AMAKHALA CONSERVATION CENTRE

An Initiative of the Amakhala Game Reserve

The Amakhala Conservation Centre is largely funded through bed levies from the commercial lodges and donations and has three main objectives:

• to promote environmental awareness and impart knowledge of the environmental, economic and cultural importance of wildlife, wild areas and the functioning of natural ecosystems.

The Centre offers vocational training to improve local wildlife management and tourism skills. Since August 2003 students from local schools have been able to discover the wonders of nature on day outings. The Conservation Centre also offers international students the opportunity to assist with the development of the Centre and to participate in its various projects.

• to identify and support research projects that provide ecological and social information relevant to the management of the reserve and to wildlife conservation in general.

The Centre is directed by Dr. Jennifer Gush (resident Zoologist) who oversees all conservation centre activities. Examples of projects currently in progress include elephant impact studies, grass management, elephant and hyena monitoring. A base-line study of the Bushman’s River, which flows through the reserve, will begin in July 2006. Dr William Fowlds (resident veterinarian) provides clinical support to projects when necessary

• to encourage and advise on various conservation projects which will ensure the conservation of biodiversity and functioning of ecological systems.

Following on the successful re-introduction of 15 species onto Amakhala the conservation centre continues to investigate the reintroduction of other species like Cape vulture into the area.

For more on this programme contact