Exploring the Impact of Environmental Changes on Botswana’s Predators
In the remote wilderness of northern Botswana, researchers are delving into the effects of environmental shifts on large predators. This annual expedition, led by Briana Abrahms, an associate professor of biology at the University of Washington, seeks to unravel the complex interactions between climate change and the behaviors of species like lions and African wild dogs.
The focus of this research is on how these animals adjust their behavior, such as their movement patterns and reproductive timing, in response to rising temperatures and increasing human encounters. A specific area of interest is the dynamic between lions and wild dogs during periods of extreme heat and drought.
A Return to the Okavango Delta
This summer, Abrahms is back in Botswana with her team, including research scientist Kasim Rafiq and doctoral student Marie-Pier Poulin. Joining them for parts of the season is UW professor Laura Prugh. They are stationed near the Okavango Delta, collaborating with Wild Entrust, which has maintained a monitoring program in the region since the 1990s. Their base, affectionately known as “Dog Camp,” is a temporary collection of tents amidst a vibrant, wildlife-rich landscape.
“We like to think of these collars as Fitbits for wildlife. Just like your fitness tracker helps you better understand your movement and your sleep, these collars allow us to get deep insights into an animal’s behavior.”
Kasim RafiqUW research scientist in biology
Fieldwork Techniques and Objectives
The team employs various methods to study predator behaviors, integrating direct observation with advanced technologies. GPS-equipped tracking collars provide detailed insights into the animals’ movements and activities, even when conditions prevent direct tracking.
Marie-Pier Poulin’s research focuses on the social dynamics of wild dogs and how these influence their responses to environmental changes. By analyzing pack structures, she aims to understand how these social bonds may help buffer against climatic impacts.
This season, the team plans to deploy tracking collars on lions and wild dogs, gathering data to assess behavioral changes over time. Additionally, they aim to capture video footage to train AI models for more nuanced analysis of climate-induced behavioral shifts.
Unexpected Joys of Fieldwork
Beyond the scientific objectives, the researchers find unexpected pleasures in fieldwork. Kasim Rafiq enjoys the meditative process of tracking animals and the challenges of vehicle maintenance in the bush. For Marie-Pier Poulin, the thrill of tracking collars’ signals and the beauty of the landscape at dawn and dusk are highlights of the experience.
Fieldwork offers invaluable insights into animal behavior and fosters creativity in research questions. Both Rafiq and Poulin emphasize the importance of firsthand observation in understanding the ecosystems they study.
For more information, contact Rafiq at rafiqk@uw.edu and Poulin at mpoulin1@uw.edu.
Original Story at www.washington.edu