A ‘living laboratory’ at Ongava

Compiled Sanet van Zijl

Ongava Game Reserve is home to a variety of game species and thanks to the research being conducted at their research centre rhino numbers have increased considerably.

O ngava Game Reserve borders the Etosha National Park and is home to many rare animal species and a state-of-the-art research centre.

The the world-renowned research centre was founded in 2006 by the well-known Dr Ken Stratford and his wife Sabine on the private nature reserve of 30 000 hectares. The research centre conducts research on a variety of fauna and flora, including successful breeding populations of both white and black rhinos and the rare black-faced impala outside of the Etosha National Park.

Through research Ongava has ensured the conservation of its natural heritage. The centre is financed privately and is committed to the scientific study of the reserve’s entire ecosystem. With more than 1000 animals, including 100 different mammals and a diversity of birds and reptiles, the research centre can be considered a ‘living laboratory’.

The centre’s study on rhino genetics has been but one of their many success stories. Their breeding program consisted of only 6 white rhinos in 1995, currently the number is considerably higher. Ongava plays a great role in the conservation of black and white rhinos, thanks to the efforts of game wardens and the analysis of Ongava’s free-roaming rhino populations. The black rhinos fall under the Ministry of Environment and Tourism’s model of custodianship.

The conservation of carnivores on Ongava is also noteworthy. Carnivores are important for a healthy ecosystem. Apart from census methods, modern technology is used to determine the status of carnivore populations on the reserve. Lions, spotted hyenas and leopards are fitted with GPS collars. The data collected by the collars are used to find out how carnivores use their space and compete for prey. Hidden cameras are also used to monitor how carnivores utilise waterholes.

A geographical information system (GIS), which covers every aspect of the local ecosystem, is used for research purposes. These aspects include geology, water sources, the dynamics between different animals species and even the weather. Researchers take samples, compile maps, make recordings, track animals – all to get a complete image of Ongava. Data from aerial surveys, game counts at waterholes, GPS tracking, remote controlled monitoring systems and firsthand research is also used.

A new research and visitors centre will be constructed at Andersson’s Camp this year. Tourists will be able to experience conservation practices firsthand. Learners and students will be able to visit the centre. More interaction between researchers and tourists will be promoted, because nature conservation and tourism support each one another.