Competition between coexisting canid species is usually great, as larger species tend to suppress populations of smaller ones. In southern Africa, bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) and black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) numbers have increased during the past twenty years, coinciding with the decreases in cape fox numbers. Both species are relatively aggressive medium-sized carnivores that benefited from the widespread extirpation of large carnivores throughout southern Africa. Clearly, a better understanding is needed of the current relationships of cape foxes and larger canids.
This project is the first detailed study of the cape fox and will lead to an assessment of the requirements for its survival. To determine the effects of habitat fragmentation and isolation on cape foxes, populations will be studied in both continuous and isolated habitats, comparing a number of parameters between sites, including demographic, behavioural, community and genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation. To determine the effects of competition from larger species of canid, coexisting populations of bat-eared foxes and black-backed jackals will also be monitored. Finally, the current distribution and status of cape foxes throughout South Africa will be determined. To achieve these goals, the project will involve local biologists and students, and local people will be engaged through educational seminars.
The current distribution and status of cape foxes throughout South Africa will be determined by reviewing government records on cape fox harvests and sightings, and by contacting managers of national parks and large private game reserves. This information will be used to create the first detailed map of the current distribution of cape foxes.
Conservation significance, community involvement and major outcomes
The results of this research will be used to develop the first conservation strategy plan for cape foxes. By investigating effects of habitat fragmentation and larger canids on cape foxes, it will be possible to identify current threats to this species. As this will be the first detailed study of cape foxes, and important information will be obtained on their current status and distribution, final recommendations will be made to IUCN concerning the appropriate listing for the species.
This research project can provide substantial opportunities for professional development and involvement of local people. Currently, local wildlife managers and national park personnel do not monitor small canid populations, although they have expressed a desire to do so. While conducting this research, Dr Kamler will show local wildlife managers several techniques to monitor small canid populations. Thus, enabling the continued monitoring of species of concern, such as the cape fox, even after the conclusion of this project. If successful, these methods could be used to monitor cape foxes in other areas of southern Africa, leading to a better understanding of long-term trends in their numbers.
Furthermore, as the project has multiple aspects and is so research intensive, it will be essential to involve local students from the University of South Africa in Kimberley. Dr Kamler has over ten years experience training students in research techniques. He also believes in involving and educating local citizens about wildlife and nature protection and will, therefore, run a programme of presentations/workshops about nature conservation to local citizen groups and schools in the Kimberley area, as well as working with local landowners concerning the conservation of wildlife. Ultimately, for this research project to be successful in developing conservation strategies for cape foxes, cooperation and interaction with local people will be essential. To this end both Dr Gus Mills of South African National Parks and Morgan Hauptfleisch of De Beer Consolidated Mines have given the project their full backing and endorsement.
