Predator Ecology and Monitoring Project - South Africa

This project focuses on the ecology, distribution, and population dynamics of large carnivores and mesocarnivores within a bushveld ecosystem in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

The reserve supports a regionally important population of leopards, as well as a healthy population of free‑roaming cheetahs, alongside other key predator species including brown hyena and spotted hyena. The area is also home to a variety of mesocarnivores such as caracal, serval, and African wildcat. Together, these species form part of a broader landscape‑level population, making this an ideal setting for applied ecological research.

Students will contribute to ongoing monitoring efforts using a combination of:

• Camera trap surveys for population assessment and individual identification
• Data processing, calculation, and analysis of collected datasets
• Spatial data collection and mapping to understand distribution patterns

This project p...