SANParks and the Endangered Wildlife Trust have begun a lion survey across Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park that will run through October.
Teams are combining vehicle surveys with camera traps. Researchers also photograph the unique whisker-spot patterns of individual lions, giving them a non-invasive way to identify animals and improve estimates of abundance and movement.
The work is designed to give managers a stronger evidence base for long-term conservation decisions in the vast cross-border ecosystem. Visitors may encounter marked research vehicles and are being asked to leave teams and wildlife plenty of room.
Source: South African National Parks