The Search for South Africa's Elusive Small Carnivores
South Africa, renowned for it's expansive landscapes and impressive wildlife, is also home to secretive and elusive species, those who only roam at night. Our Night Roamers project is the first project of its kind to harness the power of citizen scientists to find, monitor, and preserve south Africa's Viverrid species:
African Civet, Large Genet and Small Spotted Genet.
Run in partnership with Mankwe Reserve, the Night Roamers project is set in the heart of their 4700 hectare nature reserve located in the malaria free North West Province of South Africa, approximately 5km’s east of the Pilansberg National Park. Our project bridges conservation action with education. The Night Roamers project equips students with key skills in conservation technology, small nocturnal carnivore monitoring, and species-specific knowledge. Through their work, students conduct vital data collection and analysis, contributing directly to the real-world conservation of South Africa's nocturnal carnivores.
Conservation in Action
Few studies exist that trace Africa's Viverrids, and so there is limited species information available. The Night Roamers data will help us answer fundamental questions about species ecology and behaviour, which in turn will allow us to develop strategic conservation plans going forward.
However, the Night Roamers project is more than a research initiative, it is an exercise in collaborative vocational and scientific upskilling. The Night Roamers project benefits the conservation community through the delivery of vocational, academic, and industry relevant experience.
Upskilling Future Conservationists
Few undergraduate conservation courses include research skills specific to nocturnal small carnivores. By training students in the latest technologies and camera trapping methods, we secure the next generation of Civet Champions.
Mentoring for Conservation Success
We offer Night Roamers student mentorship opportunities in enterprising conservation communications. We work with students to disseminate their nocturnal carnivore findings to a range of public, industry and scientific audiences.
Collaborative Conservation Action
The Night Roamers data helps us identify species trends and conservation actions. Our data is published in scientific journals and feeds into species red listing assessments via the IUCN Species Survival Commission's Civet Working Group.
Species
To understand the wider nocturnal community, the Night Roamers study collates all camera trapping data of small nocturnal species. So far, we have documented several species, including small genet and common mongoose. Non-target species such as diurnal mammals and reptiles are used by researchers at Mankwe and so no data go unused.
Methods
Camera Trapping
Through the Night Roamers project, students have the opportunity to use industry standard Bushnell cameras, learning how to select trapping locations, and complete successful installation.
Students will learn how to effectively monitor camera use and how to collect, clean and analyse data for real world conservation research.
Night Drives
Night Roamers students will accompany Mankwe Reserve staff on night drives in open vehicles where they will be tasked with searching for the eye-shine of small nocturnal species.
Night drives are also fundamental for maintaining the reserves night-time security and protecting resident wildlife.
Data Analysis and Write Up
Whilst all Night Roamers students conduct data collection, students may also wish to use the Night Roamers database for their own dissertation projects, or to write about their involvement with the project through popular press.
We assist students with blogs, press-releases, presentations and more.
Partners
We are pleased to be partnering with Mankwe Reserve and Nkombi Volunteers on the Night Roamers project.
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Get Involved
We are seeking volunteers and education partners to support the Night Roamers initiative. If you are an individual looking to volunteer, please enquire via the Nkombi Volunteer Program.
If you are a university administrator or lecturer and would like to know more about our education partner opportunities please email lucy@thecivetproject.com
