Spot the mongoose
JOBURG – Wits student, Nadine Cronk, is currently making waves on the environmental conservation scene with her Urban Mongoose Project.
As part of her master’s degree in animal behaviour and urban ecology, Cronk is focusing her research on assessing the co-existence of the yellow mongoose and slender mongoose in urban environments.
“What fascinated me about this is that it is novel in the field of urban ecology research, giving me the opportunity to turn this into a PhD thesis,” said Cronk.
A major part of her research is to assess the occurrence and distribution of yellow and slender mongooses in the greater Johannesburg area, but the completion of this relies largely on public participation.
“The aim is, therefore, to try and share my project with as many people as possible and for them, by extension, to do the same,” she continued.
Local conservation enthusiasts who want to be part of her project are encouraged to go like her Urban Mongoose Project Facebook page if they have seen any mongoose species in and around their suburbs.
“I am hoping that there are many out there who would like to help,” Cronk added.
“It is of great importance for us to study the animals we find in our urban environments, as this research assists in their conservation and can also assist in controlling populations should they cause any problems.”
Details: MongooseCity@gmail.com
Have you spotted any of these adorable creatures in urban areas? Let us know by tweeting @Fourways_Review
