During his talk, Professor Parker highlighted the importance of busting myths surrounding wildlife in Africa, where the continent is often perceived as an untouched Eden devoid of any human impact.
He explained that this perception of Africa as a romanticized land of plenty or endless Garden of Eden is a result of early writings and public influence of early explorers, missionaries, and hunters.
Professor Parker referred to the 1992 book "The Myth of Wild Africa" by Jonathan Adams and Thomas McShane, who used this term to describe the romanticized view of Africa. The authors argue that this perception drove a protectionist-type conservation ethic in Africa for more than a hundred years, which was detrimental to local communities and the conservation of wildlife in general.
Despite being more subtle now, the protectionist conservation ethic in Africa still exists today, at the expense and exclusion of local people and their knowledge. Professor Parker likened it to a crocodile lurking just below the surface of the water, out of sight.
Professor Parker went on to explain how the lingering mythical perception of Africa and protectionist discourse affect smaller and large carnivores, specifically cheetahs and African wild dogs. He explained that because carnivores move over large areas, conservation efforts cannot solely rely on protecting them in dwindling national parks.
Cheetahs and wild dogs
Using examples from his own research and other studies, Professor Parker refuted myths surrounding large carnivore conservation in Africa. He focused on cheetahs and wild dogs because of his previous work with them and because they provide good information about how to conserve carnivores in general.
Dr Ayanda Shabalala was Programme Director
He explained that previous research on these species was restricted to specific areas, leading researchers to believe that this was how the species behaved across their ranges. However, as researchers continue to study these species in more areas, additional information comes to light that busts these myths from a scientific perspective.
For instance, Professor Parker debunked the myth that wild dogs are decreasing in number due to indiscriminate killing, showing that they are endangered due to several factors, including conflict with people, declining habitat and prey, and disease. He explained that, through largely a meta-population approach, wild dogs are increasing in South Africa.
Professor Parker also challenged the myth that cheetahs only select medium-sized prey, showing that they also target larger prey, such as kudu, especially the group living males. He cited a study by biologists Gus Mills and his wife, Margie, which showed that Kalahari cheetahs also like to dine on larger prey.
He concluded that increased exposure to disease, fragmented landscapes due to more fences, and an increased likelihood of becoming roadkill also pose significant threats to large carnivores in Africa.
Professor Parker's seminar shed light on the myths surrounding wildlife in Africa and how they affect the conservation of large carnivores. By refuting these myths, he provided valuable insight into how we can better conserve these iconic species.
It is essential to acknowledge that conservation efforts need to involve and consider local communities and their knowledge. It is also important to move beyond the protectionist conservation ethic that can do more harm than good to wildlife and local communities.
@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures @ ChrisplPhoto