The summary below covers research completed in 2019 by Dr Quinette Kruger from the University of the Free State:
Developing a management information system for coordinated predation management in South Africa
The negative impact of predation on livestock production is considered a major concern for food security and the economy in South Africa. The controversial nature of predation management, and the lack of scientific information and a structured approach or framework have hampered initiatives to devise effective and acceptable management strategies to reduce predation on a large scale in South Africa. Predation on livestock is reportedly increasing in some areas, and large numbers of predators are then killed in efforts to reduce predation. The management of human-predator conflicts depends on identification, implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement of methods developed by research. But, as in the rest of the world, South Africa has no framework for conducting such research. Although we have learnt a lot about predation management through research, it is difficult to compare the results of research projects to help us understand the “bigger picture” across South Africa.
Purpose of the studyInitially, the project aimed to “zoom in” (investigate predation vs predation management on farm level) on some of the areas where high levels of predation on small livestock had previously been reported as part of the Canis-Caracal Programme (CCP). The CCP aims to investigate the impact of predation on the livestock farming and wildlife ranching industries and assess the role of predation management practices in relieving human-predator conflicts. Part of the study focused on developing a tool to help livestock farmers and wildlife ranchers report predation easily and accurately. But, due to the inherent challenges of conventional data collection methods and the challenges of efforts to coordinate data collection, the focus of the project shifted more towards the development of a methodology. The aim of developing such a methodology was to ensure the collection of the most relevant predation management information for scientific study and to lay the foundation for incorporating future human-predator conflict research into a more extensive “Management Information System” or MIS. Such an MIS would provide a basis on which to build institutional memory, serving industry with an information management function to support coordinated efforts of predation management in South Africa.
Key findings and outcomesMany farmers, specialist predator hunters and wildlife managers record predation and predation management activities. But such information is rarely available for informing predation management practices on a larger scale. Between 2017 and 2019, databases were created by the Predation Management information Centre (PMiC) at the University of the Free State to serve as administrative backbone for an MIS. Therefore, I concentrated on developing a methodology to integrate such information into an MIS. Using software designed for scientific research, mobile applications (“apps”) were developed as part of the methodology to collect detailed, standardised (the same type of information in each study), real-time (as it happens or as it is observed) spatiotemporal (where and when) data in future research efforts., The apps were designed to help farmers report predation and predator control as it happens on their farms, and integrating the information seamlessly into the MIS. The “Livestock and wildlife losses” and “Predator control” apps were tested with data collected using questionnaires at the start of the project. The “Predator control” app was further tested in the field by specialist predator hunters.
The “Livestock and wildlife losses” app can be used to report predation by different predator species, as well as vagrant dogs. Losses due to other causes such as environmental factors, theft or disease can also be reported. Data collected with the “Predator control” app can give clues into the biology and ecology of predators in specific areas and during certain times.
Large amounts of data can be collected and processed in a more time and cost-effective manner using this methodology, compared to conventional methods. Also, because the data is standardised, results of future research projects will be comparable. After analysing and processing such information, scientists can help authorities and industry to:
⦁ Identify predation hotspots and predict predation risk so that experts can be assigned and resources allocated according to the biological and social circumstances of specific conflict situations
⦁ Evaluate the efficiency and monitor the outcomes of management strategies in different situations for continuous improvement and to shed light on emerging conflicts
⦁ Incorporate scientific knowledge and the knowledge and experience of farmers and predation management specialists in formulating best practices tailored to specific regions and specific predator species
⦁ Develop policy based on this institutional memory, and thereby also ensuring the implementation of research findings and continuous flow of relevant, current information into the MIS for evaluating and monitoring coordinated efforts
⦁ Provide targeted, practical training and extension services to livestock farmers, wildlife ranchers, predation management specialists (in the public and private sectors), and the public, based on current research
But collaboration between tertiary and research institutions, government and non-government organisations, farmers, ranchers, predation management specialists and consumers is necessary on a local, regional, provincial, as well as national level.
Recommendations⦁ Refining and testing the apps on a larger scale and in different settings to identify potential shortfalls and ensure relevance in various scenarios.
⦁ Reinstating an official framework under an authoritative body to professionalise predation management through the development of sound policies, improved methodology and best practices.
⦁ For an MIS to make a meaningful contribution to coordinated predation management, several social factors will need to be addressed to ensure the flow of information through the system, including:
⦁ frequent shifts in government structures
⦁ limited availability of government officials knowledgeable in predation management-related matters
⦁ lack of communication and coordination within and between the various government departments (provincial and national), as well as within and between other stakeholder groupings
⦁ distrust between individuals and groups with contrasting objectives. Future attempts at mitigating human-predator conflicts should incorporate a strong social component to build trust between stakeholder groups and individuals and encourage their continued involvement. Stakeholders and role players must understand their own role and the roles of other individuals or groups to achieve coordinated action and avoid wasting time and valuable resources by duplication of fragmented planning, research and implementation actions.