The Importance Of Large Ecosystem Conservation In Africa

The Kruger National Park in South Africa, along with other wilderness areas, plays a significant role in preserving Africa's wildlife.

In this article, we delve into the significance of large ecosystem conservation in Africa, focusing on the success of the Greater Kruger National Park, which volunteers can experience and contribute to with African Conservation Experience (ACE).

The Need For Space

Large carnivores and mega-herbivores require vast amounts of space to thrive. Lions, wild dogs, and other carnivores rely on a variety of prey species, which in turn (along with mega-herbivores) depend on a variety of grasses and trees. These plants and animals form part of a larger, complex ecosystem that supports a myriad of other species, such as birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.

Finding a space large enough to become a functional ecosystem poses a challenge on a continent where the human population is anticipated to double by 2050. The delicate balance between the needs of local communities, economic growth, and wildlife conservation presents a multifaceted conservation dilemma.

The Kruger National Park: South Africa’s Conservation Success Story

The Kruger National Park stands as a testament to successful wildlife conservation in South Africa. Established in 1898, it has successfully grown over time — something few other African protected areas have achieved. Now an area the size of Israel, or two-thirds the size of Belgium, the Kruger is seen as one of Africa's most important ecosystems today, fuelled by wildlife-based tourism. The Kruger National Park generates income and creates jobs, which in turn safeguards animals and their habitat.

This success extends beyond the park's borders, with private landowners establishing game reserves adjacent to the government-managed Kruger, contributing to conservation efforts, and fostering local employment. These neighbouring areas are known as the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNRs).

The Creation Of The Greater Kruger National Park

The true potential of these private reserves was realised when the fences between the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve were dropped in 1993. This decision allowed animals to freely move between the two areas in a much more open ecosystem. Following this success, between 1993 and 2010, the additional five neighbouring reserves (APNR) agreed to also drop their fences.

Adding to this, the APNR and three other community-owned areas expanded this conservation effort and contributed an extra area the size of 330,000 football pitches. Totalling this with the original size of the Kruger led to the creation of the Greater Kruger National Park.

The Greater Kruger National Park has taken conservation efforts a step further by linking with national parks in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, forming the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area. This internationally protected area spans a staggering 3.5 million hectares, which is roughly the size of the Netherlands or the state of Maine. It is recognised as the third-largest protected area in Africa and plays a vital role in the conservation of numerous iconic species, including lions, elephants, African wild dogs, black and white rhinos, and over 500 bird species.

If you're interested in learning more about the future strategies for Kruger and its neighbouring areas, take a look at their newly formulated 10-year management plan.

The Importance Of Operating In Large, Intact Ecosystems

African Conservation Experience (ACE) firmly believes that conducting research and management projects within large, intact ecosystems has a more significant positive impact on wildlife conservation. Studying animals in their natural habitats allows for a deeper understanding of their ecology and behaviour compared to studying them in small, fenced reserves. This is because animals are free to move, behave, and breed naturally.

Contributing To Conservation With ACE 

In keeping with this philosophy, our Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience offers volunteers to work within the Greater Kruger National Park assisting in the behind-the-scenes conservation work, helping to monitor the vulnerable wildlife. Projects such as the Game Ranger Experience and Rhino Conservation Experience also provide the opportunity to work in this area.

Another equally important wilderness area is the Okavango Delta, located in Botswana. This area forms part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), which spans across Botswana, Angola, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This vast area, nearly double the size of the United Kingdom, consists of national parks, reserves, and community conservation areas.

By joining ACE's Okavango Wilderness Experience, individuals can actively participate in a long-term research and management project within this unique and remarkable ecosystem.

Want To Read More?

Have a look at our blog on the importance of large ecosystems in Africa which delves deeper into this complex conservation topic and explains how you can volunteer at our projects.