Some of the delegates who attended the Savanna Science Network Meeting in KNP
The first day of the Savanna Science Network Meeting reinforced a long-standing model of collaboration, skills transfer, and capacitation, featuring young scientists presenting their research alongside global experts.
T meeting is held at the Nombolo Mdhuli Conference Centre in Kruger National Park (KNP) from March 2 to 5, this year’s gathering carries special significance as it coincides with the KNP Centenary, celebrating a 100-year legacy of formal conservation.
The SANParks spokesperson JP Louw, said the research and scientific papers presented underscored the growing challenges facing savanna biodiversity, ranging from climate impacts to landscape-scale ecological dynamics.
“Within this context, issues discussed include the evolution and management of savanna ecology over the past 20 years, as well as findings from long-term monitoring programs including vegetation change, herbivore dynamics, and predator-prey interactions,”
“Discussions also covered the management of invasive alien plant and aquatic species in river systems using biological control agents, and the role of large herbivores like elephants and rhinos as ecosystem engineers, observing how species such as birds, insects, and bats respond to these ecosystem changes” Louw explained
He added that this annual gathering brings together more than 200 leading scientists, researchers, conservationists, and policymakers from around the world to advance critical research and dialogue on savanna ecosystems.
