary Health" where she showcased her work on heavy metal exposure in free-ranging African wildlife. Dr Webster reconnected with UP Natural Health Sciences colleagues, Dr Natalie Aneck-Hahn and Dr Catherina Van Zijl studying endocrine disruptor effects on male reproductive health and water quality in South Africa as well as experts in the field of endocrine disruption from Scandinavia, Asia, the EU and US to foster collaborations.

MRI fellow seeks groundbreaking solutions to snaring

A Google Earth depiction of the proposed coverage provided by the airborne detection system. The system envisages the ability to scan, among others, the entire Serengeti National Park for snares in just 23 days. (Image: Supplied)

Deadly snares set by poachers continue to devastate wildlife in and around the Kruger National Park, with 135 buffaloes and six elephants falling victim in 2023. Dr. Dave Gaynor, a research fellow at University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute, highlighted to Daily Maverick that he and his team are pioneering a groundbreaking solution to combat snaring, which he identifies as a primary cause of the decline in lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs. Gaynor emphasized the inadequacy of current snare detection methods, noting that only 1% to 5% of snares are found in well-managed reserves. To address this issue, Gaynor and his colleagues are developing an airborne detection system using synthetic aperture radar. This system promises finer spatial resolution and the capability to cover large areas efficiently, scanning 135km² per hour with high accuracy. Read more about this innovative research, and the broader snaring conversation, in the article published by Daily Maverick here.

Assessing Waterhole Quality in Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Laurene van Dijk assessed waterhole quality on a recent trip to Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in the Northern Cape, where she conducted fieldwork for her honours project. She aims to assess how waterhole construction in semi-arid regions might increase the potential for toxic blue-green algal blooms. As temperatures increase and surface water becomes less available due to unpredictable rainfall events associated with climate change, animals will need to visit artificial waterholes more regularly. In addition to determining which animals wade into the water to drink, thereby often contributing nutrients required for algal blooms, Laurene aims to assess which species might be at higher risk of effects from algal blooms when utilizing those waterbodies.  

MRI Nominees Contend for NSTF - South32 Lifetime Award

The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) annual awards recognises outstanding contributions to science, engineering, technology (SET), and innovation. Known as the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa, the NSTF-South32 are the largest, most comprehensive, and most sought-after national awards of their kind in SA.

This year, the MRI is proud to be represented by two nominees who will be contending for the coveted NSTF-South32 Lifetime Award in Prof. Andre Ganswindt (Professor and Director: Mammal Research Institute) and Prof. Nigel Bennett (Chair at Austin Roberts of Mammalogy; and Professor: Mammal Research). The MRI wishes our two esteemed nominees the best of luck at this year’s prestigious event!

See the full list of nominees across all 15 Award categories here: https://nstf.org.za/current-nominees/

MRI Honours Student Conducts Camera Trapping in Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Some interesting footage of a bat eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) captured on a recent field campaign by honours student Mattheus Louw at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in the Northern Cape. His study, funded by the University of Pretoria and the Tswalu foundation, aims to determine which secondary species visit communal defaecation sites like rhino middens and hyaena latrines in semi-arid regions, and what drives them to do so.

African wild dogs will soon have their own sperm bank – how artificial breeding will help them survive

© Bruce CROSSEY

Scientists at the Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals, in collaboration with the Mammal Research Institute, are striving to protect endangered African wild dogs. As the species faces habitat loss and disease threats, the team are pioneering a novel approach to conserve wild dogs: freezing sperm from genetically diverse males for artificial insemination. This breakthrough aims to bolster genetic diversity, crucial for survival in fragmented habitats. With high hopes for disease resilience and population sustainability, this innovative method offers a cost-effective solution to conserve this iconic species, promising to revolutionize wildlife conservation strategies and secure a brighter future for African wild dogs.

Read more about this groundbreaking inititiave in an article written by MRI Fellow Dr Damien Paris in The Conversation here.

Open call for student mobility in the Czech Republic with Erasmus+

For more information on the open call please contact Dr Tersia Needham (needham@ftz.czu.cz)

Empowering African Environmental Science: The Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant Seeks Another Trailblazing Recipient

The Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant (JWO Grant) aims to empower African environmental science by honoring the legacy of Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer. With Africa historically underrepresented in global research, this grant seeks to bridge the gap by providing resources and support to early-career scientists across the continent. Now in its sixth year, the JWO Grant encourages scholars to tackle pressing environmental challenges, from biodiversity conservation to microplastic pollution and disease vectors. As the JWO Grant enters its next phase, it invites passionate environmentalists to apply and contribute to shaping Africa's environmental future.

The 2024 JWO grant of $150,000 (USD) will be awarded to one successful applicant. The grant will support a research program of up to three years. There will be an annual call for new applications (previously funded research will not be eligible), and the grant recipient will be announced at the Oppenheimer Research Conference on the 10th of October 2024.

To apply for the grant, click here.

Applications are open from the 2nd of April 2024 to the 3rd of May 2024.

Can electro-ejaculation cause greater stress than regular handling?

Photo: flickr

While exploring the stress implications of electro-ejaculation versus routine handling in sheep breeding, researchers from the University of the Free State and the Mammal Research Institute examined a means to minimize stress during the procedure. This, while still ensuring semen quality for breeding success.

The team demonstrated that semen quality remained unaffected by the collection method, indicating its resilience to stress. During electro-ejaculation, however, Rams occasionally exhibited increased nostril flaring, hinting at potential stress. Remarkably, animals given a 10-second rest interval exhibited notably lower cortisol levels, suggesting a promising avenue for stress alleviation. This study advocates for refining of electro-ejaculation techniques, with for example, extended rest intervals for Rams in order to address ethical considerations. These results led the team to underscore the necessity for further research before contemplating a complete ban of the controversial electro-ejaculation practice.

The findings of this study not only deepen our understanding of production animal welfare, but also highlight the delicate balance that is required between innovation and compassion in agricultural practices.

Read the full article published online in Farmer’s Weekly here.

Osnabrück Biology Master's students visit MRI

During their the summer semester of 2023, twelve master's students from Osnabrück Biology travelled to South Africa as part of the excursion module in Behavioural Biology. Led by Prof. Dr. Chadi Touma, the group spent two weeks exploring South Africa. During this time they visited the Mammal Research Institute at the University of Pretoria, and took part in practical field-based activities.

You can read more about the time that the group spent in South Africa here.

MRI Students End 2023 On a High

The Mammal Research Institute topped off 2023 with a strong student showing at the Annual General Meeting of the Department of Zoology & Entomology at the University of Pretoria. Oral presentations outlining research progress throughout the year were delivered by PhD students Bruce Crossey and Matthew Germishuizen; MSc Students Meghan van Zyl, Courtney Robertson, and Dylan Dobbins; and Honours students Chantel Schoeman and Bridget O’ Connor.

Special congratulations to Bruce Crossey, a student funded by the Oppenheimer Chair for Emerging African Scientists in Non-invasive Wildlife Research, who was the awarded 2nd place in the PhD student oral presentation category for his presentation, “Safari Wildlife Tourism: Identifying Moments that Matter”.

Reflecting on the Oppenheimer Conference 2023

The 12th Oppenheimer Research Conference, held in Midrand from 4-6 October, brought together approximately 420 scientists, conservationists, and environmental stakeholders to discuss environmental and biodiversity research on issues facing South Africa and beyond.

The Mammal Research Institute was well represented at the conference, with MRI director Prof. Andre Ganswindt (holder of the Oppenheimer Chair for Emerging African Scientists in Non-invasive Wildlife Research), and Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Andrea Webster delivering compelling results presentations. Poster presentations were also given by Dr Grant Hall, Bruce Crossey, Pia Riddell, and Loraine Shuttleworth.

The southern right to protection: tracking the ocean's gentle giant

8th International Society of Wildlife Endocrinology Conference

Director of the Mammal Research Institute, Professor Andre Ganswindt, PhD students Tshepiso Majelantle and Lorraine Shuttleworth and PD Fellow Dr Andrea Webster recently attended and presented at the 8th International Society of Wildlife Endocrinology Conference, held in Jim Corbett National Park, India. The group travelled to various academic institutes including Ahmedabad University in Gujarat and the Wildlife Institute of India, Uttarakhand where they engaged with students and local researchers to discuss current work and future potential for collaboration. 

Open Invitation: "Walking with Gorillas" Book Launch

Join Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka for the launch of her new book “Walking with Gorillas: The Journey of an African Wildlife Vet”, with discussant Jennifer Crwys-Williams. The event will be held at 18:00 on Monday the 7th of August 2023 at Exclusive Books Rosebank Mall. E-mail Events@Exclusivebooks.co.za to reserve your place.

MRI Postdoc awarded scholarship for training in Endocrine Disruption

Dr Andrea Webster, postdoctoral researcher with the Mammal Research Institute, recently received a scholarship to attend a 2-week training course on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA. Dr Webster was one of eleven international students and early career scientists to attend this immersive course taught by a cohort of leading experts in the field of endocrine disruption.

Upon her return, Dr Webster said "I'm extremely grateful to have had this opportunity. I met the most inspiring group of people dedicated to such innovative and creative research and learned a great deal about the challenges related to working in this field. Endocrine disruption is something that affects us all, we have a lot to do in terms of equalising the social and environmental impacts related to this emerging global concern in South Africa.”