Camera traps provide insight for GVI

The research team on the property, GVI, is tasked with observing the reserve and its wildlife to ensure it is in a healthy, balanced state.

One of the methods they employ to monitor species is by camera trapping.

Camera traps are simply devices that take a photo when movement is detected in front of it, day or night. This allows GVI to have eyes all over the reserve at all times.

“This method came in handy when Robbie Mann, our Assistant Base Manager, and a group of volunteers discovered a Spotted Eagle Owl nest. They immediately seized the opportunity and installed two camera traps to monitor the nest in non-invasive locations. The resulting images were remarkable. They were able to document the entire lives of two Spotted Eagles Owl chicks from when they first hatched and all through their development. He gathered critical scientific data like growth rates, feeding frequencies, parental presence rates, etc. Sadly, the final images of the camera traps showed four sub adult lions wander upon the nest and consume the chicks. Although the team were heartbroken, it provided exciting new data and exemplified the reality of nature”, said Leah Brown, Base Manager of Karongwe Private Game Reserve.

The ability to intimately observe the nesting habits of Spotted Eagle Owls is extremely rare and valuable.

GVI are now hoping their scientific report will be recognised in the greater scientific community using the various data gathered regarding the parenthood and predation of the chicks.

Karongwe is a remarkable place and this is just a minor example of the beauty and cruelty of nature that can be observed there.

Global Vision International (GVI) is a multi-award winning social enterprise that runs high impact volunteer and international education programmes. For over 15 years GVI has helped thousands of people to make a positive impact on the world we live in, while also gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to live in a globally connected and culturally diverse world.