Conservation & environment

Ruaha Researchers

27 August 2018

Beyond our wonderful guests, we also welcome conservationists and researches into our camps, helping support them and the great work they are doing.

Earlier this month we had Ruaha reseracher Charlotte pay us a visit at Kigelia Ruaha. Here is a little overview of her time.

I am currently working as a researcher in Ruaha National Park, carrying out a camera trap survey to collect data for my PhD studying the African leopard (Panthera pardus), one of the continent’s most iconic large carnivores. The camera trap survey uses remotely-triggered cameras to capture photos of leopards – and any other species that happen to pass in front of the cameras – as they walk along the study area’s roads and trails. The data collected will be used to estimate population density for the species in the core tourist area of Ruaha, with additional surveys being carried out this year to estimate leopard density in the Park’s miombo woodland to the west, and in the MBOMIPA Wildlife Management Area, which borders the park along its eastern boundary. This study will provide the first published density estimate for the species in Tanzania – information that is essential for monitoring the status of carnivore populations – as well as providing information on the wider mammal community inhabiting East Africa’s largest National Park.

I was lucky enough to be invited to visit Kigelia during my fieldwork to discuss my survey with Ken and the guests staying at camp. The team were incredibly welcoming and I was delighted by how interested the guests were to hear about the research being done in the park. Thanks to everyone at Nomad for giving such a warm welcome to researchers like myself – it’s great to have your support!

Charlotte - PhD student at the University of Oxford, UK