Whiteboard Presentations (Erik, Sophia, and Ashley)

While on safari we had several whiteboard presentations during our downtime in camp. In Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Erik presented on the implications of sport hunting for large carnivore populations in southern Africa. As sport hunting is an inherently risky conservation strategy, numerous precautions are needed in order to maintain sustainable populations.

Sophia also presented while we were in Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Her presentation covered the dynamics of multiple variables in response to land use change in the Kalahari Desert. She covered a range of topics including natural resources, environmental controls, and social factors. When studying land use and land cover change, the importance of considering both spatial and temporal variation was emphasized.

While in Mababe (our basecamp in the Okavango Delta), Ashley presented on the impact of veterinary ranching fences on the wildlife of Botswana. These fences were erected to protect valuable grazing land for cattle ranching in Botswana from diseases spread by wildlife.The economic and cultural significance of Botswana cattle was discussed alongside the impact of these fences on crucial wildlife migration routes.

Erik with his presentation on trophy hunting in southern Africa.

Sophia with her presentation on spatiotemporal variability in the Kalahari.

Ashley with her presentation on the effects of veterinary fences in the Okavango Delta.